How to Winterize Your Windows This Season

With the winter months upon us, it’s more important now than ever to make sure your house has good insulation and is weather-tight. Over the years, I’ve struggled with keeping a bay window in my kitchen warm in the winter. The windows face north, so they get a lot of cold air blowing in and the draft makes it difficult to keep the room warm. After many attempts, I’ve found what works best.

So, what can you put on windows to keep the cold out? The best way is to simply put plastic over windows on the outside. Use a double-sided sticky tape and place it along windowsills and across windows where the cold comes in. This will give you a good seal so your windows keep as much of the warm air inside as possible.

A few years ago, I tried this solution, and what a difference it made! It was so simple to do, it only took a half-hour of my time. And the windows are now much easier to keep warm during the winter months. But what other ways can this be accomplished?

Different Techniques to Keep the Cold Air Out

There are other windows and windowsills that I didn’t cover with plastic. What can you do to keep those windows warm?

A Draft Snake

You can make your old clothes, or you can buy one. Simply place it at the bottom of the window, where the cold air comes in, to keep it closed. This is only a short-term solution, as it can easily be displaced.

Window Insulation

This is a great long-term solution to keep the cold air out of your windows. It can be purchased at most hardware or home improvement stores. You simply clean windows, use a spray-on adhesive to attach the insulation, and then cut it into pieces that fit windowsills and windows.

This will keep the cold air from entering your home and make your windows more energy-efficient.

Window Film

This is also a good long-term solution that can be purchased at most hardware or home improvement stores. Window film is a thin plastic sheet that is attached to windows with double-sided sticky tape. It can be cut to size and will help keep the cold out in the winter and the heat out in the summer.

Secondary Glazing

This solution is not as common, but it does work well for windows that open. This process allows you to install a glazed window in a second window opening. This cuts down on the drafts and keeps the cold air from entering your home through windows that are exposed to wind or rain.

 Insulating Curtains

Curtains are a great way to keep the cold out of your windows, but not all curtains are created equal. You need to have insulated curtains to keep the heat in and the cold out. You can purchase these at most home improvement stores or online. These are great options if windows are exposed to wind or rain.

You also need to check windowsills and windows where the cold comes in for drafts and seal them with any of the previous options or find out what windows you can put plastic over windows on the outside. If you keep all windows sealed, it will be much easier to keep your home warm this winter.

Caulking Windows

This is an easy way to seal windows for this winter. You can do it in just a few minutes, and the windows will have fewer drafts, which is key to keeping your home warm.

We recommend buying caulking that is made specifically for windows and is paintable. When caulking windows, make sure to caulk around the entire window, including the top, bottom, and sides. This will help keep the cold air from entering your home.

Window Inserts

Another option for keeping the cold out of your windows is to install window inserts. Window inserts are panels that fit into your windows, and they can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, foam, and wood. Placing the inserts into windows makes the windows airtight, and it prevents cold air from entering your home.

It is important to note that when you install inserts into windows, there may be a small amount of moisture on the windows when you remove them in the spring. If this happens with your windows, just open up all of your windows for a few hours to allow the windows to dry out.

So, these are a few of the ways that you can keep the cold out of your windows and make your home more energy-efficient. Whether you use plastic, insulation, window film, or a draft snake, any of these solutions will help keep your home warm!

Does Plastic Sealant Work to Block Cold Air?

There are a few different ways to keep the cold out of your windows during the winter months. One way is to install plastic sealant on the windows. This sealant can be bought at most home improvement stores, and it is a cheap and easy way to keep your home warm.

The plastic sealant works by creating a barrier between the window and the cold air outside. It is important to make sure that the sealant is applied correctly, and that there are no gaps or cracks in the seal. If there are any gaps, the cold air will find its way into your home, and you will be left with drafty windows.

If you do decide to use plastic sealant on your windows, make sure to keep an eye on it throughout the winter. Once it starts to peel or crack, you will need to replace it.

Best Windows For Colder Climates

Windows are an important part of any home, and when the weather starts to get colder, it’s important to make sure you have the best windows for your climate.

In colder climates, it’s important to have windows that can keep the heat in your home. There are a few different types of windows that work well in colder climates:

Triple-Pane Windows

Triple-pane windows are one of the best options for keeping the heat in your home. They have three panes of glass, which helps to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. These are a great option for homes in colder climates, and they can help to save on your energy bills.

Insulated Windows

Insulated windows also help to keep the heat in your home. They have a layer of insulation between the two panes of glass, which helps to keep the heat from escaping.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are a good option for colder climates because they are made with a material that is resistant to the cold.

Whatever type of windows you choose, make sure they are properly installed to ensure that they perform well in colder weather. If you need help choosing the best windows for your home, contact a window installer in your area. They will be able to help you find the right windows for your climate and budget.

What Are Double-Pane Windows?

Double-pane windows are windows that have two panes of glass, separated by a spacer and sealed with an airtight gas. This construction helps to improve the insulation of windows and can increase their energy efficiency by up to 30%.

The Benefits of Double-Pane Windows

There are many benefits to installing double-pane windows in your home. Some of the key benefits include:

• improved insulation, which can lead to decreased energy bills
• less noise from outside, making your home quieter and more comfortable
• reduced condensation on the windows, which can help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew

If you are interested in installing double-pane windows in your home, be sure to hire a reputable windows contractor. They can help you with all of your windows needs and will ensure that the windows are installed properly for long-term use. A windows contractor can visit your home and give you an estimate of how much the project would cost.

What Are the Steps to Winterize Your Home?

There are a few key steps you can take to winterize your home and protect it from the cold weather. These steps include:

1. Insulating your home. This can be done by installing insulation in the walls and attic, as well as by adding storm windows or plastic sheeting to the windows.
2. Sealing up any cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior. You can use caulk or expanding foam to seal up these cracks and gaps.
3. Installing a good-quality door sweep on all of your exterior doors. This will help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
4. Turn off the water supply to your home’s outdoor faucets. This will ensure that the water doesn’t drain out of the pipes into your yard. It can also help prevent frozen pipes indoors, which causes thousands of dollars in damage every year.
5. Turn off your home’s gas supply if you have access to a gas valve outside or in your garage. If you don’t know how to turn it off safely, call a professional. If you turn it off yourself, make sure to leave it on at least one-quarter of a turn before closing it back up again, so you can easily restore the supply when winter is over.
6. Disconnect any hoses attached to outdoor faucets.
7. Cover any remaining open outdoor faucets with tightly sealed lids made from Styrofoam or plastic.
8. Drain the water from any pipes, hoses, or other plumbing fixtures that are located outside your home. This can prevent damage due to freezing temperatures and ice build-up.
9. Cover the central air conditioning unit with an insulating cover if possible.
10. If you have a fireplace, consult with a professional about how to safely turn off the flue damper before winter arrives. Otherwise, there may be fumes in your home one day when it warms up enough for you to use it again, which could cause carbon monoxide poisoning

Conclusion

During the wintertime, it’s important to make sure your home is properly sealed from the cold weather. You can do this by taking a few simple steps that could save you lots of money each year. Be sure to check your windows for cracks or gaps that allow the cold air to seep in!