Proudly Canadian
Whether you’ve got older windows in your home or ones that were recently replaced, it’s always a good idea to prep them for the winter season. Colder weather often means cold breezes and water leaks, and if you’re not careful it will also mean window damage and a cold house.
For many people, the outside of their windows will be exposed to all different kinds of weather phases, including extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, hail and more. Preparing them for these changes is critical, and it will be advantageous to both you and your windows for taking precautions ahead of time. The following are some tips on how to prepare your windows for the winter season.
Inspect Caulking
Before the cold weather hits, take some time to inspect the caulking on the outside and inside of your windows. Broken caulking means that there may be small openings around the window frames allowing cold air or moisture to sneak inside. This kind of problem is easily fixed, by updating the caulking and sealing small holes.
If you’re not sure if there are any leaks, try putting a candle in the room. Wait to see if there are any small drafts that make the flame sway, or if it stays completely still.
Check Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is another tactic to keeping cold air out of the home, so it’s important to check that any you have is in good working order. Keep in mind that it can wear down over time, especially for hung and slider windows that get a lot of use.
Ensure Everything Works Properly
If you’re having a hard time opening or closing your windows, then you’ll want to try and get this taken care of before the colder months swoop in. Windows that are hard to maneuver often suggest that warping has occurred, or that part of the structure is no longer working properly. It can be hard to fix this kind of problem once the snow and ice starts to stick, so do a full inspection of each window while it is still warm outside.
If you notice signs of rusting, you can try to counteract this problem with some waterproof lubricant. Lubricate all of the hinges, both inside and out, to help prevent further rusting that can occur from sitting or melting snow.
Inspect the Glass
Any cracks in the glass of your window panes signal that the windows are no longer air-tight. If you’ve got newer models with multiple panes, you may be able to get away with this until next season. However, for windows that are only single-paneled, it will be a lot easier for air to get through one layer of protection.
If you notice cracks in the glass of any windows, get this checked out sooner rather than later. Once the cold temperatures hit, there is the possibility that the crack will only get worse, and allow more hot air out of the house.
If you’re not sure how to inspect and repair problems with your windows, you might also consider hiring a professional team like Toronto Windows and Doors. Whether you want a quick clean or a brand-new installation, we’re happy to help you protect your home and make it look its best. Don’t spend the winter wishing you would have inspected your windows. Give us a call today and we’ll be ready for any and all of your questions and concerns!
