Winterizing Your Home’s Windows

Once the leaves start to turn their beautiful colors, you know cold temperatures are just around the corner. As a homeowner you know this means its time to start getting your home ready for another Wisconsin winter. If you have drafty, inefficient windows and aren’t ready to replace them yet there are a few things you can do. We’ll cover the three most common ways to insulate your windows (besides replacing them) and the benefits and drawbacks to each method. Keep in mind, the methods below are meant to provide short-term benefits and don’t eliminate the need to replace drafty and inefficient windows.

Window Insulation Film / Window Plastic

Window insulation film acts as a thin barrier to reduce the amount of cold air allowed to infiltrate your home. They are usually sold in kits that are readily available and usually contain the plastic film and double-sided tape used to adhere the plastic film to your window frame. After washing the window frame, you apply the double-sided tape to the interior frame of the window and adhere the plastic to the tape. The final step involves using a hair dryer to seal and shrink the plastic film. Keep in mind, you won’t be able to open the window until next spring and you should routinely check the plastic for any rips or tears.

PRO:

• Cheap
• Easy to find

CON:

• Minimal insulation
• Unable to open/close windows
• Time-consuming & labor intensive
• Easily rips and tears making the film ineffective
• Can give windows a hazy appearance blocking visibility

Caulking

If you have gaps or peeling in your existing caulking adding a fresh layer of caulk can help to seal out drafts between the window and siding. You can buy silicone caulk at any local hardware store. Before applying it’s important to scrape off any old caulk, clean and dry the surface. Never apply new caulk over existing caulk! Apply an even bead of exterior grade silicone caulk around the outside of the window frame.

PRO:

• Cheap
• Easy to find

CON:

• The application may be difficult for two-story homes
• Time-consuming & labor intensive
• Caulking generally lasts only 12 months and has to be removed and reapplied

Weather Sealing / Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is applied to the interior window frames to keep out drafts and seal any gaps that would allow cold air to infiltrate your home. You can buy rubber weather sealing, or weather stripping, at most local hardware stores. The most common and easiest to use is usually foam on one side and has self-stick adhesive on the other. After cleaning and drying the window frame and sash, you cut the pieces to the length of your window.

PRO:

• Cheap
• Easy to find
• Minimal to no window obstruction

CON:

• Not as effective as traditional insulation
• Time-consuming & labor intensive
• When removed self-stick adhesive may leave a sticky residue or damage paint or stain
• Weather stripping generally lasts only 1-3 years and has to be removed and reapplied

Aside from saving money (don’t get me wrong, this is nice!) there is something to be said for relaxing in your home and not feeling an icy chill from drafty windows. Now is the perfect time to start looking at replacement windows, even if you aren’t ready to move forward with your project yet. AHT Wisconsin Windows provides an exact price that is valid for 12 full months.

When you are looking to replace your windows, patio or entry door turn to the name you can trust. AHT Wisconsin Windows has a solid reputation for providing quality products and service and has been serving the following areas since 1967: Fox Cities, Appleton, Kimberly, Neenah, Menasha, Oshkosh, DePere, Green Bay, Waupaca, Bonduel, New London, Shawano, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Reedsville, Sun Prairie, Madison, Clintonville, Brookfield, West Allis, Menominee Falls, Racine, and surrounding areas.

Call us today at 866-367-6560 or click here to schedule your free, no obligation in-home consultation with our experts to hear more about our solid core composite windows and how we can make window replacement comfortable for any budget.

Make sure to take advantage of our special offers prior to your appointment!