When the temperatures dip ever lower, it is vital to begin looking into preparing your windows for the winter weather. A significant amount of heat is able to escape from gaps or insufficiently insulated windows, which can drive your energy expenses upward. It can also cause your home to be less than comfortable in the winter months. Fortunately, there are many easy, inexpensive ways to prepare your windows for the winter weather, which can help to keep your home comfortable, even with freezing temperatures outside. It is important to remember that while insulating your windows is incredibly important for the winter, there are other areas of your home that can benefit from increased insulation, as well. Here at Penguin Insulation, we offer many services designed to optimize the insulation throughout your entire building.
How to Tell if your Window is Drafty
When you begin to focus on preparing your windows for the winter, it will be useful to know where your window could use some work. There are a few things that you will want to pay attention to when determining if a certain window is drafty or needs increased insulation. Pay attention to what areas of a room are the coldest. If it is right next to the window, it is likely that the window needs better insulation. If your home is cold, despite the heater, and you have extremely high energy-bills, you can be certain that your insulation could use some improvement. Additionally, windows that are difficult to open or close or panes that rattle in the wind may also indicate the necessity of more insulation.
Methods for Sealing Drafts in Windows
To detect drafts in windows, there is a relatively simple method. Curtains that rustle even when the window is closed are indications that a draft is present. It can, however, still be difficult to pinpoint precisely where the gap is coming from. To determine this, hold a lit candle around the window. You will be able to pinpoint a draft whenever the candle’s flame flickers. Once you have determined where the drafts are located, you will be able to take the appropriate steps to seal these drafts.
Caulking is a particularly popular method for sealing off drafty windows. Other alternatives include certain types of foam, weather stripping, and placing draft stoppers over the area. The superior solution will depend on where the draft is located, as well as your preferences for sealing the draft. It can be particularly beneficial to have an expert inspect your windows before you attempt to seal drafts. They will be able to determine any issues with the window frame, as well as where the insulation needs to be improved.
Window Insulation Film
Window insulation film is an incredibly popular method for insulating windows. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Most “window insulation kits” include window insulation film to cover the window. This film is a plastic film that is pasted on windows. This can be particularly beneficial, as it prevents heat from escaping during the winter and can reflect sunlight from heating the home during the summer. However, it is important to keep in mind that the window can’t be opened until the film is removed, so you should refrain from using window insulation film over windows that you open frequently.
Installing window insulation film is a simple process. First, you should ensure that you clean the window frame using either rubbing alcohol or a slightly damp cloth. This will help to ensure that the window insulation film adheres more effectively to the surface. Then, apply double-sided tape around the window frame, leaving about an inch from the edge. Make sure that you measure the frame and cut the plastic sheeting so that it is a few inches larger than the window in each direction. Pull the film taut and press it onto the double-sided tape. After this, all you need to do is use a hair dryer to shrink the film and cut off any excess film.
Bubble Wrap Window Insulation
Bubble wrap is a very inexpensive material that can, in fact, be used to increase the insulation of your windows. In fact, if you have bubble wrap lying around, this method might be totally free! When you look into obtaining bubble wrap for insulating your windows, it is very important to measure carefully. You will want to get a bubble wrap that is wider than your windows, or the same size as your windows. Bubble wrap that is narrower won’t be able to effectively insulate your windows. You may also want to avoid bubble wrap that is perforated, as it tends to be in intervals that will be smaller than your windows. When given the option, bubble wrap with large bubbles will allow more sunlight into the room.
Bubble wrap is effective because it contains multiple pockets that are filled with air, to provide exceptional insulating benefits. In addition, installing bubble wrap as insulation is incredibly simple. All you need to do is spray a thin layer of water, preferably with a spray mister, to the window. Then press the bubbly side of the bubble wrap on to the glass. It should stick and stay there. When it comes time to remove the bubble wrap, simply start at a corner and peel it off. There is no need to deal with tape or any other difficult to remove substance with this method of insulation.
Contact us for your Winter Insulation
Insulating your building properly in the winter can ensure a far more comfortable environment, as well as far lower energy expenses. There are many considerations that you need to take for winter insulation, particularly when it comes to the windows of your building. Here at Penguin Insulation, we understand all of the benefits that come with having an effectively insulated home. We also have the knowledge necessary to provide superior insulation for a building. Contact us today to help prepare your windows for the winter weather.