Check Drafty Windows for Costly Leaks Before Winter Arrives

With the arrival of fall, as Canadians, we know what’s coming next — a never-ending winter. In Toronto, we’ve already experienced winter-like temperatures and it’s only October! There is no doubt that fall is the best time of year to have windows and doors open, allowing that crisp, fresh air to circulate! It’s also the perfect time to address household maintenance tasks such as replacing windows and doors – the tasks that you were putting off all summer. Is your home ready for low temperatures, strong blistering winds, and of course, snow? It’s important to not only keep the heat in, but also keep the cold out, and this can be done only if you have draft-free windows and doors. Here’s a checklist to determine whether you need to repair your windows before the snow flies.

Examine Your Windows and Screens

Take a close look at your windows and screens. Over the summer months, a variety of exterior factors such as pollen and dust can build up. Not only is pollen an irritating allergen to you and your family, but it can also interfere with the integrity of your window screens themselves. Take the screens out and give them a good but gentle cleaning — you can do this with a lint brush if they aren’t too dirty or you can use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner — to get rid of the build-up out and have your screens ready for spring next year. Use this time to also ensure that your screens are in good shape and replace any that may be torn or broken.

When taking a look at your windows, it’s also important to take a look at the outside caulking of the window. A broken seal can be one of the biggest contributing factors to heat loss in your home. If you can’t see any cracks, stand beside your window to see if you feel a draft or humidity coming in from the outside — if you can, there’s a leak that needs to be fixed. Once you find the breaks or cracks, this is an inexpensive and easy fix and you’ll thank yourself in the winter months.

Replace Windows with Cracked Frames

While examining your windows, if you notice air leaks, it may indicate that the quality of the weatherstripping has deteriorated. Weatherstripping can lose its grip, become bent, dry or cracked, but it is fairly easy to replace. The weatherstripping on double hung and side slider windows wears down faster than on other window styles. Window frames become worn down over time and begin to crack and break. This is something to look for when preparing for winter as insufficient weatherstripping broken frames can contribute to your window’s energy loss. If the problem looks too difficult to tackle yourself, contact an experienced window company to take care of the issue — it will save you money in terms of reduced hydro bills in the long run.

Energy Efficient Windows Cost Less in the Long Run

If you are noticing that some or all of your windows are old and in rough shape, it might be time to consider replacing them with energy efficient windows. Energy efficient windows are beneficial as they not only help lower the monthly heating and cooling costs, but also will increase the value of your home. It is no secret that replacing windows is an investment in your home — start small with the ones that need it most, or bite the bullet and do all the windows in your home. Either way, you will feel the benefits immediately.

Nobody likes to complete mundane household chores such as window maintenance, but it’s important to remember that windows are a long-term investment. Preparing for those long winter months and taking care of your windows is not only important for the longevity and efficiency of your windows, but will also be a money saver in the long run. Look for the right company to offer their expertise and knowledge about how to repair your windows to ensure your home is ready for those long winter months.