How to Protect Your Windows Through the Winter Months?

Your windows can make the difference between relaxing in your cosy home or sitting with your teeth jittering in the winter. Purchasing and installing high-quality windows with an appropriate amount of insulation is definitely the way to go in that regard, but all of that will amount to nothing without proper maintenance. Here are a couple of pointers for window maintenance, so that you can ensure that your windows do their job well during the cool winter months.

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Checking for flaws

Ensuring that your windows do their job in the winter starts much earlier. If by the time that the chilliest air arrives your windows are faulty, it’s too late. You have to make sure that everything is alright with your windows as soon as early autumn so that you can be ready for anything once the time comes.

But what exactly do we mean by checking your windows? The elements you have to pay the closest attention to are the window glass, frames, and hardware. Begin by checking for gaps between the window, the frame, and the wall. The best time for this would be a windy day, as then you can hear and feel all the gaps without issue. If it’s just a gap in the window framing, this can be easily fixed with caulking or weatherstripping, but if it’s an issue with a crack in the glass, you’ll need to replace it.

Cleaning the windows

The next important step to ensuring that your windows offer the right protection during the winter months is simply keeping your windows clean. While this may not be immediately obvious at first, clean windows actually do a much better job at insulating than those that are covered in dirt.

First and foremost, make sure your frames are completely free of any debris and dust. A duster or wipe should be enough, but if you want to be really thorough, a vacuum cleaner will do the job nicely. Keeping your glass clean is just as important, but keep in mind that you need to keep your method in order if you want to do it properly. Cotton cloths or towels are definitely not a good fit for this, due to the presence of lint which will charge your glass with static, attracting more dirt. Use a sponge or microfibre wipe with water and soap to ensure that your windows stay clean.

Protecting against moisture and other potential dangers

The most prevalent culprit in terms of reducing window efficiency in window is moisture. If you’re not careful, it will build up during the winter months and drastically reduce the performance of your windows, not to mention being potentially hazardous to your health due to the development of fungi. Practical issues aside, mould is also simply unsightly, staining your window frames and seal, while wooden frames will simply rot from the inside.

There is a way to prevent this, however. You can use air fans to improve air circulation, so that your windows are never too humid. The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 40%. You should also make certain that your home is kept warm, as this will help reduce condensation. And always make sure that, if you notice any condensation on your window at all, you remove it as soon as possible so it doesn’t set.