If you live in Canada, you know a good portion of your year will be spent in winter weather conditions. Its not Canada without a little snow, ice, and blustery conditions. Even so, during the winter you want to keep it toasty warm inside and keep the cold outside where it belongs. Ensuring your windows are property maintained can do a lot to help you achieve this goal. But there is a lot more to window maintenance during the winter than making sure your windows are closed and locked. In this blog we are going to discuss about the 5 easy ways for maintenance of windows in winter.
Your windows are a major gateway for heat loss over the winter months. It is estimated that about 30% of your homes heat loss is through your windows. A little draft is not the only thing you will have to worry about. Inefficient windows can lead to expensive heating bills, and we all know you do not want to spend more on bills than you need to. This is even more of a reason to take winter window maintenance seriously. So, where do you start?
Here we will go over 5 window maintenance methods that are proven to be effective and practical for the winter, providing you with a number of tips to resolve various commonly seen window issues:
1. Visually Inspect All Windows
A visual inspection is a great starting point for window maintenance. When was the last time you carefully inspected your windows? We mean take a thorough look at them. The truth is they are often not something you look at too closely unless there is an obvious issue, such as a crack. Take the time each year, preferably before winter starts (late fall), and inspect your windows from the inside and outside. Look at all aspects of your windows (glass, frames, sills, hardware).
The easiest way to maintain your windows is to keep up with inspections and basic maintenance. It is usually when you neglect your windows when bigger issues arise over time, especially if you have older windows. For example, if you notice a slight draft, it will only progressive get worse over time if you do not address it. The same goes for a crack in your window glass. It will only spread and become worse the longer you leave it.
If you are not sure what to look for, or perhaps you have recently moved into a new home, have a windows professional come out and take a look at your windows. They can provide you with some value tips and insights for what you need to do to maintain your windows. You may be surprised at the condition of your windows.
2. Remove Window Screens
When snow starts to build up in and around your home, you may notice that you have snow and ice build up on your windows, in addition to other common areas on your property. In particular, you may notice a build up of snow between your window glass and the screen. This is a pretty common occurrence in areas that get a decent amount of snowfall, and especially after a big snow storm.
When snow builds up on the sills it can cause damage to your screens and windows. It can warp or even tear your window screen. The added moisture around your windows can also do some serious damage to many parts of your windows. The snow, ice, and debris that builds up can damage your window structure, and if left unattended, could become a source for leaks. The extra moisture could also lead to mold and mildew to sprout up. Needless to say, you want to avoid these issues if possible.
You can easily remedy this potential issue by removing your exterior window screen prior to the first snow fall. This will ensure less snow and ice collects on your window sills. The other benefits of removing your screen are:
- Your windows will look better
- They allow more warmth and natural light to enter your home
- You will get more years out of your screens
As you can see, your window screens play an important role for winter window maintenance. Even if you remove your screens, you should still check your windows and remove any excess snow and ice.
3. Inspect For Air Leaks And Caulk Your Windows
Air leaks and drafts are the most common complaints you hear about windows during the winter. They can be bone chilling on a frigid day. The good news is you can often eliminate the issue by simply caulking your windows. Air leaks most often appear around your window frame, not matter what type of style of windows you have. So, inspect the window frame for any cracks or visible gaps. Sometimes you may not be able to see the crack, but can feel the outside air seeping in. If you caulked your windows in the past, also look for areas where older caulk has cracked. This will happen if its been a few years since caulking has been applied to them.
Once you have identified the areas that require caulking, clean the areas. Remove any old caulk. Use the caulking on stationary joints and around the frame. Adding a little caulk here and there can play a big role in preventing air leaks and help save you money on energy bills. Rope caulk is also another option to help seal the moveable areas of windows and where two components come together.
4. Install Weather Stripping
In addition to caulking your windows, adding weather stripping can add extra protection against the outside elements. Weatherstripping can be found at any local hardware store and comes in a number of types and styles. You can get it in foam, felt, vinyl, and rubber products. They even come in a number of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. If your window does not already have weather stripping, choose a product that makes the most sense for your window type and your budget.
Installing weather stripping is simple. It involves adhering it to the areas that require insulation. Some products are more challenging to work with than others. Before you go and buy a large quantity, try a product out on one of your windows to make sure its easy to install and you can close and lock your window properly. If you are not sure what to do, there are a lot of great online tutorials on YouTube. Or give us a call for advice. We’re always happy to help you with all your window needs.
5. Clean Your Windows, Yes Even In The Winter
Just because it is cold outside does not mean you should stop cleaning your windows. We know that you probably do not look forward to doing it when its freezing cold outside, but clean window glass and frames are better at keeping the cold out. As part of your normal house cleaning schedule, clean your windows by vacuuming and washing away dirt.
Word of caution – never wash a cold window with hot water. The difference in temperature could cause damage to your window glass. Make sure you use warm water only when washing windows during the winter months or you could be doing more harm than good. So, these are some ways by which you can keep the maintenance of windows during winter.
Get Your Windows Installed This Winter
Did you know we also install windows during the winter? If you have noticed issues with your windows that cannot wait until spring, give us a call to get them inspected. Call us today at 1-888-880-6827 or visit us online to get a free estimate. We look forward to assisting you with your window installation project this winter.
Read More About How To Maintain Your Windows In Winter
Maintaining your windows year-round is of the utmost importance. The more prepared your windows are for the winter weather, the better. Learn more about winter window maintenance by checking out these other informative blog posts on our website:
Should I Replace And Install My Windows In Winter?
5 Ways Your Home Will Get Further Damaged From Window Leaks
Winter Is Here – 5 Signs Your Windows Need Replacing After A Snow Fall
What To Look For When Assessing Window Damage Caused By Winter Weather
3 Tips For Protecting Your Windows From Damaged Caused By Winter Weather
The Top 5 Ways Windows Get Damaged By Winter Weather
4 Reasons Why New Windows Will Keep Your Home Warmer This Winter
