As the temperatures drop and the chilly winter season approaches, now is the time to be thinking about how to prepare your home for the colder weather. One of the most important things you can do to keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the entire season is to winterize your windows and doors. These areas of your home can be a significant source of energy loss throughout the home, making it a key area to focus on as it becomes colder and colder out. Here’s how to winterize your windows and doors.
Inspect Your Windows & Doors for Damage
One of the first steps you should take is to check for any damage. This visual inspection of the interior and exterior of your windows can help you find any damage that may need to be addressed. In particular, you’ll want to pay close attention to the frames and seals of your windows and doors. You should check the:
- Seals – The window and door seals that connect them to your home should provide an airtight barrier. If these seals are cracked, peeling, or otherwise damaged, you’ll want to caulk and seal your windows and doors to address this issue.
- Locks – Make sure your windows and exterior doors are all able to latch and lock properly so that you can keep them securely shut during the colder winter months. Otherwise, you’ll be letting a lot of warm air escape from your home all winter long.
- Weatherstripping – In addition to the window and door seals, you’ll also want to take a look at the weatherstripping that helps create an airtight barrier for the operable components of your windows and doors as well. The weatherstripping may need to be replaced if it’s old or damaged.
Insulate Your Windows and Doors
After you’ve addressed any damage to your windows and doors with caulking, sealing, and weatherstripping, you can then take additional steps to insulate your windows for winter. These steps may include adding more insulation around the window if these areas are accessible, hanging thermal curtains or window treatments, or using a window insulation kit as a temporary way to help prevent energy loss through your windows.
When to Replace Your Windows and Doors
Of course, even with all the best winterizing techniques for your windows and doors, older and deteriorating windows will be best off being replaced. If your windows and doors are drafty, have deteriorating frames, feature single-paned glass, or are otherwise past their prime, you may want to consider investing in a window replacement project.
Learn More About Winterizing Your Home
At BACK Construction, we proudly offer window and door replacement services as well as handyman services to suit your needs. Whether you’re thinking about new windows for your home or would like our professionals to handle winterizing your windows and doors for you, BACK Construction is the company you can rely on this winter in Central Kentucky. Contact us today for more information.
