As we all know, winter is here and it is hitting hard with blizzards and extreme cold. Although we may not like to admit it, the snowfall (and subsequent month-long cold weather) is a part of life in Canada. Most Canadian homeowners do not bother preparing for this yearly change, as it usually only lasts for about three to four months. You would think that this isn’t such a big deal: you just close your window up and leave it that way until summer comes – but read below to learn why you should prepare your window before winter sets in.
Why Do Windows Need To Be Prepared For Winter?
If the temperature outside drops below 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside your home can drop as well. Without properly sealed windows, this can lead to an unhealthy living environment for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies, as it lets in all kinds of dirt and dust from outside. In some cases, this may also cause a normal healthy person’s simple cold to turn into something worse – say pneumonia or bronchitis. Even if you don’t have a medical condition that makes you more susceptible to illness, a prolonged bout on a weak immune system can make anyone miserable.
This leads us to another reason why you should care about taking steps to winter-ize your windows: preventative maintenance is always better than getting sick and needing treatment later on down the road! In addition, if you don’t install storm windows, your old window frames may warp and rot – this is especially true if they are not properly maintained every year.
How To Make Your Windows Winter Ready
So where should you start? Here’s a list of four things that you can do before winter starts:
- Apply weather stripping on all exterior doors and windows: this prevents warm air from escaping (and cold air from entering) your home during those cold winter nights. This small step alone can cut down your energy bill by 10% or more! You can purchase weather stripping at your local hardware store, or make it yourself with a couple rolls of adhesive-backed foam insulation.
- Install window screens: if you don’t already have them, you should acquire some window screens to install over your existing windows. The installation is very simple, especially when using the “snap in” variety that just snaps in place right over your current window frames! This way, in case any of your old windows break or get destroyed by the high winds and blowing snow, you will still have some protection from the elements until you can afford to replace any broken ones.
- Seal up any cracks: sealing up cracks in the caulking may seem like a tedious job, but it will pay off when you look at the lower utility bill next winter. Even a small crack can let a lot of warm air escape from inside, so it is important to take care of those tiny openings. You can do this by purchasing some expanding foam insulation and using it on exterior leaks. Doing this will ensure your space is energy efficient because it will preserve the warm air.
- Install storm windows: if the thought of having to clean your screens every year doesn’t sound appealing or if you can’t afford window screens, then consider purchasing some storm windows that fit over your existing windows. These are often made from a tough plastic material that can be wiped down with a wet rag, eliminating the need for yearly replacement.
By following these four steps before winter starts, both your health and your wallet will thank you later on! If you are looking for quality windows to keep your home warm in the winter, then be sure to get in touch with VR Windows and Doors. Whether you want casement, awning or bay windows, we’ve got you covered. Call us today at (416) 717-2730.
