Preparing Your Windows For Winter

With cooler temperatures on the way, it’s an excellent time to get those windows in shape for the winter. You may not have considered that your windows need winterizing, but they are a crucial part of the home that protects the interior from the elements, and they’ll need a bit of extra attention. If you’re ready to get your windows ready for winter, read on!

Inspect

The first thing you should do when you want to get your windows ready for winter is to take a good look at all of the windows in your home. A thorough inspection will help you find any issues that might become a bigger problem with the new season.

When performing your inspection, make sure to look at the frames, latches, and panes of glass. Any weakness in these elements can mean more complicated problems if left unattended.

Protect

Make sure you have good weather-stripping around the outside of the windows. This will make sure that no critters can enter the home to escape the cold. It’ll also prevent dust, drafts, and heat loss from the home. If you notice wind sneaking in through the cracks around your window, this is an indicator that you need new weather-stripping. You should also look at the glass of the window itself. If you have double glazed windows and the seal has become weak, the gas in between the panes can more easily escape, and you’ll lose all of those insulating capabilities.

Condensation 

One of the most significant winter issues you can experience with your windows is the presence of condensation. This usually happens when it is warmer inside the home than it is outside. The temperature difference makes the water vapor turn from a gas into a liquid and form droplets on the windowpane. This is the same thing that happens when you have an ice-cold drink on a hot day.

Condensation can become a problem for your windows due to the accumulation of excess moisture. It can leach into the wooden window frame itself, drip down the walls, and make it easier for mildew to take hold. To ensure that you don’t experience excess condensation, you should monitor your humidity levels indoors. In rooms that tend to have a lot of condensation on the windows, try to run a fan or keep the doors open. Better air circulation will keep the room drier. Another thing you can do is to upgrade your windows. Double- or triple-paned windows filled with inert gases will do wonders for insulating your home and prevent condensation.