Bundle up! Right now, many of us are taking the necessary steps to prepare for the colder weather ahead. Winter clothes are coming out of storage, heavier blankets are on our beds and hot cocoa packets are at the ready to warm us up. Besides keeping ourselves warm, now is the time to make sure our homes are ready for those blasts of cold air. Let's take a look at your doors and windows and help you make practical fixes to areas that may be letting old man winter in.
Begin by working from the outside in to address areas that may be letting cold air through.
Check the caulk around windows and doors. Over time, caulk can wear and peel away leaving small gaps. As a part of your Fall maintenance, inspect the caulk and replace it or add a new line to repair it.
The North face of your home could benefit from wind blocking features. A decorative fence panel or tall dense shrubs are excellent at deflecting colder air gusts. If changing some landscaping is on the docket for next spring, perhaps consider planting a tree in that area.
Moving on to your entryway, let's inspect the following areas of your door for problem spots.
Examine your weather stripping, door sweep and threshold for signs of wear or damage. Your local hardware store can provide new materials, such as foam adhesive strips, that are easily installed and cost effective. Door snakes are another functional, decorative way to block drafts from doors that may not see much use, but still allow a bit of cold air to enter the home, like the basement door.
Most drafts are seen around your windows, but preventing them is easy by trying these simple solutions.
Layering your windows with blinds or shades and then a heavier drape is an effective way to keep rooms warmer. Velvet fabric is a smart choice to use in the winter months. Cotton or linen fabrics with the addition of a lining can also provide an efficient barrier against the wind.
Products like weather stripping and caulk can help create a tight seal between the window and frame. Always inspect and clean the areas to insure a smooth, effective application.
Film insulation kits are easy to use and only require a few additional tools. Kits come with special two- sided tape and a plastic film that covers the window frame creating an airtight seal. This method works well on all shapes and sizes. When winter is over, the plastic film and tape are easy to remove so you can start to enjoy those spring breezes.
If the above solutions have not stopped the drafty areas, then perhaps it's time to consider replacement. Our staff is on hand to discuss door and window options that fit into your budget. We want to help you and your home stay warm this winter season.
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