Are you feeling cold and heat waves in your home? Have you checked the windows? Before you focus on large expenses like ceiling, walls and flooring, analyze the windows first as they can be one of the main reasons. Extreme temperatures can enter your home through small cracks or leaks in the windows leading to thermal loss. However, there are some ways to prevent this including some easy fixes, blackout curtains, cellular blinds and bubble wrap. To learn more in detail, keep reading this blog-post!
Check for cracks or leaks
This is the first step when you’re insulating the windows. Stand in front of the closed window for a while and then see whether you can feel the wind coming through the seals or not. If there are leaks or cracks, then you will definitely feel the wind. But the small leaks may not be detected by looking at the window. Rather, moisten your fingertips and run them along the seam because wet skin is sensitive to shifts in the air current, unlike dry skin.
Check when it rains
If you see moisture trapped between panels or in the frame, then there might be a leak. The moisture stuck in the corner or along one of its edges signifies a problem in the seams. While dampness in the middle of the window panel may indicate some kind of crack or chip in the glass.
Conduct a smoke test
This is another way to spot any leak if any regardless of the weather. Light a candle and hold it around the window frame. If the smoke gets stuck at any point into the frame, then there can be a leak which should be fixed.
Use rubber weather sealing
Buy self-adhesive weather sealing strips and trim it to match the dimensions of the windows. Stick the strips to the inner frame along the edges and seal the leaks. This is an inexpensive way to fix leaks but you need to change it once a while as it might come off. Also, remember that once the strips are peeled off, there can be a sticky residue chipping the paint. Therefore, apply another strip ASAP or touch up the area with a similar colour.
Try other sealants
There are other sealants that can be used as well and they are:
Important Note• Caulk sealants are durable than rope caulk and can block moisture preventing fungi. • Test the expanded volume of expansion foam first if you decide to use it instead of other sealants.
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Paint the crack with nail polish
This is a temporary solution but can work until you decide to change the cracked glass window. Apply several coats of nail polish on the cracks but make sure you apply each coat after the previous one dries completely.
Use weather-seal tape
Instead of using nail polish, you can apply weather seal tape directly on the cracks to prevent air from entering the room. However, eventually, you should get the window glass replaced.
Apply insulation film
Trim down the insulation film to the size of the window and then stick it using double-sided tape. This can create a noticeable haze over the window but it may not be aesthetically pleasing.
Stick bubble wrap onto the window
This is another cheap way to insulate the windows. Spray the window with water and then press a sheet of bubble wrap onto the glass. It usually sticks without much difficulty. If it fails to stick, then use double-sided tape. But make sure the bubble side should face the glass to ensure better insulation.
Install blackout curtains or cellular blinds
You can either choose blackout shades and cellular shades or blinds to cover the window. Good-quality blackout curtains made of thick fabrics are also an alternative. All of them can block the entry of sunlight and keep the indoors cool. In fact, you can install any of them or try a combination based on your requirements.
That’s how you can insulate the windows of your home. Choose the one that is convenient for you and start with the process today and save money on the electricity bills. If you’re planning to buy cellular blinds or blackout curtains in Toronto, then you can get in touch with our experts who can guide you better in the selection.
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