It’s that time of year where the temperatures outside will freeze your skin in minutes, the snow is piling up to your window sills and you never seem to be warm enough no matter how many layers you wear. There’s nothing you can do about the weather outside, but there is something you can do to keep your home nice and warm!
If you’ve noticed that your home seems a little more drafty than usual or if there is an unusual amount of moisture appearing around your windows, it may be time to take some measures to reduce or eliminate heat loss.
There are several options worth considering when it comes to keeping your Barrie home warm on these cold winter nights. Keep in mind that some of these measures are temporary and eventually you may have to replace your windows. Let’s review the options:
Window Insulation Film – This is an inexpensive way to limit the drafts that are entering your home because plastic is an excellent insulator. They are available at most hardware stores and are easy to install. Kits will come with a plastic shrink film that is applied indoors to the frame. It will cover the entire window and does a decent job keeping the draft away. The downside is they can easily be damaged, especially if you have children or pets and they reduce the clarity of your window. It also reduces window operation for those days that you may want to add some fresh air to a room such as warmer days of the January thaw. Another drawback is this function is an annual ritual as well as an expense.
Thick Curtains – Curtains are another way to limit the amount of cold air that enters your home. They are fairly easy to install and also create a great deal of privacy; however, curtains aren’t always cheap. Depending on the material, style, and how thick and attractive you want them to be, curtains could cost as much or more than replacing the windows.
Draft Snakes – This is a great way to help cold air from seeping into your home. They are small tubular fabric lengths that are placed on the window sill to block cool air. The bonus is they can be made easily at home by sewing some fabric together and filling it with dried rice. The problem with these is, they only prevent drafts at the window sill and not in the glass frame.
Replace Existing Windows – This may seem like an extreme measure but unfortunately, all windows are not created equal, and some have an ‘expiry date’, especially most builder-grade versions that have existed since the home was built. Even if you have replacement windows, these too more often than not have a limited life due to their inferior construction. You may be taking all of the above measures, but that still may not provide the same insulation as you’d get by installing new windows. If you have an older home, there is a good chance your windows need to be replaced by a company like Kempenfelt Windows. Even though it may seem like a major expense, it’s worth noting that it’s an investment in which you’ll probably only have to make once.
Contact Kempenfelt Windows today to learn more about protecting your existing windows, or about replacing your windows altogether.
