Take a look out your front window. You likely see falling leaves–or even bare trees–as the chill of winter is in the air. This time of year, New Englanders know it’s time to fortify their homes against the coming winter. It’s also the time of year that you wonder how to winter proof windows.
But let’s stop there! If you haven’t heard about the Farmers Almanac winter forecast prediction for 2023-2024, it’s going to be a cold and snowy season. But, how do you winter proof windows, anyways?
How to winter proof windows: insulation is incredibly important
The truth is that improper installation can leave the best windows as airtight as an open door. In other words, you can lose a lot of energy while your home feels cold, day and night. Not fun, right?
This is where you might star to think about how to winter proof windows. How can you stop as much heat loss as possible? To prevent heat from waving goodbye, it’s important to fill your windows’ weight boxes and surrounding areas with proper insulation.
Friendly reminder: A snug home requires more than just a patch-up job with cheap caulking. Look for construction-grade silicone for exterior work and paintable butyl for the interior. You can also ask us to install new replacement windows in the winter without a problem! Learn all about the winter window replacement process here.
Are you losing energy through window gaps and cracks?
Those hidden gaps around your windows and weight boxes are prime spots for cold air to sneak in. This is where up to 25% of your home’s energy is lost!
Even though window efficiency greatly depends on installation, you’ll also need to be mindful of a window’s energy efficiency ratings. This is especially true for air infiltration as it measures the draftiness of a window.
A good guideline is to consider windows with a .01 rating for air infiltration. You can find all the new Energy Star 7.0 requirements for windows by clicking here.
Here’s the truth: contractors worth their salt will use spray foam, specifically designed for windows and doors, to fill these voids. And remember, too much of a good thing can be bad—overfilling can hinder the natural movement of your house.
How to winterproof your windows: What we don’t recommend for the long-term
If it’s freezing outside and you need some quick relief from window drafts, we get it. While these are only temporary ideas, you can slightly improve your drafty windows by:
- Apply a layer of shrink film to the window surface.
- Stick adhesive foam tape to seal gaps.
- Hang heavy drapes that can provide some insulation.
- Use a draft snake or towel at the window sill to prevent cold air from coming in.
Keep in mind that these are short-term measures and won’t replace the effectiveness of properly insulated windows!
How to winter proof windows (the right way!)
Consider this: your windows are the frontline in this seasonal battle, and the stakes are not just comfort, but energy efficiency and heating bills. So, let’s skip the old wives’ tales of plastic wraps and draft snakes. There’s no comparison to energy efficient windows, designed with today’s best technologies to keep your home cozy.
Not sure how to winter proof windows? Hire a factory-certified contractor to ensure proper insulation and that all-important warranty. Coastal can help! Contact us today for a free window inspection.
