Thoughts on insulating windows for retaining heat in your home.
Now that it’s finally winter, it’s time to talk about insulating windows. After all, a drafty house is no fun. And did you know that with growing popularity of apartment living, the number one complaint for renters who live in cold climates is having drafty windows? That’s we’ll discuss how to insulate your windows from the top down.
Check Weather Stripping
Weather stripping on windows serves two functions—one is that it helps keep heat inside your home during the winter months by keeping out wind-driven rain and snow; the second is that it helps to prevent heat loss from outside your home by sealing up any gaps around your window frames or doors.
If you live in an area where frostbite can be an issue, then you should make sure that your windows are tightly sealed with weather stripping so that no cold air gets in through any cracks around them. If there are gaps around these areas, then seal them up with putty or caulk so that no air leaks through.
Apply New Caulk
Caulking is a great way to keep your home warm during the winter. It’s also a great method for insulating windows that have leaks or feel drafty. Here’s how to do it:
- Clean the area you want to caulk. Make sure that no debris or dirt is left behind, and use a brush to get everything clean and smooth.
- Apply caulk in an even layer, about 2 inches thick, around the window frame. Be careful not to let any of it drip onto the floor or other surfaces when you’re applying it—it will only cause problems if it falls on something else!
- Let this dry completely before moving on to step 4 (below).
- Apply additional layers of caulk as needed until you’ve filled in all of the gaps between the frame and glass panes with at least one layer of caulk each time (except for gaps around door frames).
Repair/Replace Failing Exterior Surfaces
Inspecting your window frames and sills before winter is an important step in keeping your home safe from the elements, but it’s also a great way to make sure you don’t have any problems with leaks. If you notice damage on the sills or frames prior to the rainy season, it may not be an issue—but if you see any of these signs, it’s time to get them fixed:
- Bent or cracked exterior trim
- Cracked or loose window panes
- Loose or missing weather stripping on windows
- Leaking roof flashing
Consider Window Replacement
New windows are a great way to improve the comfort of your home in the winter, as well as help retain heat when the sun goes down. Here are three reasons why:
- A new window will allow you to add insulation without adding weight to your house. Insulation helps retain heat during the day and release it at night, so by adding more insulation you can keep warm even when the sun goes down.
- New windows will provide better ventilation for your home. Ventilation keeps your house from getting too hot during the day, which would ultimately cause you and your family members discomfort.
- New windows will improve security for your home by reducing noise from outside traffic or other sources that may disturb neighbors or pets inside one’s home (including burglars).
If you’re interested in a free quote to replace you home windows, contact AAA Windows for Less today!