Taking Care of Your Glass Windows for the Winter
Winter is a time to stay indoors with a hot cup of cocoa, under a soft throw in front of a blazing fire. Your windows are what keep the cold out and the heat in. When they stop doing their job, it gives rise to a whole host of issues. Heating bills shoot up, your home has unpleasant drafty corners, it can invite mold to grow and at the very least condensation obstructs the gorgeous winter landscape outside. Giving your windows a little bit of TLC can help you avoid these issues. Read on for our winter window maintenance checklist.
Wash Your Windows from the Outside
While winter is not exactly the season you imagine getting outdoors to do some cleaning, keeping your windows sparkling is a good idea. Clean glass lets natural light flood in and keeps those winter blues at bay. Naturally, cleaning windows with water in frosty weather can lead to water frosting onto the windows, so it is prudent to wait for a day when temperatures are above zero. Avoid using hot water to clean as the temperature difference between the glass and water can cause it to crack. If you must clean in sub-zero temperatures, then use a mixture of one-part alcohol, to one-part water, and a few drops of dish washing liquid as a cleaning solution. Remember to use squeegee and microfiber cloth to wipe up any drips.
Clear Condensation from the Interiors
Condensation builds up on the interior of your windows because of reduced ventilation and higher humidity levels indoors. Get rid of the interior condensation by wiping it with a soft cloth or run a ventilation fan to air out rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. Crack open a window when the weather allows to air out your rooms.
If you notice condensation building up between the panes of glass, you’ll need to call in a professional window repair company to get rid of the condensation and reseal the windows.
Look For Rot in Wooden Windows
Wooden windows look organic and beautiful, but they are also prone to mold and rot because of moisture build up. One way to prevent rot building up is to wipe away any moisture as soon as you see it build up on the frames. Inspect your windows carefully for cracks, peels, or gaps and sand them down and repaint them as soon as you see them. If more than 10 percent of the frame shows signs of rot, it is time to replace it.
Check For and Address Drafts Immediately
Drafts and leaks are problems that are immediately noticeable in winter. An easy way to check is to carefully hold a lit candle around your window frames. If the flame flickers, you know you have a draft. Once leaky areas have been identified, you’ll need to clean them and remove any old caulk. Fill in the gaps with fresh caulk. Sealing gaps prevents warm air from leaking out, saving you money on your energy bills.
It’s a good idea to have a professional window repair company do this for you if you’re not sure how to go about this.
Remove Window Screens
If you haven’t done this already, remove your window screens. This helps protect both your window screen and your windows too by preventing snow from getting trapped between your window glass and the screen. It also helps let more natural light in making your home more energy efficient.
Check for Warping
Older windows tend to warp during extreme weather changes. This may happen even if you have given your windows a onceover during fall. If your window frames show signs of warping, it’s best to have them replaced.
Think About Upgrading to Energy Efficient Windows
If you must replace your old windows during the cold winter months, consider upgrading your windows to energy efficient windows. ENERGY STAR® certified windows with energy efficient glass reduce the amount of heat lost through the windows which means your HVAC system doesn’t have to work so hard to keep your home warm. This translates to lower energy bills.
Call in a professional window replacement company to get the job done well and fast.
Around The Clock Glass provides you with the latest in window technology for commercial and residential purposes including installation, repair, and replacement. We know broken windows are worse in winter, so we offer 24/7 -365 emergency glass repair services in and around Calgary. Contact us today to know how we can help.
