4 Methods to Winter-Proof Your Windows
It is one of the hardiest seasons of the year: winter. It comes with a vengeance and it can wreak havoc on those who are woefully unprepared to withstand its effects. The cold air that creeps into the house during the winter can run up quite a number on your heating bill and do a significant amount of damage to your window frames and plaster. It is also just plain uncomfortable to feel winter’s chill nipping at you when you have the heat cranked up as high as it can go.
Luckily, there are a few ways to combat the effects of winter damage on your windows and to keep the cold air away from the inside of your house:
1. Weather Stripping
This can be laid out in a number of ways. The most inexpensive method is taking felt material and applying it within the frame of the window where cold wind may slip through. Other options include varying types of metal, vinyl, and open-cell foam. If you plan on laying this out by yourself, you might want to choose an option that is the easiest for you to lay out and, depending on how much you are willing to spend on these DIY projects, the most inexpensive option.
2. Sealing and Caulking Windows
Because of the amount of air that moves in between the cracks and holes around the window frame, it is important to ensure that the sealing and caulking around the window frames are effective. First, you have to remove the old, cracking caulk from around the frame using a basic putty knife or a screwdriver. Then, with a new can of caulk, you can apply it between the window frame and wall, holding the application gun at a consistent angle all the way through.
3. Install a Window Film or Seal
Especially during the worst of the winter months, it could greatly benefit your house to place and press a strong saran wrap seal over your windows. This keeps the cold air out and the warm air in and lets you rest assured that all cracks and seals in your window will be taken care of in a simple and cost-effective way.
4. Use Insulated Curtains
Sometimes the solution to keeping the cold air out is as simple as setting up the proper thermal drapes or curtains. Not only would it ward off the elements, but it would reflect the heat from within the house back inside. Insulated curtains are a popular solution since they do not require much installation and can easily be taken down by the end of the season whereas other solutions include a bit of handyman experience. While this does not necessarily protect the window itself from cold air damage, it will keep the rest of the house warm.
Overall, the best way to keep the cold weather out of your house is to have reliable, high-quality windows installed and keep them well-maintained throughout all months of the year.
