In Edmonton, winters are notoriously brutal. One way to make sure your windows last through the winter is by picking a window type that can handle the cold temperatures.
The key to window maintenance in Edmonton is to find a window with a sealant film. The sealant will protect against water penetration and help reduce drafts. You should also check for cracks or holes in the frames, as these will let in more cold air and will cause condensation on the inside of your windows.
Why Maintain Your Windows During Edmonton Winters?
The weather during the winter season is cold and dry, which can lead to a rapid decrease in humidity levels. This lack of humidity can lead to a buildup of condensation on windowpanes which leads to a film build-up. This film makes it difficult for sunlight to enter the home, increase heating costs, and annoy homeowners with its appearance. Maintaining windows during the winter season is necessary for these reasons.
How to Maintain Windows in Edmonton During Harsh Winters?
The temperatures in Edmonton can often drop to -30°C and the cold causes many people to neglect their windows. If left unattended, frost buildup can form on window panes, which will lead to the window breaking when the temperature rises. Luckily, there are a few easy maintenance tasks that homeowners can do to keep their windows healthy and functional.
Too many Edmontonians neglect their windows during the winter months. Here are some important tips to take care of your windows:
Look for Replacement Windows:
Old windows can be a significant source of heat loss in homes. Replacement windows can help homeowners save on their heating bills in the winter. Modern windows feature the latest insulating technology to keep your home warm and cozy. In addition, new windows are more affordable than they have been in years thanks to dramatic drops in prices for energy-efficient materials.
Seal All Gaps:
Living in a drafty home can make you feel like you’re stuck in an ice box, especially during the colder months. Luckily, with a few easy fixes and products, it is possible to seal off any areas where cold air can sneak into your home. Caulking the exterior of your windows is one of the best ways to reduce drafts. You can also use weatherstripping around your doors.
Make Use of Proper Curtains:
Throughout the period when the sun shines, you can unleash the curtains on the windows for allowing sunlight to come through and warm the interiors of your home. The sun is a great (and free!) source of heat. As the sun goes down, close the curtains to prevent heat loss through other sources like windows, doors, and other openings in your home.
Remember that insulation does not stop heat from dissipating at night, so please be sure that you are taking precautions to stay warm. You can also look forward to purchasing special window fabric that remains insulated for preventing cold temperatures from entering the interiors.
Make Use of Window Films:
Window film is a thin plastic sheet that can be applied to the inside of windows. It offers a barrier between the interior of your home and the frigid air outside without any loss of natural light or visibility. Some window films even offer UV protection from solar rays, blocking out 98% of them in some cases. This product allows you to maintain a more consistent temperature in your home, giving you peace of mind when it comes to protecting your family’s health.
Visually Inspect the Windows:
Homeowners should visually inspect their windows to ensure they are properly maintained. With winter seemingly coming quick enough every year, now is the time for homeowners to take a look at their windows so they are ready for the cold weather. A home’s sills are typically the most vulnerable area during colder months because water can freeze and expand, causing cracks in the sealant or brick. These cracks allow interior moisture to seep through, which can lead to mold growth, rot, and other structural damage.
Remove Window Screens:
Windows are an important part of your home. They provide natural light, keeping the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But due to their importance, they can also be a source of maintenance headaches. Window screens are an essential component that protects against bugs but can deteriorate over time. As this is a sensitive area, it’s important to hire a professional for window screen replacement to avoid any damage. Fortunately, removing old screens is quick and easy.
Install Weather Stripping:
Everyone knows that all parts of a home need to be maintained with care and attention, but very few people realize that their windows are affected by the weather as well. This is why at least once a year homeowners should install weather stripping on their windows to help protect them from the elements. A little maintenance with weather stripping will pay off in the long run by preventing large amounts of expensive repairs later on.
Clean Your Windows Regularly:
Some people might think it is unnecessary to clean your windows in the winter, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Just like any other season, there are many benefits to making sure you’re window’s are clean and clear at all times. First off, clean windows can make a big difference in the look of your home if you’re looking to sell it. Also, if you take care of them now, you’ll be able to avoid nasty melt-related problems later.
Hire Professional Services for Window Maintenance:
Do you have a window problem? If so, you need to call a professional! Window maintenance is not something that should be left up to the average homeowner. You can’t just clean them or swap out the storm windows yourself. These are tasks that require experience and know-how in order to properly execute without mistakes. Regular home owners don’t posses these skills. Additionally, professional window maintenance personnel isn’t something you’ll find on Craigslist or Kijiji or even online for free.
Install Energy-efficient Windows:
Do you like feeling like you’re suffocating in the summertime? If so, then you might be interested in all of the benefits that come with installing energy-efficient windows for window maintenance. The first benefit is that they’re better for the environment because they reduce your carbon footprint. They also help to keep your home at a lower temperature, which keeps you from having to spend as much money on energy bills. In some cases, it can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
Conclusion
Take proper care of your home windows and ensure its top-notch maintenance to maximize the benefit they provide. Contact the professionals for best results. At Knight Doors & Windows, we are ready to help you by providing all the consultation you need. Give us a call!
