Preparing your home to face severe weather is crucial as the coldest parts of an Ontario winter approaches. Windows and doors can keep your house warm despite chilly weather.
Proper maintenance and/or replacement windows and doors are critical to ensuring a warm and secure environment. We’ve compiled essential tips on preventative maintenance for your windows and doors to help you avoid the winter cold.
4 maintenance tips for doors and windows
Stay away from the cold due to deteriorating windows and doors. The integrity of your windows and doors is crucial during winter.
Deteriorating seals, cracks, and gaps can lead to significant heat loss, uncomfortable drafts, and increased heating costs. Taking proactive steps ensures your home remains warm and energy-efficient even during the coldest months.
Inspection
The initial phase of preventative maintenance is an in-depth inspection of the doors and windows in your home. Identifying early signs of deterioration, such as fractures, openings, or decaying structures, particularly around windows and doors, is the first step in keeping your home warm. Pay particular attention to the integrity of seals, weather stripping, and glass-sealed units, as these are common points of failure.
Detecting these problems early means minor issues can be addressed promptly, avoiding escalating into more severe, expensive repairs. Being proactive is cost-effective and crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your home’s structural elements.
Weatherproofing
Your next step is to weatherproof your home, specifically windows and doors. This process often involves applying fresh caulking to close gaps and replacing old or worn weather stripping.
Proper weatherproofing is essential for maintaining an optimal indoor climate, preventing cold air infiltration, and keeping the heat inside. It enhances comfort and contributes to energy efficiency to maximize potential savings on heating costs.
Draft proofing
Addressing drafts is a critical aspect of maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Drafts can lead to significant temperature fluctuations in your home and increase energy consumption. Identifying and sealing these air leaks is paramount.
Solutions vary widely, from simple, immediate fixes like using draft stoppers to more extensive measures, such as applying sealants or installing insulation. Effectively draft-proofing your home can lead to noticeable improvements in comfort and energy bills, making it a worthwhile investment for any homeowner.
Another maintenance tip that can improve the seal for operable windows (casements, double hung, side sliders, awnings) is to clean the window tracks and weatherstripping. Dust, dirt, and debris can build up in these crevices/spaces and impair a window’s ability to properly close and seal. It’s as simple as vacuuming the spaces and wiping away any dust, dirt, or debris with a damp cloth.
Replace failing windows
In some cases, maintenance and repairs may not work, or be appropriate, and the next best step is to choose window replacements. Old, damaged, or inefficient windows should be replaced.
Upgrading old windows with modern, energy-efficient windows with the Energy Star® rating can dramatically enhance your home’s thermal performance and reduce energy consumption. While the initial investment might be significant, the long-term savings in heating costs and the improved comfort of your living space often justify the expense.
Professional services from Centennial
Professional services like those offered by Centennial Windows & Doors are invaluable for homeowners seeking assurance and expertise. Our professionals provide comprehensive services, including thorough in-home consultations, expert installation, and quality replacements for windows and doors.
Leveraging our extensive knowledge and experience ensures your home is well-prepared for the winter months. With our help, you can rest easy knowing your windows and doors will provide optimal performance, ensuring your home is comfortable, energy-efficient, and secure throughout the colder season.
Centennial values longevity and quality
Centennial is committed to providing products and services that stand the test of time. You’re investing in quality and longevity by choosing Centennial for your replacement windows.
Energy Star basement windows, in particular, offer superior insulation and energy efficiency, making them an excellent choice for harsh Ontario winters. Preparing your windows and doors for winter is about your home’s comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
Following these preventative maintenance tips, you can avoid winter mishaps and enjoy a cozy, secure season. Taking the proper steps now can significantly affect how your home withstands the winter. Contact Centennial Windows & Doors for the expertise and quality products to upgrade your old windows and keep your home warm all winter.