Winter is coming—and that means it’s time to inspect yourwindowsfor potential gaps. Drafty windows let the cold in and drive upenergy billsduring the chilly winter days.
Protect your home from drafts by learning how to seal your windows for winter. One of the most effective ways to seal a window from the inside is by using sealant or caulk. All you have to do is fill in the space between the window trim and the wall. This simple procedure fills the gaps and seals them tightly. There are also various long-term solutions that you can resort to, and we’re going to discuss those as well!
Read on to discoverhow to seal your windows for winter. This way, you and your family can stay warm and cozy while you let it snow outside!
How to Seal Your Windows for Winter with Caulk or Sealant
Locate the Window Leaks
First things first: locate the air leaks.
You can identify air leaks by having anenergy auditdone on your household. Energy audits will render specific recommendations on how to seal your windows for winter.
On the other hand, there is a more cost-effective way to go about this, and it’s completely DIY! Just inspect each room on a cold and windy day to feel for drafts.
Next, draw a floor plan and take note of which windows appear to be the draftiest. Then put those at the top of your fix list.
Another great technique is to use atemperature sensorto check for cold spots around the windows.
Caulk Away!
Fortifying your windows with caulk is a cost-efficient and easy fix. This serves as the first line of defence against chilly winter drafts.
Apply caulk around the perimeter of the windows. Next, seal the cracks between the interior trim and the wall, as this is where air leakage is most likely to occur.
For extra protection, you can even opt to temporarily seal the entire window with removable caulk if you don’t intend to open it during thecolder months of the year.
Extra Window Caulking Tips
Caulking is easy, but here are a few helpful tips to get the best results:
- Use painter’s tape to keep your seams perfectly neat. This is great for people with shaky hands.
- Refrain from cutting the end of the caulking tube too big. Bigger cuts push more caulk out and might make your finished product look a little less than perfect. Keep it small and lean for sleek results!
- For better control and pressure, use both hands when handling the caulking gun.
- When you are finished with the caulk application, smooth the seam with a wet gloved finger.
How to Winter-proof Your Windows: Long-term Solutions
Install Storm Windows
Storm windowsare a budget-friendly way to efficiently keep drafts out and minimize energy bills.
Insulate the Areas Around Your Windows
In most homes, you will find a space between the wall framing and the window frame. Traditionally, this spot is filled withfibreglass batt insulation. This filling may provide insulation to a certain extent, but it doesn’t bring much to the table in terms of being a sufficient air barrier.
Nowadays, this space is more commonly filled withspray-foam insulation, which works much better at keeping drafts where they belong.
To find out which filling your walls have, remove the trim from one of your windows and take a look. This way, you will know if you need to get a filling upgrade.
Add Interior Insulating Window Coverings
The simple act of covering the glass at night reduces radiant heat loss. These covers can come in the form of insulating curtains or blinds. Window quilts are also a great alternative.
Keep Winter Outside Your Window
Winter is a magical time of year that transforms the world into a wonderland. But however great the snow may be, it isn’t so great iffrost starts to seep into your homethrough your doors and windows. Keep winter outside your window by getting the right window seal or window upgrade for your household.
Burano Doorsis a top provider ofreliable residential doors and windowsin Ontario. With our variety of styles, colours, and customizable options available, our company is here to add sophisticated curb appeal.
Keep the drafts away and maintain the heartwarming coziness of your home with our specially designed windows.Reach out to get a quote today!
