If you live in Canada, you know a good portion of your year will be spent in winter weather conditions. It’s not Canada without a bit of 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 properly maintained can significantly contribute to achieving this goal. However, there is more to window maintenance during the winter than simply ensuring your windows are closed and locked. In this blog, we are going to discuss the 5 easy ways for the 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 home’s 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 don’t want to spend more on bills than necessary. 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 took a careful look at your windows? We mean to 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. Inspect all aspects of your windows, including the glass, frames, sills, and 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 that bigger issues arise over time, especially if you have older windows. For example, if you notice a slight draft, it will only worsen progressively 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’re unsure what to look for, or if you’ve recently moved into a new home, consider hiring a window professional to inspect your windows. They can provide you with valuable tips and insights on how to maintain your windows effectively. You may be surprised at the condition of your windows.
2. Remove Window Screens
When snow starts to accumulate in and around your home, you may notice that it has built up on your windows, as well as in other common areas on your property. In particular, you may notice a buildup of snow between your window glass and the screen. This is a fairly common occurrence in areas that receive a substantial amount of snowfall, particularly after a major snowstorm.
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 cause serious damage to various 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 of 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 before the first snowfall. 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 among the most common complaints about windows during the winter. They can be bone-chilling on a frigid day. The good news is that you can often eliminate the issue by simply caulking your windows. Air leaks most often appear around the window frame, regardless of the type 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 you 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 it’s 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 significant role in preventing air leaks and help you save money on your energy bills. Rope caulk is also another option to help seal the movable 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 various types and styles. You can find it in various materials, including foam, felt, vinyl, and rubber. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. If your window does not already have weather stripping, select a product that best suits your window type and 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 it’s easy to install and you can close and lock your window properly. If you’re unsure about what to do, there are numerous excellent online tutorials available 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’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should stop cleaning your windows. We know that you probably do not look forward to doing it when it’s 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. Be sure to use warm water only when washing windows during the winter months, as using cold water can do more harm than good. So, here are some ways to maintain windows during winter.