Winter is right around the corner, and we’re already experiencing those dreaded drops in temperature. The UK can get pretty cold and definitely damp, so it’s the perfect time of year to make sure your windows are up to the job of keeping your home warm.
In this post, we’ll go through our 3-step maintenance list for you to check how your windows are holding up, as well as some advice to prep them to be winter-ready.
Winter window maintenance
It’s important to do a bit of window maintenance in the lead-up to winter. This can help you work out what you might need to do to ready your home, as well as give you a better understanding of when it might be time to call in the professionals. Follow these three steps to assess the health of your windows:
1. Perform a visual check
First, check your windows for damage. This could include cracks of any size, gaps in the seals between glass panes and frames, and other signs of damage, such as rust on metal detailing or stains coming from within the window frames.
Make a note of any of these concerns, as some will need to be addressed promptly by professional glaziers. Problem spots that seem small can escalate out of control quickly, especially when faced with cold or wet weather.
2. Clean your windows
Giving your windows a good clean can help prep them and your home for winter weather. First, cleaning away dirt and moisture can help prevent mould, which will inevitably damage your window seals. This damage will lead to breakages or drafts, which no one wants, especially when it’s cold.
Second, keeping the glass panes clean will allow for more sunlight to enter your home and naturally warm up your space. This can help save you money on heating bills in the long run, as well as make rooms feel a little lighter and airier. It’s said that daylight can improve your mood and even your physical health, so the more daylight you get into your home, the better.
3. Test for drafts
You want to ensure there is no air leaking in or out of your windows. If it’s cold outside, chances are you’ve got the heating on, and ensuring that heat doesn’t escape and the cold air doesn’t seep in is paramount.
Here’s an easy way to test for drafts: safely hold a candle or lighter near the edges of your window on a windy day. Watch the flame; if it flickers stronger in certain areas, you probably have a window draft. This needs to be repaired quickly or upgraded to better, more efficient windows to help you save money on heating bills.
Winter window prep tips
In the short term, it can be tempting to shop online for quick fixes for window issues, especially when it comes to drafts. There are many tapes and covers on the market that claim to completely eradicate drafts, and while they may work temporarily, they won’t last long, and you’ll end up sinking money into replacing them.
Instead of looking up videos on how to use a hairdryer to blowdry clingfilm to your windows, consider these long-lasting, viable options instead:
Consider insulated curtains
For those wanting extra security against cold weather, insulated blinds and curtains are available to buy. This material is designed to keep the hot air in and the cold air out, making them ideal for winter when used over healthy, double-glazed windows.
Invest in double-glazing
A surefire way to maintain a warm home and lower gas bills is to invest in double glazing. If your windows are single-glazed then they are not going to be able to do the job of preventing the chill creeping in. This is something that we as expert glaziers can help with.
Double-glazed windows are formed of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar filled with hygroscopic material (to keep things dry) and a gas that doesn’t conduct heat, like argon. That gap between the pans helps slow down the heat transfer between the different temperature zones on each side of the window. The cold air gets trapped in the gas, and by the time it makes it to the internal pane, it’s warmed up.
To learn more about double-glazed units and how they work, make sure to read our blog post about the benefits of double-glazing.
Are your windows winter-ready?
We know from experience that upgrading to double glazing is the best way to get your windows ready for winter. For years and many winters to come, your windows will withstand the chill and keep your home heated and your heating bills low. They’re an investment that you’ll see the return of and a way to add value to your home.
Our team of expert glaziers in Norwich can help with upgrading your single-glazed windows, repairing your current double-glazed window sealant, and replacing the glass panels if you see moisture. If you live in Norfolk or the surrounding areas and need our help, don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling us on 01603 431409 or using our simple online enquiry form.