The icy and cold winter weather can wreak havoc on your home. If your windows and doors aren’t properly protected, chilly air might leak in, causing your HVAC system to work overtime. Knowing how to winterize windows and doors can insulate your home against the elements.
There are multiple ways that homeowners can winterize windows and doors for the chillier months. If you want to learn more about how to winterize windows and reduce your utility bills, this guide explains all you need to know.
Having the best windows is one of the most effective ways to winterize your home, which is why Asher Lasting Exteriors installs high-quality windows for your Wisconsin home.
How To Winterize A Window
Winterizing windows is an important step for keeping your home warm and ensuring you’re not paying high heating bills during the colder months. Luckily, there are many ways for weatherizing windows that homeowners can take advantage of depending on their home’s needs. The steps for how to weatherproof windows include:
- Assessing Your Windows For Winter Readiness
- Sealing Gaps And Drafts Effectively
- Installing Insulating Window Treatments
We also provide some maintenance tips for the best way to winterize windows for the long haul.
Assess Your Windows For Winter Readiness
Before starting to winterize windows, it’s important to inspect your windows for any damage or issues that could affect insulation efficiency. You’ll want to ensure no cracks, drafts, or structural issues could cause your windows to let in cold air. If you have cracks or issues with how the windows seal structurally, you may need to look into replacing your windows.
Seal Gaps And Drafts Effectively
After checking that your windows are in good shape, it’s time to start the weatherize windows process. There are various methods for doing this, including:
- Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping your windows can help reduce the amount of cold air coming in. While many windows have intact weatherstripping, if yours have been damaged in some way, you can buy weatherstripping adhesive tape to fill any gaps.
- Caulking: Another way to winterize a window is by re-caulking it. This includes a bit more effort, as you’ll have to remove the old caulking before starting the process, but it’s an effective way to protect your home. One thing to keep in mind: you won’t be able to do this in the middle of winter, as most caulk needs weather above 40 degrees to cure properly.
- Window Kits: Another way for how to seal old windows for winter is by purchasing window insulating kits. These include plastic that is taped to your window. Then, you use a hair dryer to shrink-wrap the plastic to your window. It’s a very easy and cheap way to keep the heat in.
Install Insulating Window Treatments
Another way to get some of the best insulated windows for cold weather is to install insulating window treatments. These curtains are made of a thicker, heavier material than regular drapes, and they effectively retain heat inside your house while also reducing overall energy costs.
Maintenance Tips For Winterized Windows
Once you’ve winterized your windows effectively, it’s important to keep them maintained for long-lasting results. Some maintenance tips for your windows include:
- Regularly checking for air leaks or drafts
- Properly cleaning your windows and weatherstripping
- Ensuring your seal stays intact for optimal insulation
Ensuring the outside of your home is protected against the elements like ice dams is another way to prepare your home for the winter.
How To Winterize A Patio Door
Winterizing patio doors is another efficient way to keep your home warm in the colder months. Depending on how old your doors are and what shape they’re in, there are many ways to winterize a patio door effectively. The steps to follow to insulate doors for winter include:
- Evaluating Your Patio Door Condition For Winter
- Weatherproofing Your Patio Doors
- Looking Into Added Insulation Solutions For Enhanced Warmth
Evaluate Patio Door Condition For Winter
The first step for how to winterize a sliding patio door is to evaluate if there is any wear and tear and if it is aligned properly. These can both affect how well it protects your home from the cold air. Also, make sure that you check for any drafts.
Weatherproof Techniques For Patio Doors
After evaluating your patio doors, it’s time to weatherproof them. Some techniques for this include:
- Installing Door Sweeps/Draft Stoppers: This is one of the easiest ways to ensure your doors stay insulated. Door sweeps and draft stoppers slide onto the bottom of your door to block any air from coming in. You can even roll up a towel or blanket if you need an immediate fix.
- Adding Weatherstripping: You can weatherstrip your doors as well. This may include installing door gaskets or using foam tape to seal any cracks.
- Upgrade Your Pet Door: For doors with a pet door, it’s important to ensure that you can open and close it effectively during the winter. It may be time to upgrade your pet door if it doesn’t properly latch.
Insulation Solutions For Enhanced Warmth
There are many other ways to add extra insulation to your patio doors for enhanced warmth. For example, you can install thermal drapes like you would for a window, add window insulation film, and even add secondary glazing panels.
Regular Maintenance For Optimal Performance
To ensure long-lasting success for your weatherized patio doors, it’s important to conduct regular maintenance. Every few months, you should clean the door’s tracks, check for drafts, and ensure that your weatherproofing materials remain intact.
Weatherproofing your home with Asher Lasting Exteriors can provide many energy-efficient benefits.
Best Insulated Windows For Cold Weather
Installing insulated windows can keep your home sustainably warm during the winter months and help protect your home during the summer months by keeping cold air in. Asher Lasting Exteriors only works with the best systems and products, which means our Renewal by Andersen windows protect your home for whatever weather may come.
When choosing windows and sliding doors that are both efficient and aesthetically pleasing, make sure you look at what material they’re made of, along with what options you have for installation. Our Renewal by Andersen windows are made of tough Fibrex composite material, providing durability, warmth, energy efficiency, and a great look to any home.
Asher’s Renewal by Andersen: The Best Windows For Wisconsin Climate
When looking for some of the best windows and doors for the cold Wisconsin climate, Asher Lasting Exteriors stands out. We provide the very best materials and products for your needs, ensuring that your home is taken care of for years to come.
Our Renewal by Andersen windows and sliding patio doors effectively protect your home from the cold and elements. Energy-efficient windows and doors also mean that your utility bills will be drastically reduced, leading to energy savings. To learn more about our Renewal by Andersen products and winterizing windows and doors, reach out to our team today.
