Inside: Windows in Winter: Do You Need Additional Insulation? Collaborative post.
If a homeowner has a question about whether to insulate windows for the winter, something is wrong with them. High-quality triple-pane or double-pane windows do not need additional insulation for the cold season. So, let’s figure out what problems can lead to loss of thermal insulation and how they can be solved most effectively.
Winter as a Reason to Take Care of Energy Saving
Winter is the time when many people start to focus on energy efficiency. Some find their energy bills too high, others start to feel a cold draft in their rooms that was unnoticeable in the summer. This means that their windows have stopped performing their thermal insulation function effectively. New, high-quality vinyl windows perfectly retain heat in the room and do not allow any drafts. To stop the growth of heating bills and protect yourself from colds, you can take several effective measures.
Quick Window Replacement
The most effective method in case of windows that do not protect you from cold is to replace them with reliable vinyl double or triple-glazed windows. Their insulation chambers and glass units are completely sealed, which means cold air will not have a single chance to penetrate the room.Some people think that window replacement is only possible in the warm season. And if you have already missed this moment, you should wait for another season.
However, this is a misconception. Specialists who deal with replacement windows and doors Nova Scotia say that they can install new windows even in frosty weather down to -15 ℃. Therefore, if your windows are in poor condition, it is better not to delay replacing them to protect your family from colds and unnecessary heating costs.
Winterizing Windows Without Replacing Them
If you are happy with your windows and just want to find the right solution for insulating them, do the following:
- Carefully inspect each window to find visible damage or gaps that allow cold air to pass through. Also, figure out if your windows have two closing modes ‒ summer and winter. Modern windows have this function for additional thermal protection during the cold season. Therefore, if your windows have it, switch them to winter mode.
- Choose the right weather stripping material for your windows. Consider the climate of your region, the severity of winter, the visibility of the material, its cost, and other factors. Among the most common options, Canadians choose such materials as tension seal (V Strip), felt, foam tape, tubular, etc.
- Carefully seal all cracks and check if there are any active drafts left.
- Use climate control window film to add another layer of protection from the cold to your windows. This material is called low-E film or low-emissivity window film. It is applied to the window from the inside of the room to retain interior heat. Manufacturers of this window film assure that this way, you can avoid more than 50% of heat loss. Moreover, such material will help you in the summer since it will reflect the rays of the sun and prevent the room from overheating.
- Once you have done all this, make sure to close the windows in the evening with thick curtains. If there are small gaps somewhere, they will help you protect the room space from these small drafts. But remember that the curtains should not hang too close to the window. In this case, you isolate the windows from the warm air, which will contribute to the appearance of condensation on their surface. Therefore, hang the curtains at a distance of 15-25 cm from the window.
When choosing curtains, give preference to dark-colored fabrics. If you like light colors in home decor, you can return your favorite curtains with the arrival of warm weather. Dark color helps save heat, so it is better to choose this option for the cold season.
Winterizing Windows for Regions with Strong Winds and Precipitation
If the weather in your area is changeable and strong winds and hail are not uncommon, such winterizing measures are not enough. During strong winds, tree branches, small gravel from the garden, or something else can break the windows. Also, large and strong hail can damage the windows, especially if they are not modern vinyl but fragile glass ones.
Therefore, to protect them against bad weather, you will need storm windows. They are installed not from the inside of the house, but from the outside, creating an additional barrier for small but solid particles that can damage the glass. Such windows also help save heat in the house and reduce bills. Therefore, they can be a good temporary solution if you are not yet ready for a full replacement of windows.
The Bottom Line
By winterizing your windows, you will create a cozy and warm space free of drafts. It will be comfortable for you to spend the winter months in such a room. Additional insulation will protect you from colds that can occur due to the smallest drafts.
Also, note that you need to insulate all the windows to achieve a noticeable result. Winterizing the windows in only one room, such as the bedroom, will not allow you to save your money on heating the home. The cracks in the windows situated in other rooms will continue to cool your home and require additional heating.
Moreover, drafts from their cracks can reach the room in which you have insulated the windows through open doors or gaps between the doors and the floor/wall.
It will take you from several hours to several days to winterize your windows, depending on their quantity, condition, and the goal you want to achieve. But in order not to repeat this procedure every year, it is better to replace decrepit windows with new vinyl ones. They have additional thermal insulation and create warmth and comfort in the room without any effort.