Like it or not, winter temperatures are setting in. Soon enough that means lots of cold winds, snow, and sleet for Calgary residents. Before the nasty stuff begins, you’ll want to make sure your home is ready for the chill.
One of the things that really sends a chill down our spines is receiving the winter heating bill. Keeping your house warm can be costly, especially if you have a lot of windows. Windows and doors are the hot spots for heat loss in every home.
Follow the following methods to help you winterize your windows so you can keep your home warm and your heating bills reasonable.
01 Seal and Caulk Windows
Hot air leaking out of your home through gaps in paneling or seals is an obvious source of heat loss. Unless you are opening a door or window, there should be no way for heat to escape your home. Search around your windows for gaps in panelling where wood has rotted, old caulking has deteriorated, or damage has caused a hole.
Fill the gaps with caulking to prevent heat from directly leaking out of your home. To ensure optimal caulk curing, temperatures should be above 7.5 degrees Celsius and humidity should be low. Caulking is the best choice to seal stationary joints, but for moveable window parts you should use weather stripping.
02 Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is available in a wide range of materials to suit any aesthetic and performance requirements including felt, open-cell foam, metal, and vinyl. Felt is easy to install but isn’t as durable or high-performing as the others. Vinyl is inexpensive but can be difficult to install. Metals look great in older or classic homes.
Consider the pros and cons of each variety before making a decision.
03 Storm Windows
Tradition storm windows are simply plastic sheets applied to windows for a single season. These storm windows don’t provide any insulation, but effectively prevent air movements through single-paned windows.
Storm windows work well for those of us on a strict budget. However, if you are able to, it is usually best to invest in a more permanent solution.
04 Thermal Window Furnishings
This is a creative solution that looks much better than storm windows and is achievable on a similarly strict budget. Using heavy thermally lined drapes can help seal in the heat. The obvious downside is that every time you want to enjoy your view, you are letting heat escape.
05 Window Film
Window film is the best option for those that want a permanent solution that will enable them to enjoy the view year-round, while keeping energy costs down. Modern films use sophisticated technology that will help your home retain heat during the winter as well as keep it cool during the summer. The films do this by preventing the transmittance of heat in either direction. Films can be used on windows and skylights to enhance heat control of your home.
Window films can be applied to any window, but it’s always best to consult a professional. Give us a call or send us a message and we would be happy to talk to you about your next project.
