Unfortunately, winter is the best time to figure out if your windows need winter window repairs or not. This is the only time of year that you will be able to feel if the cold air is getting into the home through a window.
Yes, winter is not the best time to be repairing windows because of this same cold weather outside. However, if you wait until spring to take care of the problem you will spend the rest of the winter cold and turning up the heat to try and counter the cold air coming in.
Why just not fix the problem and be done with it?
Winter Window Repair #1: Window Jambs
Air that is coming in at the window jamb is easy enough to fix, it is just time consuming. First, you need to take off the interior trim around the window. Next, spray foam sealant that is made specifically for windows and doors in the gap between the window jamb and the wall framing. This sealant can be found at any hardware store.
If there is sealant already in there, but it is breaking up and not blocking the cold air, clean out any loose pieces before spraying in the new foam.
Finally, replace the window trim.
Winter Window Repair #2: Outside Gaps
Walking the outside of your home in the winter may not be ideal, but is something that should be done to check the windows. Wait for a sunny day when the temperatures are a little warmer, and then check each window to make sure that there are no gaps around the window allowing cold air or water in. You don’t want the cold air in because your heating bill is probably high enough this time of year. And any water getting in the house is going to cause damage that will cost much more to repair than just taking care of any gaps right now.
Once you have identified the gaps, visit your local hardware store for winter caulking. This is caulking that can be applied at cold winter temperatures without freezing. The outside of the caulking container will let you know if you have the correct caulking or not.
When you get home, apply the caulking on a sunny day and in the afternoon to take advantage of the warmest part of the day.
Winter Window Replacement
If none of the repair ideas above work or the window is just damaged beyond repair, then you need to consider having the window replaced. The good news is that you don’t have to wait until spring to get that window replaced; you can get it done right now.
In fact, winter is the best time to get a window replaced as everyone else waits until the spring. For you, this means that we at Renewal by Andersen will be able to replace your broken window fast and have you to a lower heating bill than if you were to continue to try winter window repairs that were not working. Schedule a free in-home consultation today!
