Winterize Windows to Keep the Cold at Bay

Even the mildest of winters can bring cold temps, snow and ice. The dependable warmth of our homes becomes a cozy refuge from the biting cold outside. However, that comfort can be compromised if your windows are not prepared to stand up against the weather. Winterizing your windows is a practical way to help hold the heat in and keep the cold out. In this article, we'll explore the importance of preparing your windows for winter and common methods to achieve this.

Getting your windows ready for winter is beneficial for several important reasons. It’s a relatively cost-effective way to enhance your home's energy efficiency, comfort and longevity.

• Energy Efficiency: Leaky or poorly insulated windows can result in significant heat loss from your home during the winter. By sealing gaps and cracks, you can reduce the amount of heat that escapes and the cool drafts coming in, making your home more energy efficient. This, in turn, can lead to lower heating bills and reduced energy consumption.
• Comfort: A properly winterized home is cozier to live in during the cold months. It helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, eliminating drafts and cold spots that can make your living spaces uncomfortable.
• Preservation: Inspecting the condition of your windows before winter can help protect them from the harsh elements. Proper sealing and insulation can prevent moisture infiltration, which can lead to damage, rot and decay. By preparing your windows to withstand the harsh winter elements, you can help extend their lifespan and reduce maintenance costs.

If you have brand new Pella windows, know that they are designed to perform well year-round. You really don’t have to do anything except lock them, so they are tightly sealed for the season. However, in older homes, it’s common to encounter drafts, leaks and other inefficiencies as they face wear and tear. Air can travel in and out of your home anywhere there’s an opening. To minimize the effects of winter weather on older windows, follow these steps each year to make sure they’re in prime condition and ready for the season.

The sealant and caulking around your windows are extra important during the winter, as they create a barrier between the window frame and the exterior siding. We recommend inspecting your sealant and caulking on an annual basis before winter weather approaches. As you look things over, pay close attention to the caulking at the lower corners of the windows and under joints between window combinations, where water is likely to collect. While air can make your home cold, water that seeps in and freezes can do even more damage. If you spot cracked, dry, broken or brittle sealant, apply new caulking following manufacturer’s instructions to fix it and rebuild that barrier. We recommend using Pella Window and Door Installation Sealant, which has a high bond strength, is UV- and water-resistant, creates an airtight seal and can be applied in temperatures from -40ºF to 160ºF.

Once you’ve fixed the sealant or assured it’s in good condition, move on to the weatherstripping. Quality weatherstripping should be tight, covering the space between the window sash and frame to reduce air leaks and prevent water from entering your home. If you notice it is not tight, submit a Pella service request to get it replaced. In most cases, you can simply unsnap the current weatherstripping and replace it with a new piece. If you choose to replace it yourself, always read the Pella warranty before installing a new product or part. There are a variety of weatherstripping products that may be used, depending on the type of window you have:

• Adhesive-backed foam compresses between the window and the sash to seal gaps and leaks.
• Tubular rubber gaskets are hollow rubber tubes that help seal gaps.
• Spring V-seals are metal or plastic strips that create tension seals to help prevent drafts.
• Felt weather stripping is one of the oldest kinds, and still can do the job in a pinch, but it may not last as long.

Reach out to your local Pella showroom for help identifying which weatherstripping is right for your windows.

A window that can’t close properly is going to let air and moisture in. In preparation for winter, operate each window – open it, close it, lock it, unlock it – to make sure everything is working. If something sticks or is difficult to operate, try cleaning and lubricating it. If a thorough cleaning and lubrication doesn’t do the trick, the mechanism may need to be repaired or replaced. Contact your local window professional to get it fixed or purchase a replacement part to make the repair yourself. Once all window locking mechanisms are in working order, firmly close and lock every window in your home. This ensures you get the best possible seal before winter arrives.

Now that you’ve completed the first three steps in your winter window check, this last one is a bonus. Thermal curtains cover your windows to help keep the cold out. They are heavy and lined with foam to provide additional insulation. Not only do thermal curtains help with the cold, but they can also reduce noise and block out light. Make sure to hang them as close to the wall as possible so they can help trap all the cold air before it permeates into the rest of the house. Once springtime rolls around, you can change out your thermal curtains for lighter, seasonal curtains. 

Winterization really comes down to energy efficiency. Sealing, caulking, weatherstripping and properly locking your windows all work to keep your window operating at peak efficiency in the cold winter months. Over time, you may find that your annual efforts to winterize your windows aren’t paying off like they used to. If you feel more drafts and your HVAC system seems to work a little harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, it may be time to consider window replacement.

There are energy-efficient windows specifically designed to withstand colder climates. These windows provide lower U-factors and higher solar heat gain coefficients than those designed for hotter, southern climates. In other words, they do a better job of insulating against winter temps while allowing in more sunlight to warm your home naturally. Upgrading your windows can make a big difference in how your home responds to winter. Talk to a Pella expert near you to get a better idea of what your home needs before you face another long and cold winter.