As the cold chill of winter sets in, you'll spend a lot more time at home.
But if you're still feeling frosty at home, then your home probably isn't well-protected against cold weather. If that's true, then your windows may be one of the main culprits.
At this point, you might be wondering, "How can I prepare my windows for the winter? What can I do besides cranking up the heat and hiking up my electricity bill?"
By knowing the answers to these questions, you and your family can rely on your home to provide the warmth and comfort it should.
So keep reading to learn more. Below, we'll cover three quick tips to winter window maintenance.
Window Replacement
You could repair your windows, but repairs won't completely replenish your windows' lifespan and might make your windows look worse. Replacing your windows guarantees that you won't have to deal with your windows in the middle of winter even if you performed repairs beforehand.
Decay and water damage on your windows are great signs that you're better off with a replacement and could worsen with melted snow and hail. Too much noise from the outside could also point to improper insulation. Condensation on your windows on cold days could mean that your window glazing is losing effect.
Fixing your windows means better security, lower energy bills, and maintaining the aesthetic of your home. It's also a great opportunity to modernize your home with a more updated window model. All this can prepare your windows for the winter and prevent the need for emergency mid-season repairs.
Fix Weatherstripping
Before you conduct any additional measures, inspect your home windows for any broken weatherstripping. This means checking for any gaps, cracks, or spaces that shouldn't be there.
If you've been noticing a draft coming from your windows even if they're closed, then there's a good chance that your windows' weatherstrip needs fixing. Re-caulking and sealing all cracks and openings will make up for the lost heat.
Otherwise, you may suffer from heat loss. This is because broken weatherstripping will let a cold draft in and let heat escape. Even if your windows are closed, you'll feel a lot colder than if your weatherstripping was intact.
Bubble Wrap
Received any packages lately? If you have, check to see if there's any leftover bubble wrap. This material is a fantastic way to insulate the inside of your windows, even if they don't look too glamorous.
But before you prop bubble wrap up against your windows, mist water over your windows. Then, put up your bubble wrap against your damp windows, with the bubble side touching your windows. Finally, you'll want to tape the edges down.
Be careful when you apply/remove the bubble wrap when the weather's getting warmer. If the bubble wrap's been taped to your windows all season, even Scotch tape can lift paint upon removal. So try to avoid taping your bubble wrap onto any paint, and remove the tape slowly when you're ready.
Window Maintenance for the Winter
When you're in the comfort of your own home, you don't want to freeze your toes off. So if you're dedicated to protecting your home from chilly weather, you'll have to start with winter window maintenance!
At Capital Auto Glass, we understand how important windows are for a healthy, happy home. That's why we provide expert window installation services, whether our clients want new windows or replacement windows. So if you're a local in Sidney, Victoria, or throughout the Saanich Peninsula, contact Capital Auto Glass today!