When winter approaches, you might be concerned about the lack of insulation provided by your windows. Over time, the glaze around the windows and the panes themselves can start showing signs of wear, which ultimately leads to feeling a cold draft inside your home, even when the heater is running. Here are some tips for insulating the windows in your home for the cold winter season.
Replace the Window Glaze
A common place for the insulation to be failing and the drafts to come in through the windows is the window glaze. This is a type of putty that is used around the window to adhere the glass to the window frame. Over time, it will start to crack and get worn when it leaves a gap between the window and frame. If the glass and frame are in good condition, all you should need to do is replace the glaze itself. This is easy enough to do if you can safely remove the old putty, add new putty, and wait for it to dry.
Use Insulation Film
You might also not have good insulation because you have older windows with just one pane or because the window sealant started to fail. An easy option is to use window insulation film. This is a type of plastic shrink film that is applied to the window on the inside of your home by using tape. A hair dryer shrinks the film and helps to smooth it out. It can give you temporary insulation when you don't have the time or money for more advanced measures, like replacing the window.
Re-think Your Window Treatments
Believe it or not, the window treatments you choose can also determine how much insulation your windows have. The first way you can increase your insulation is by installing shades over the windows. Not just regular window shades, but cellular ones. These allow you to have some natural light coming through the windows, but also provide some extra insulation. They are custom-made, so they are a little more expensive, but well worth it.
The other option is to get layered window treatments. You can either get blinds or insulated shades for the back layer, then curtains for the top layer. Not only do the multiple layers provide additional insulation over those windows, but it can help provide more decorative options as well.
Install Double-Pane Windows
If you are willing to spend a little more, it can be worth it to pay for new windows to be installed. If you have single-pane windows, you aren't getting much insulation from them, not to mention how much worse it is if there are gaps due to window glaze issues or cracks in the windows. It is highly recommended that you have double-pane windows installed. These windows have an additional sheet of glass that fits in the window frame, providing one of the best ways to increase insulation.
Share