Your home’s windows allow beautiful natural light into a room while giving you a glimpse of the landscape outside. But if you notice a draft that lets hot or cold air into your home, your windows might need some work.
Not only will drafty windows disrupt the comfortable temperature of your home. But they will also affect your energy bill, costing you a great deal of money. There are a number of ways you can boost the integrity of your windows to resolve these issues.
A home improvement company can evaluate your windows and offer sound advice. But you can also read on to find three tips from an expert that can improve the efficiency of the windows in your house.
Seal Air Leaks in Your Windows
If you feel a draft coming from a window, then air is leaking through some part of the fixture. A common culprit of this issue is damage to the caulking around the window, which is a flexible material that seals spaces between the windowpane, frame, and rest of your wall.
Check for cracks or peeling in the caulking of your window and reapply the material to seal up the spaces once again. If you want to further protect your caulking, consider adding weather stripping. This refers to a foam strip that you can stick over the seams of the window.
The weather strips will cover tiny holes or openings to add insulation to the windows and prevent drafts and damage to the caulking. They can also stop moisture, bugs, and other external elements from entering your home.
Install Fixtures to Shield Windows
Placing certain fixtures on the outside or inside of your windows can further improve their efficiency. Window shades, blinds, or drapes can block harsh sunlight, but they can also boost insulation around the windows. They will allow an easy transition from encouraging warmth when open on sunny days to retaining indoor heat when closed during colder weather.
You might also benefit from building an awning over a window outside of your home. They can further shield your home from harsh sunlight and weather. Plus, you can install a retractable awning to adjust the fixture to your day-to-day needs.
Replace Old Windows
Over time, the structure of a window can deteriorate. You might notice the glass no longer fits properly in the frame or that a draft seems to infiltrate your home despite efforts to reseal your windows. Sometimes, you can repair a damaged window, but, more likely, you will need to replace it.
Windows usually last for 15 to 50 years before requiring replacement. But inclement weather or neglected maintenance can mean the window sustains enough damage to need replacement before that time.
Give your home improvement contractor a call to obtain an estimate for window replacement at no cost to you. They can let you know what to expect from this process. They can also offer advice about maintaining your windows in order to maximize their lifespan along with their efficiency.