Winter Window Woes
The heavy summer heat has lifted and is slowly being replaced by a crisp fall chill. The leaves are changing and the jack-o-lanterns are on full display. Midwesterners are slowly beginning to accept that winter will be here before we know it. The coldest months are approaching quickly and with it come the winter window woes. Now is the time to start making preparations for the inevitable cold. Read more to learn how this intense weather can affect your home if you have outdated windows and how it might be time for a change.
Costly energy bills
With winter comes high energy bills. That’s just the way it goes in the Midwest, right? While it may be true that the intense heat of summer and the frigid cold of winter can result in higher energy bills, it is usually due to underlying insulation issues. While providing us with natural light and pretty views, windows are also a huge source of our home’s insulation. Allowing for the sun to warm our homes during the day without letting excess summer heat in, and keeping our warm air in during the colder months are two of our window’s biggest jobs here in the Midwest. If not properly functioning, our windows are not able to do these jobs. This results in an excess need to adjust our thermostats, resulting in higher utility bills and more wear and tear on our heating and cooling appliances.
Damage to your existing windows
Having to replace an existing window is an investment. Having to replace an existing window and it’s entirely rotted framing system is a hassle. Not only can a lack of proper insulation cause discomfort within the home, it can also cause extensive damage to your windows. If there’s room for any outside air to leak in, there’s room for ice buildup. This can cause windows to freeze shut or inefficient window seals to break.
When the ice melts, water can leak in through small openings and cause damage to the surrounding inside area including unsightly stains and peeling paint. Certain window materials, particularly wood, can shrink and warp in extremely cold temperatures. This can wreak havoc upon their structural integrity increasing the likelihood of rotting and mold buildup. If you have older single pane windows, the cold can cause pressure to build up on the glass and it can start cracking over time.
Further Warping and Damage
Cold weather can result in warping and shrinking of your windows. This happens because materials like wood and metal contract in cold temperatures. As a result, your windows may no longer fit quite right in their frames, becoming difficult to open or close. The contraction can also cause gaps to develop between the window leading to drafts and heat loss
Winter window woes are never fun to deal with. But there are preventative measures you can take. Inspecting your windows during our more intense seasons can help you catch early signs of warping or shrinking. Weatherstripping windows during both hotter and colder months can seal gaps and insulate your home better. If you are noticing a lot of humidity in your home, consider using a dehumidifier to help mitigate condensation. If your windows are already past their lifespan, it might be time to consider installing newer, more energy-efficient replacements. To learn more about our window installation process, you can read our blog.
Excellent service, finished the job quickly and they exceeded my expectations all around! I highly recommend them.
The Window Store did work on our home post insurance claim from storm damage. I was incredibly impressed with the staff, and workers through this process. They were very transparent, honest, and timely in communications. The work was completed on time and looks great. Thanks again!
These guys were great! Jimbo made it easy to understand the whole process and the workers did a great job.
Very professional for both windows and cabinets. They offered great suggestions for our cabinets and the end product turned out great.