Snuggling under a blanket on a cold winter’s night is a normal occurrence in many households. It congers up a warm and fuzzy image, doesn’t it? On the other hand, being forced to huddle under a blanket because a seasonal draft feels more like a steady blast of arctic air is an entirely different story. Taking time to winterize windows now may make all the difference between snuggling on the couch watching old movies on a snow day and cowering from the cold all winter long.
It doesn’t take long to take things under control if you’re willing to invest a little time and money. Simply applying weather stripping around doors and windows can do wonders. Covering windows with plastic is another old school method that many still use today. However, if you’re willing to delve a little deeper, the better the outcome.
An overall inspection
It’s wise to inspect your windows periodically, but we know life gets busy and it’s easy to let time slip by. And, for some of us, that’s especially the case when it comes to things like window inspection.
Look for cracked glass or rattling panes first of all. Of course, rattling panes require immediate attention. It could be that reapplying the caulk around your window will solve the problem. It’s available at local hardware and home supply stores. It’s a DIY project many homeowners are willing to tackle. And, depending on the number of windows in your home, you’re likely to consider yourself somewhat of a pro when the job is complete.
Moisture issues
If you discover missing caulk or other problems left your window frames and casings exposed to the elements and damage set in, the sooner you resolve the issue the better. Even if your frames aren’t made of wood, the majority of your home is and the thing about moisture is that it continues to seek its way further and further into the interior of your home.
Mold
Mold thrives in dark, humid conditions and most of us live in areas that are prone to some type of the nasty stuff. It affects our health, largely by inducing allergic reactions such as watery eyes, respiratory issues, and headaches. In some cases of prolonged exposure, though, the end result was death.
Wood rot
Wood rot is another problem that arises when the wood inside your home is left exposed to rain and snow. It begins as a fungus that lives on the wood causing it to deteriorate. It spreads to remain alive. Left unchecked, wood rot causes structural damage that gets very costly to repair.
Something else to consider
If your windows are damaged or older and lack energy-efficient properties, it may be time to consider replacement windows. Insulated glass windows do an excellent job of making a home more energy-efficient. However, if you’re taking that step, take one further and think about the overall advantages of installing impact windows throughout your home.
“Statistics show that homeowners report seeing savings of up to 30% after installing impact windows in their home,” said Randy Reece, CEO of Reece Windows. He continued, “And, that’s not the only benefit, of course. Living in Florida, many homeowners install impact windows to strengthen the structural integrity of their homes. We believe in the added protection impact windows afford homeowners. In fact, it’s the only type of windows we make.”
And, if impact windows stand up to a hurricane, imagine the look of dismay on an intruder’s face should they try and break-in to your home by way of smashing the window. They’re not likely to hang around long when instead of the sound of breaking glass, they’re stopped mid-swing with a resounding thud instead.
But, wait, there’s more!
Impact windows also offer excellent UV protection guarding against sun fade. Moreover, they reduce the sound of outside noise too. Some homeowners report not realizing the full value of this fringe benefit until they experienced it for themselves!
Lastly, some manufacturers offer a transferrable lifetime guarantee!
Whether you’re winterizing the windows you have or planning to make a change for the better, keeping up with home maintenance is one of the less thrilling aspects of being a homeowner. However, our homes are the largest investments that many of us will make during our lifetimes.
Ensuring it stands in good repair is the best way to make the most of it.
Byline & Bio:
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams believes construction is in her DNA. She spent many happy summers on the job site alongside her dad. As time passed, writing became her first love. She’s a contributing author at Reece Windows and loves the gig! However, she doesn’t hesitate to strap on the tool belt and tackle a project on the side. Her kids love the playhouse!
