5 Ways to Winterize Your Windows

Old windows can be a source of air leaks, energy leaks, and drafts – especially in winter. When the weather turns cold, old windows convey a chill that can impact the environment in your home and put a burden on your home’s HVAC system.

If your home’s windows are several decades old, taking steps to winterize windows can help you maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the winter. These five tips are helpful for Chicagoland area homeowners who want to avoid that winter chill and stay warm when the temperature starts to dip.

1. Inspect Your Windows for Any Damage

Windows deteriorate with time. Older windows can sustain damage in a variety of ways, especially if they haven’t been properly maintained. Take time early in the fall to inspect your windows for damage. Look for:

• Cracks in the caulking and cracks around the window frame
• Water damage inside the house or around the window exterior
• Mold and mildew growth
• Cracked glass or breaks in the glass
• Water stains or mold growth on the window sill, or directly underneath

These tell-tale signs are an indication that your windows are leaking or are very likely to leak this winter. While you’re inspecting your windows, it’s also helpful to notice temperature changes around the windows that you’re inspecting. Hot spots and cold spots are an indication of air leaks/energy leaks. These leaks will only get more extreme as the air outside begins to cool.

2. Caulk & Seal Your Windows

Caulking helps seal windows, stopping some of those air leaks (and water leaks, as well). Caulk only lasts so long, and then it starts to deteriorate. During the inspection of your windows, if you noticed that the caulking around your windows had cracks, gaps, stains, and other signs of age, it’s time to replace that caulk with new.

When choosing caulk for your windows, take care to choose caulking that’s made for the material that’s being caulked – and the conditions where the caulk will be installed.

For example, some caulking is interior only, while other caulking is exterior or interior. Choose caulking wisely. If you’re not used to caulking or not comfortable with it, consider hiring a handyman or contractor to do the work for you.

3. Install New Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping fills gaps around windows and doors to stop drafts and air leaks. Weatherstripping is usually made up of foam or rubber with an adhesive backing. It can easily be cut down into small strips and attached to window and door frames.

If you weatherstripped your home years ago, chances are that your weatherstripping needs to be replaced. Weatherstripping only lasts so long before it begins to fall off or come apart. Inspect your weatherstripping. Look for gaps, cracks, or missing weatherstripping. This is a sign that your weatherstripping needs to be replaced.

Weatherstripping can be purchased from your local hardware store or home improvement center. You can do this work yourself or hire a handyman to do it for you.

4. Hang Up Thermal Curtains

Keeping your curtains closed can help trap warm or cold air, thus protecting the house from uncomfortable temperatures. Normal curtains, if they’re made from a thick material, do this job fairly well. However, thermal curtains do the job much better.

Hang up thermal curtains. Close them when the temperature outside drops, and at night, when it’s colder outside. Thermal curtains can help prevent your home from losing warm air that can keep your house comfortable.

5. Invest in Window Film

You may have heard of window films that reflect heat and protect your home from heat loss. Installing window films can keep heat in your home in winter and keep heat out of your home in summer. There are many different types of window films, including tinted films and films that add a mirror-like appearance to your home’s windows.

Do your research when you’re choosing window films for your home. Know the application process, whether the film is removable, and what the windows will look like when the film has been installed. Consider the cost of the window films and how much you’ll have to purchase in order to cover your windows with film.

Like the caulking, you may want to hire someone to install the window films for you, to ensure that the film is installed correctly.

Dealing with Harsh Midwest Winters? Let Woodland Install Energy-Efficient Windows!

While it’s a good idea to winterize windows to protect your home from harsh Chicago area temperatures, at some point it’s important to consider whether it’s time to replace windows. Winterizing only does so much. Installing energy-efficient windows in your home can raise your home’s value and help ensure a more comfortable indoor environment throughout the year.

Signs that you may need to install new windows in your home include:

• Condensation and ice builds up on your windows during the winter months.
• Your windows are difficult to open and close, and some of them no longer open or close at all.
• Your home’s energy bills are going up, and it’s impossible to keep your home warm in winter.
• Your home’s windows are more than 20 years old.

At Woodland Windows and Doors, we sell windows in many styles and with many glass options. Modern windows have made major improvements to energy efficiency, and new windows can make a big difference to your home’s environment. We sell windows with energy-efficient glass, including dual-pane and triple-pane windows that offer extra insulation.

Are you interested in installing new windows in your home before winter comes? Contact Woodland Windows and Doors. We’re the Chicagoland area’s most trusted window installer. Our customers turn to us because we have over 50 years of experience installing new windows in homes around Chicago. Call today to schedule your free in-home consultation.