No homeowner wants things to go wrong with their home during the winter, let alone, any other time of the year. While damage and issues will arise, there is a lot you can personally do to limit the effects of the winter weather here in Ontario. Being proactive and taking a few steps today can prevent damage to your windows in the future. All it takes is a little bit of knowledge and elbow grease. This blog tells you about the 3 tips for protecting windows from damage caused by winter.
We’ve put together 3 simple to follow and easy to execute tips for protecting your windows from damaged caused by winter weather:
TIP 1: Apply Weather Stripping
Snow, rain, ice, and condensation are all water damage threats to your windows during the winter. Applying weather stripping can help prevent this moisture and other sources of water from getting inside your windows. When water can infiltrate your windows, they can cause damage to the window frames and structure – causing rot, warping, and functionality issues. If you already have weather stripping installed, make sure to check it periodically to ensure it remains in place and is installed correctly.
TIP 2: Caulk and Re-caulk
Window caulking is a main line of protection against air drafts and water penetration. However, caulking can and will crack over time – creating gaps. Therefore, it’s important to check the caulking around your windows at the beginning of winter and periodically to see if it needs to be reapplied. If you notice larger gaps in the caulk, it may make more sense to remove and re-caulk the entire window.
TIP 3: Remove Window Screens
One part of your windows that can easily get damaged during the winter is your screens. Snow and ice can build up between the window page and screen, causing it to stretch or even rip. The best course of action is to remove the screens from windows that are directly exposed to snow drifts. Store your screen inside until spring.
So, these are 3 tips for protecting windows from damage caused by winter.
Don’t Overlook Regular Maintenance By A Window Professional
While we may not be able to protect our windows against all threats, there is a lot we can do to be proactive and reduce the odds of damage happening. One of the most important, and most overlooked, ways to protect your windows is regular maintenance.
Regular maintenance allows a professional to examine your windows, ensure there are no vulnerabilities and they are structurally sounds and equipped to take on all types of winter weather. The older your window the more important maintenance becomes to make repairs before it becomes a vulnerability during the winter.
More Window Care Advice
Protecting your windows is important. Learn more about your windows by reading these insightful blog posts from our windows experts:
3 Advancements in Window Technology You Don’t Have in Your Older Windows
Your Guide to Buying Replacement Windows for Your Home: Vinyl vs. Aluminum
[Infographic] Cost & Energy Savings From New Windows
Schedule An In Home Estimate
Want to learn more about how to protect your windows? Considering replacing a window or two? Call us at 1-888-880-6827 for a free in-home estimate today!
