Winter’s Coming! Are Your Windows Ready?

When the cold weather hits, don’t get caught off guard with drafty windows. Keeping those Maple Grove winds outside where they belong is as simple as caulking and weatherstripping. These methods are the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make your windows more energy-efficient. If your windows are old and beyond repair, window replacement is an option to explore.  Here are some ideas from Midwest Exterior Plus for ways to winterize your windows:

Quick Caulking BasicsWindow Replacement - man caulking window

Caulk is a waterproof seal that you can find at any home improvement store in Maple Grove. For the best results, caulk the windows from the outside with a brand that is formulated for the exterior. If you want a product that will endure inclement weather and last for a few years, silicone caulk will do the trick.

First, scrape off all the old caulk around the exterior perimeter of the window with a putty knife or a similar tool. Next, scrub away any dust and loose debris, and then dry the area thoroughly. Apply the caulk around the window between the siding and frame.

Thoughts on Weatherstripping

When it comes to sealing windows, weatherstripping is the companion to caulking. When you put the weatherstripping around the movable parts of the window (the sash), it prevents heat from escaping out of the home. The type of weatherstripping you use will depend on personal preference. Some our recommendations include:

  • Tubular Rubber-Gasket — a hollow rubber tube gasket that, when compressed by the sash, effectively seals out drafts
  • Adhesive-Backed Foam — an easy peel-and-stick foam weatherstripping that compresses and blocks drafts and seals gaps
  • Felt — having been around the longest, it is an affordable and easy to install compression type of weatherstripping
  • V-Seal — a tension-seal weatherstripping that comes folded into a V-shape and is made of plastic or metal

 

Work With a Kit

If caulking and weather stripping are not options, consider using a window insulation kit. With a kit, all you need to do is attach the plastic sheeting to the inside of the window casing with adhesive, then use a blow dryer to shrink it and seal it in place. While this option is mostly hassle-free, you won’t be able to open your windows until the plastic is taken off.

Window Replacement

If your windows are old and worn out, sealing them may not provide much help. A few bonuses from installing new windows may include:

  • Increasing Energy Efficiency
  • Improving the Comfort of Your Home
  • Improving Your Home’s Value
  • Reducing Maintenance
  • Upgrading Your Home’s Curb Appeal
  • Lowering Your Heating & Cooling Costs

Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows can offer you the best value on window replacement in the Maple Grove area and our technicians are able to install your windows in a timely manner – to get your home ready for the winter!

If you are in the market for window replacement for your Maple Grove home, contact Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows today.

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