Before winter arrives you will have to take certain steps to make sure your doors and windows are in proper condition. This way you will be able to ensure that you will not have to face the issue of drafts which result in an increase of your energy bills and also makes the house uncomfortable to live in.
Our aim here will be to analyze a few of the things you can do to make sure your doors and windows in the West Island are in well-maintained condition before winter arrives.
Analysis of Things to do for the Maintenance of Doors and Windows
Tip #1: Get Rid of Debris and Dirt
Leaves, sand, dirt, and other similar debris usually gets stuck in moving parts and window sills of your sliding doors in the West Island and windows. By keeping these areas clean you will be able to achieve a tighter seal while windows are kept closed.
Tip #2: Check Weather Stripping
Check to make sure that weather stripping has not become loose or worn. If it has then cold air will get in and the heating system will have to work more to keep your home warm.
To prevent such a thing from happening what you will have to do is simply replace or re-attach the weather stripping so that the warm air stays inside. In addition, you should re-apply sealant or caulk around the windows since they are exposed to harsh sunlight in summer months.
Tip #3: Replace/Repair Damaged Surfaces
Rotting or cracked wood windows permit cold air and moisture to enter your home. As such, it will be important for you to closely inspect windows for any moisture leaks or water damage as well as replace wood that has been damaged.
In case, you find that the gutters or roof is facing drainage issues then you will have to consult professionals at the earliest so that water can be prevented from damaging other sections of your house.
Tip #4: Installation of Storm Windows
The benefit of storm windows is that they offer an additional layer of protection from air leaks and moisture. In addition, when the windows are properly secure, you are able to cut down your energy expenditure that results because of cracks and gaps present in windows.
Tip #5: Replace Windows
You will be able to significantly reduce your energy bills by installing high quality windows. Thus, your aim should be to replace existing windows with double pane window installation Montreal that have energy star rating to achieve desired results.
Let us now look at some instances where it will be better to replace the windows instead of investing money on repairing them.
- Too Much Draft: You need to make sure that not too much of the air is seeping in, even when the windows are closed. You may contemplate adding extra weather stripping or sealant, but if there is a significant amount of draft then it will indicate that there is a serious leak.
- Condensation: If you notice that condensation is building up in a double pane windows then it may be a better thing to replace such windows since it will mean that seal has degraded.
- Damaged Windows: If you see visible crack in your windows or if it is difficult to open or close them then it will be better to replace them.
- A Lot of Noise: In the case where windows are making a lot of noise, then it is likely that they are outdated and you will have to replace them with energy efficient ones. Additionally, if you are able to hear conversations and foot traffic outside the house then it will be a clear indication that windows need to be replaced.
Tip #6: Perform a Smoke Test
A simple way of finding out whether your windows and doors are drafty is to carry out a smoke test. By performing this test you will be able to understand which sections of your home have air leaks. When performing the smoke test you will have to shut all the windows and doors in your house and switch off all gas appliances.
After that you should turn on the bathroom and kitchen ventilation system to create a negative pressure within your home. Next, you should light up an incense stick, let it start burning properly and then bring it close to the windows and doors.
If the windows and doors are drafty then the smoke coming out of incense sticks will be drawn towards the windows and doors due to the negative pressure that was created by the ventilation system.
Another thing you can do is light up a match stick and hold it close to the window seals to check whether the flame flickers. If it does then it will indicate that there is a draft that you will have to look into.
Tip #7: Loose Fixtures
You need to perform a thorough inspection to make sure there are no fixtures and fittings which are loose, like window handles or door hinges. If any issue is noticed then you should fix it as early as possible.
Additionally, you need to make sure that all the doors and windows close properly. This can be done by placing a monetary bill in the middle and closing the door or window.
If you are able to easily pull out the bill, then it will indicate that the door or window is not fitting properly and it needs to be fixed. In this situation you will have to utilize weather stripping for reducing the draft.
Tip #8: Take Off Window Screens
You will be able to lower the probability of condensation forming over windows by removing and storing the interior screens separately for awning and casement windows.
This will let sunlight heat up your glazing and reduce the likelihood of the formation of condensation. In addition, by removing outer screens, you will protect them from getting dirty due to bad weather.
Lastly, you should keep the curtains and blinds open during the night and in the morning wipe off the frost to lower the likelihood of condensation.
