As the most wonderful time of the year approaches, so does the coldest time of the year. In order to keep your holidays warm and cozy, it’s crucial to winterize the windows and doors of your home. Ineffective insulation will not only make the holiday season in your home cold, but losing heat raises your energy bills.
Here are the steps to winterize windows and doors effectively so that you and your family can stay warm and happy during this holiday season!
Conduct an Outside and Inside Inspection
The first step to winterizing windows and doors is to inspect them. Check for any cracks or gaps in the sealant around the perimeter of the window or door and in the glass. If you find cracks in the glass, replace the panes so you can feel confident that your window will withstand the winter weather.
Finding cracks in your windows is easy, but finding cracks or leaks in your doors can prove to be challenging. Here are some methods to find cracks in your door.
- At night when it is dark, have someone shine a flashlight on one side of the door as you look for light beams passing through.
- When it is cold or breezy outside, stand inside and run a damp hand around the door or areas you think might be cracked to see if you feel a breeze.
Seal Cracks and Leaks
If you find any cracks or leaks, use caulk or sealant to fill them in. Make sure to leave enough time for the caulk to dry fully and re-apply when needed. It is essential to seal your windows to create a barrier between the exterior siding and the frame.
Seal your windows and doors not just to keep them airtight but also watertight. Air coming through any cracks will make your home cold and will affect your energy bill. Water leaking through and freezing can cause even more damage to windows and doors.
It is also a good idea to get your windows inspected by an expert once a year. They might notice something that you missed, which could save you money and make your home more comfortable.
Insulate Your Windows and Doors
Once you have inspected and sealed the windows and doors, the next step is to insulate them. You can purchase window insulation kits at most home improvement stores. These kits typically come with plastic film and double-sided tape. The film is applied to the inside of the window and the tape secures it in place.
Another way to insulate your windows is to purchase insulated curtains or drapes. They are also beneficial in the summer months as they can help keep your home cool by blocking out the sun’s rays.
Apply Weather Striping
To further winterize windows and doors, check the weather stripping around the doors and windows. If the weather stripping is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. The weather striping should be tight to also prevent air and water from getting through. You may need to add extra where there are wide leaks.
Replace Your Windows With Utah Window Experts
Sometimes, winterizing your windows and doors is like applying a band-aid to a broken bone—it just won’t get the job done. If the damage to your windows is too much to fix, it’s better to replace your windows entirely.
Utah Window Experts can give your windows a stress-free inspection and make sure your home stays warm and cozy during the winter months and help you save money that would otherwise be wasted on high energy bills.
If you have any questions about winterizing your windows and doors or are considering replacing your windows, contact us today for an estimate.