Weatherproofing Windows

The hot and somewhat sultry summer has given way to winters and it is the chilly air which has occupied everyone's mind. There is a whole lot of things to do to winterize a house, from insulating the attic to checking the heating systems and air conditioning systems to weatherproofing windows. This is of course done considering other seasons as well, though winter is the time when weatherproofing the house matters the most. The reason is that weatherproofing also helps to make your home an energy efficient home. So are you gearing up for the same? Here is something for windows!

Weatherproofing Windows for Winter

Making the windows all set to deal with the cold outside and trapping the heat inside is not a difficult task. Moreover, it can save a good amount of your money. Basically what you need to do this is tape, utility knife, caulking, window plastic, and a blow dryer.

Getting the Windows Ready
You obviously cannot apply anything to the windows without cleaning them. Hence window cleaning is the first thing that needs to be done before weatherproofing. Windows have to be cleaned inside, out thoroughly. In case there are any small issues to be looked after, like chipped putty, sort that out. Inspect the wooden frames too along with that and if the frame or frames is not in a good condition then change it. Replace the pane completely in case there are cracks in the glass.

The Real Deal
Now we come to the actual process of weatherproofing. Using weatherstripping on the windows is the next thing on the cards. Basically this needs to be fitted around the window for blocking the cold drought and trapping the heat within the house. Self adhesive weatherstripping is the easiest to use and install. To give you an idea as to how it is installed - let us consider that you have foam weatherstripping. What you will need to do is to cut the foam strips as per the length of the window, using scissors. Peel back around an inch of the cover strip and then press the foam in place at the top of the window stop. Then work your way down and peel the strip over as the foam gets pressed in place properly. If it is a V type weatherstripping to a double hung window, start off by lowering the sash. Cut the strip as per the length required and slip it down with the raised V facing outside along the side of the sash. Then place the strip in the center of the sash and then fasten it in place as much as you can. Raise the sash and then do the same thing along the lower half of the strip.

Getting Plastic
For weatherproofing windows, now we will be using the weatherproofing window plastic. After it is properly installed, it does the work of another pane of glass. For this you will need to cut a piece of plastic, little larger than what is required to fit the window perfectly. Tape it to the window frame. Next thing on the cards is to run a blow dryer on a high power setting and let the plastic get exposed to the hot air from the dryer. Till it becomes taut, the plastic will shrink. The tape has to be firmly fixed against the window frame. This will not let the warm air outside the house. This has to be done from the outside, too.

Along with this, sometimes you can also do what is referred to as snakes. These are mainly long fabric tubes which are filled using sand. These are fantastic for preventing the air from leaking through the window. Sealant foam and caulking too can be used to make windows weatherproof.

That was all. In case there is something more, you can always talk to a professional regarding this project! I sign off here! Take care!