How to Weatherproof Windows

With the colder months coming up, it’s especially important to ensure your home is well insulated. Weatherproofing your windows, one of the best home maintenance tips for winter, is the best way to start. This process is all about sealing drafts within your window panes’ vicinity, which retains the warmth of your house.

Weatherproofed windows prevent warm air from leaking out and cold air from pushing in. But that’s not all there is to it! Keep reading to discover how to weatherproof windows and all the benefits that come with it.

Why Weatherproofing Windows Is Important

   1. Prevents Water From Seeping In

Whether you have casement or floor-to-ceiling windows, water from rain or melted snow could seep into your home. By sealing drafts, you can avoid water damage on furniture, wall discolouration, and the formation of mould.

   2. Takes off the Load From Your Heating System

Heating systems are more expensive than cooling ones due to the amount of ongoing energy they use. This level of consumption can increase because of drafty windows. The solution here is to insulate your windows since this can prevent your heating system from becoming overworked.

   3. Lowers Your Electricity Bills

Following the previous point, overworked heating systems tend to consume more energy, which is one of the reasons why your utility bill might appear to be higher than usual. Using various weatherproofing methods can help you lower your expenses during winter.

When to Weatherproof Your Windows

The next question to address is: “when is the right time to weatherproof my windows?” Anytime is good to seal your panes, but here are some signs to look out for:

   1. You Have a Lot of Drafts Around Your Windows

Drafts are holes or openings found near your windows that allow exterior air to enter your house. When one of the following happens, you’ll know your windows have drafts:

• The seals around the windows are cracked, peeling or rotting;
• There is condensation on the window or between the glass panes;
• Curtains move despite the windows being closed; and
• You hear whistling or buzzing sounds near the window.

   2. Insects Entering Your Home Despite Closed Windows

Despite keeping your home tidy and closing all windows, do insects still find a way to enter your space? Regardless of your window’s material, it may have openings that invite bugs to come inside. By sealing them, they won’t have the chance to crawl into your house!

How to Weatherproof Windows: 6 Effective Methods

By now, you might have gotten curious and begun inspecting your windows. If you found a couple of drafts, below is a list containing effective methods for weatherproofing drafty windows:

   1. Weatherstripping

If you’re looking for a low-cost window insulation option, weatherstripping is worth a try. This method involves sealing the movable connections, such as the tracks of a window, by using one of the following materials:

• V-seal weather stripping;
• Nail-on tubular gaskets;
• Spring bronze; and
• Adhesive felt.

Aside from being inexpensive, applying weatherstrips is easy since you only need to attach the adhesive side of your weather strips to the jambs and stops of your windows. After that, no stray air will be able to enter your home.

   2. Applying Window Films

Window films can hit two birds with one stone, adding another layer of insulation and providing security. This method uses rolls of film plastered to the surface, which must be applied carefully and strategically, so you don’t get any air bubbles or dust build up on the glaze.

   3. Installing Draft Snakes

Put an end to drafty windows by installing snakes on the cracks between the sash and the sill. These long, thin pillows effectively block the cold air from seeping into your room. Additionally, you can have them customized to get a perfect fit for your windows.

   4. Opt for Insulated Curtains

Another way to regulate your home temperature is to swap your daily curtains for insulated ones. These drapes have four layers:

• The outer decorative layer of fabric;
• A reflective film that lets the heat bounce back into the room;
• A vapour barrier that prevents the foam from absorbing moisture; and
• A layer of high-density foam that insulates heat and sound.

These shutters are energy-efficient since they maintain room temperature. When you switch to insulated curtains, you can reduce energy consumption and lower your electricity bills.

   5. Re-Caulking

If you look at your windows, you’ll see silicone strips filling cracks or gaps. This material is known as caulk and is an excellent weatherproofing technique. But in time, it can crack due to natural wear and tear. When that happens, re-caulking is a must to keep your windows insulated.

When re-caulking, don’t forget to remove the old product. If this is covered with a new layer, condensation occurs and can damage the surface of your window.

   6. Rigid Foam Insulation & Foil Stripping

The rigid foam insulation technique can stop water and air leaks because of the inserted plastic foam in the window frame. At the same time, an adhesive-back foil strip covers the foam and acts as a weatherstrip, ensuring that nothing passes through the window drafts.

Weatherproofing Old Windows Is the Answer for a Warm Winter

Having energy-efficient windows grants you lower monthly electricity bills. That’s why weatherproofing windows is a no-brainer and should always be part of your home maintenance to-do list.

However, learning how to weatherproof windows can be pointless if your windows are beyond repair or outdated. If that is the case, consider getting window replacements for better results.

Here at Ontario Window Reviews, we’ve already taken a closer look at the products and services of countless window companies—so that you can easily find the one that’s right for you.