Have you been experiencing drafts through your windows the past couple of winters? As windows age, their ability to keep out cold air decreases. You can experience cold drafts entering your home through your windowsill, window frames, or through miniscule cracks in your actual window. Luckily, there are solutions for these problems.
In this article, we’ll discuss ways you can help insulate a window in Annapolis this winter. Some of these options are DIY, and some of them may require the help of a professional window contractor. For the latter options, we’ve also compiled a list of steps for you to take when looking for reliable experts. Without further ado, let’s explore ways you can either have a DIY insulation project or have professionally installed window insulation.
A Brief List of Ways to Insulate a Window
Whether you’ve been dealing with drafts coming through your windows for many years or you just noticed it last year, there are many things you can do to improve your window insulation. Through DIY options like thermal curtains, draft stoppers, and weather stripping, you can insulate your windows without any extra help. But with solutions such as replacing old windows and refinishing or caulking aging seals, you may want to reach out to a local professional instead of attempting these options yourself. Read through our list of possible ways you can prevent cold drafts from entering your home, then read on to discover how you might go about getting expert help if you need it.
1. Replace Old Windows
If you’ve been having problems with window insulation for many years, then it may be time for a window replacement. Usually, windows last anywhere between 15-30 years, depending on what type of window you have. By getting your windows replaced, you may not only be solving your insulation issue, but other issues caused by an aging window (lack of energy efficiency, for example). With quality window replacement, you can avoid temporary solutions for many years.
2. Use Thermal Curtains
If you believe your window is not in need of being replaced, another option to keep your window insulated is with thermal curtains. Thermal curtains are thick and made with a layer of acrylic foam. They work to keep the cool air trapped near the window so that it doesn’t enter further into your home. On nights where it is snowing or the lake effect is impacting the weather, thermal curtains can come in handy. However, on days where the sun is shining, you may miss out on the sunlight entering your home because the curtains are closed, keeping the cold and the sunlight out.
3. Replace Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is placed around the trim of your windows and doors to help insulate your home. However, they can decay after a few years, and they may need to be replaced. If you’ve noticed cold air sneaking into your home through your windows, you may want to check for damage on your weather stripping. If you find that it’s damaged, decaying, or worn out, you can replace it yourself.
4. Get Draft Stoppers
Another DIY option to insulate your windows is through draft stoppers, also known as draft blockers. These are cloth tubes that are filled with rice, beans, or other materials. You can place this on your windowsill, and it will keep your home insulated from the cold air. With this simple, inexpensive option, you can hold off on getting an entire window replacement while still ensuring your house can remain warm.
5. Refinish or Caulk Aging Seals
Sometimes, the seals on your windows can age and get worn out, and you’ll have to refinish or re-caulk them. Luckily, both of these are available through both professional services and in over-the-counter availability, meaning this option can be a DIY or professional project. It depends on whichever option you are most comfortable with. No matter how you decide to reseal your windows, you’re ensuring that your home stays insulated this winter.
6. Place Insulating Window Inserts
Our final tip to insulate a window is to place window inserts. These are plastic coverings that will cover your entire window as extra protection against the winter cold. These are removable and are a solid DIY project to keep your windows from letting in any cold. Additionally, these can also be used for the summer to keep your cold air inside your home as well.
Need Extra Help from Your Local Experts? Here Are 5 Steps to Get Started
If your chosen solution to insulate a window includes the assistance or advice of a window professional, but you don’t know how to go about finding one, you’re in luck! Below, we’ve constructed simple steps to find your window contractor, so they can guide you through the process. Explore our steps below, then reach out to Window Depot of Annapolis if you have any questions.
1. Research Local Contractors
When it comes to your window insulation in Annapolis, you want a window contractor you can trust. That’s why it’s important to do your research when looking for window companies. Be sure to look through websites, reviews, and services, so you know what to expect from your local companies.
2. Contact Your Chosen Company
After you’ve chosen a company, contact them! Most window companies will have a form for you to fill out or a phone number you can call. From there, you’ll be able to set up your in-person consultation.
3. Receive an Estimate or Advice
Once you book your estimate, your window company contractor will be out to your property right away for your consultation. There, you can ask any questions you may have and share your vision with them, and they’ll give you their options and advice.
4. Act on Your Recommendations
Whether you just needed friendly advice or needed professional help with your window insulation, it’s important to act swiftly in your next step. If you need to schedule an entire window replacement, you should do so as soon as possible. If all you needed was a draft stopper, you can order it online and receive it quickly, so it can be installed, and you can be ready for the winter season.
5. Enjoy Your Newly Insulated Windows
Once you have either gotten professional services or completed your own DIY project for your windows, the best part about this process is to enjoy your comfortable home, free from bitter drafts chilling your home. You’ll soon see the lasting benefits of either your window service or your DIY project.
Recap: Ways to Insulate a Window to Prepare for Winter
To summarize, there are several temporary and permanent options you can use to help your home stay comfortable this winter. Through DIY projects such as thermal curtains, draft stoppers, weather strips, and window inserts, you can keep your house warm with ease. Professional solutions such as window replacements and refinishing or caulking seals can help you keep your house warm for many years. All you need to do is contact your trusted local window contractors. Depending on what your windows need, you have many paths you can take to ensure you’re ready for this winter season.
Looking for Helpful Advice or Need a Window Replacement? Call Window Depot Today!
Do you need help with your window insulation? Window Depot of Annapolis is here to help! From window maintenance to entire window replacements, we have the resources you need to protect your windows and your home. With our expert team, you’ll be in good hands. Whether you’d like a window replacement estimate or just friendly advice, we’re waiting for your call.
Don’t wait until you have a problem – reach out today for your window insulation in Annapolis.
