How To Insulate Doors and Windows
Winter is in full swing, and with that comes the arrival of cold air. No matter how new or sealed your home might be, you’ve likely struggled with the nuisance of drafts throughout your house. These air leaks not only let the cold into your toasty interiors but can drive your energy costs up as your heater works itself tirelessly to combat the intrusion of cold air. There are, thankfully, a few steps you can take to prevent cold air from leaking in from the doors and windows.
Apply Insulation Film
Insulation film adheres directly to the glass of your windows. With this task, an extra layer of insulation is applied to help your home retain its warmth while blocking out the cold from outside. Window film is an excellent option if you are on a budget as it is relatively inexpensive to attain.
Though the concept is simple, a smooth application can sometimes be tricky, so do not be afraid to ask for help. As the insulation film adheres, you will use a hairdryer to suck out all the remaining air, making for an excellent, tight seal. This layer of plastic may alter the look of the glass; however, if you take the time to give all your windows this same treatment, the consistency will make it nearly undetectable.
Hang Window Treatments
Interior shades and curtains are not just decorative. They allow for controlled light filtration, which can be a major source of cool air and heat throughout the year. Having a shade that you can easily open and close means you can take advantage of the warmth of the sun when it is in the right position while shutting it out when it has shifted or gone down.
Window treatments provide another barrier for the cold air to have to push through. Consider both your interior window coverings, as well as exterior. Outdoor shutters or awnings can give you even greater control over filtration and air flow.
Use Sealing Tape
Sealing tape is a go-to option to plug air leaks coming through your windows. While it may seem worth it to seal every window, it is best to find the sources of cold air intrusion and address only the problem areas. Because the tape is an adhesive, it is essential to be mindful of overapplication to prevent damage to your windows.
To locate leaks, light a stick of incense and let it hover over the perimeter of the window. When the natural billow of the smoke is disrupted, it means you have got air coming through in that particular spot.
Redo Caulking
Caulk is commonly used to seal the seams left by the installation of any fixture; including windows. Like sealing tape, caulk prevents leaks by filling in the gaps. Caulk was most likely applied when your windows were initially installed, but over time, it can crack or fall off due to normal wear and tear. When this happens, it is a good idea to re-apply the sealant to stop both air and moisture leaks.
While caulk uses the same strategy as sealing tape, it is much more permanent and does not have the added risk of damaging your windows. Sealing tape, on the other hand, can be removed during the summertime, when you are less concerned about cold air getting into the house.
Add Door Snakes
When it comes to winterizing your doors, the simplest way to get the job done is with the addition of door snakes. Though it sounds highly technical, these handy tools are easy to make and extremely effective.
A door snake is a long tube of fabric that has been stuffed with a heavy filler material, such as rice or sand. The snake slides up against the crack at the bottom of your door to block out drafts. Because this is such an inexpensive solution, you can use these on both interior and exterior doors throughout your home. As air is coldest near the floor, it explains why this method is so effective.
Install New Windows
You may not even realize how inefficient your current windows are until you decide to take a closer look. Cracks around the frame can be circulating unwanted air in and out of your home. This results in either a chilly room or a drastic jump in heating costs. Older, single-pane windows also do little to keep the cold from penetrating through the glass.
If you know that the windows have not been updated in years, it may be time to invest in this valuable upgrade. New windows can make a significant impact during the chilliest months, while also improving your energy efficiency and adding a significant return on investment down the road.
Expert Window Installation with All Exteriors
If you are looking for expert advice, or are ready for the new window installations that winter is calling for, contact the professionals at All Exteriors LLC. We sell top-of-the-line brands in a variety of styles and models and are committed to your home’s protection from the elements.
Get in touch today to help improve your New Richmond home!