Getting your windows ready for winter

Posted on Posted in blog, insulated glass windows, window repair

Here we are in autumn already and it’s time to start thinking about the things we need to do around the house to prepare for the colder weather.  Changing filters on heating systems, cleaning gutters, switching out batteries are all things that should be on our to-do lists. But once it’s cool enough inside to start turning the heat on, you want to everything you can to make sure that it stays in the house and keeps you warm.

Windows are one place that you can lose heat in your home that have some pretty easy fixes if you need them.

Are the windows doing their job?

If you sitting or standing near a closed window and you feel a draft or you hear rattling when the wind blows or see moisture build up, your windows are not doing their best at keeping your place warm.  The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help keep the heat in – even if its too late in the season to replace the window.

Insulating tricks

  • Get some insulating curtains as a quick fix. This is not a solution, but it can help.  The big drawback here is that for them to really save your heat, you’ll have to keep them closed most of the time.
  • Use weatherstripping. Weatherstripping comes in several forms and is very helpful in blocking drafts and gaps around your window.
  • Apply window film over your windows. This is not an aesthetic look most people go for, but it does work.  Applying the film seal over your window (with the help of a hair dryer) can keep that cold air out.
  • Keep the windows locked. Simple, right?  What a lot of people don’t realize is that by keeping the window locked you are eliminating a gap between the top and bottom window frame creating a stronger seal.
  • Re-caulk around the windows. If you will not be opening your window over the winter months, re-caulking around them will seal the windows shut until you remove the caulk again.
  • Get some snakes. You know what these are.  These are those tubes you see that are often filled with sand or pellets and made to be heavy. You lay these down in front of the drafty spot and they help keep the cold air from coming in. They also make larger ones you can use at the base of a door.

Whatever method you choose, most will provide a temporary solution to keeping cold, draft air from slipping through your windows and the expensive heat from slipping out.  Your best long-term solution though is probably some new windows.  Baystate Screen and Window can help with that. We can repair or replace those drafty windows.  Contact us here for more information.