How to Prepare Your Windows for Harsh Colorado Winters

How to Prepare Your Windows for Harsh Colorado Winters

As the frigid embrace of winter approaches Colorado, you might have noticed an alarming spike in your heating bills. If it’s getting more challenging to keep your home warm, it’s a clear sign that cold air is finding its way inside. The good news is that now is the ideal time to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, and the first place to start is with your windows. In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare your windows for Colorado’s demanding winter weather, from detecting drafts to implementing temporary fixes, and understanding when it’s time to replace them.

 

Finding the Draft: Where’s the Problem?

Before you can tackle drafty windows, you need to identify precisely where the issue originates. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward and effective method for detecting drafts in your Colorado home. Here’s how to do it:

1. Stroll through your home and ensure all your windows are securely closed.
2. Light a candle.
3. Hold the candle next to each window, moving it along the seams.

   If the flame flickers, you’ve likely discovered an air leak. These drafts are the culprits behind your escalating heating bills, and in Colorado’s harsh winters, every bit of insulation counts.

Quick Fixes for Drafty Windows

Not every drafty window requires immediate replacement. You can opt for temporary fixes that are both cost-effective and easy to execute. Here are four simple solutions to help seal off those troublesome drafts:

1. Weather Stripping

• This is an economical option that’s perfect for those who enjoy DIY projects.
• Purchase weather stripping material from your local hardware store for just a few dollars per window.
• Cut the strips to the correct size and use them to fill the gaps between the window sash and jamb.

2. Caulking

• Caulk tubes are budget-friendly and, with a bit of practice, become more manageable to work with.
• Apply caulk both inside and outside the window where it meets the casing and where the casing meets the wall or siding material.

3. Draft Stopper

• Place a substantial fabric draft stopper on the windowsill or under the door to prevent cold air from infiltrating your home.

4. Curtains

• Consider replacing lightweight curtains with thicker, more insulating materials.
• These heavier curtains act as a barrier, trapping air between their layers to provide additional insulation.

By applying these quick fixes, you can make a significant improvement in your windows’ insulation, reducing heat loss during Colorado’s bitter winter months.

 

When to Know It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

While temporary fixes are excellent for addressing minor draft problems, there comes a point when window replacement is the most practical solution. New windows not only enhance your home’s energy efficiency but can also increase its value. Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your windows:

1. Improper Operation

• If your windows no longer open or close correctly, it might be time for a replacement. This issue could result from warped frames or damaged mechanisms, and in Colorado’s winters, functional windows are crucial.

2. Condensation Between Panes

• When condensation appears between the panes of your double- or triple-glazed windows, it’s a sign of a compromised seal. This results in reduced insulation and energy efficiency, which is far from ideal in Colorado’s severe winter conditions.

3. Aging Windows

• If your windows are 15-20 years old or more, they’re likely not as energy-efficient as newer models. Aging windows can be a significant source of drafts and heat loss, which is something you want to avoid in Colorado’s winters.

When it’s time to replace your windows, it’s crucial to hire a trusted professional installer who understands Colorado’s specific weather challenges. They have the expertise to identify and rectify drafts, ensuring a tight seal around the window. Additionally, they can recommend Energy Star-rated windows, which can significantly reduce your energy bills in the face of Colorado’s harsh winters.

In conclusion, preparing your windows for Colorado’s brutal winter weather is essential for maintaining a warm and energy-efficient home. Whether you opt for quick fixes or decide on window replacement, taking action now will lead to a cozier, more cost-effective winter season in the Centennial State. So, go ahead and address those drafty windows, and enjoy a snug and energy-efficient home all winter long, even when Colorado’s weather is at its most challenging.

 

Need help to improve your roof for the winter!

Protect your home and your finances by contacting American Roofing & Construction today for a FREE ESTIMATE. Call us in Parker at (720) 643-9082 in Fort Collins at (970) 465-2532 or click here to request your free estimate now, tailored to Colorado’s unique climate challenges.