As the winter season fast approaches, we turn our attention to the coming holidays and all the excitement and preparation that entails. In light of far more enjoyable activities to come and preparing ourselves for winter, most of us fail to give the appropriate thought to preparing our homes for the season.

Yet, the time that we take to make these preparations – especially when it comes to protecting our windows, one of the most significant investments in our home – can mean the difference between a warm, safe, dry and financially sound winter and one in which we are putting out metaphorical fire after fire.

Protecting our windows for the season – winterizing them – comes down to just a few important steps; taking them can be the best pre-holiday gift you can give yourself.

Here’s a quick guide to protecting your windows in winter:

 1. Get cleaning. First and foremost, it’s important to thoroughly clean your windows before doing anything else. Dirt and debris can be an obstacle against a tightly closed window; and if you don’t have a tight seal, you’re letting cool air in and warm air out. Wash – and even vacuum – all the pieces and parts of the window so everything is clean, debris-free and ready to be sealed tightly for winter.

2. Inspect your windows. Examine each of your windows to determine if everything is functioning as it should. Windows should open and close easily and completely, locking mechanisms should work properly and the window should fit entirely into the frame without any gaps or pull away. If you notice that there is an issue with any of the window’s functions, now is the time to fix it – either on your own, if you are capable, or with the help of a professional.

 3. Protect window panes. Protect against leaking by sealing cracks in window panes with cardboard or insulated foam board covered with plastic; all of which can be taped right over the cracks. Stores even sell winterizing kits that provide heavy plastic to cover the entire window. “How do you find the leaks?” you ask…hold a lit candle near the window and if it flickers or blows out, you found your culprit.

4. Weather stripping. For larger cracks between the window frame and wall, weather stripping is inexpensive and easy to use. Simply cut off a piece of weather strip, peel to reveal the sticky covering and apply with pressure to seal the cracks.

5. Caulk it up. Use caulking to seal small cracks between the window frame and the wall. Caulk is an inexpensive and easy way to take care of pesky leaks and keep cold air outside where it belongs.

 6. Consider storm windows. In areas where winters are long and grueling, homeowners may consider removing screens and installing storm windows during cold months. These are a fantastic way to keep cold drafts at bay.

7.  Curtains count. Heavy window draping on the inside don’t just look good; they can protect the interior room from drafts and protect the window from a buildup of condensation.

8.  Lower humidity. The biggest enemy of the average window during winter? Condensation. The buildup of condensation happens when there is a difference between the outside and inside temperate and humidity. Heat inside the home can translate to high humidity. This humidity hits the window – which is cold from its exposure to outside temperatures – and turns to water.

This water – the condensation – over time, can damage windows by rotting frames and sills. By lowering humidity in the home, you reduce the incidence of condensation and potential window damage. One or several de-humidifiers can easily do the trick and work to restore balance.

Getting your windows ready for winter can be a weekend affair – easily tackled. Best of all, most materials that you will need to perform window winterizing can be found in any home improvement or hardware store.

If you can put just a few hours into preparing your windows for the colder months, you will find that it will be well worth the time and effort as evidenced by a warmer, more efficient home. Also, windows that have been as protected as possible against the elements have a better chance of serving you well for a longer period of time.

Author Bio – This article has been written by Nathan W Colwell on behalf of The Wooden Window Workshop specializing in sash window repairs, restorations and replacement of wooden windows in London. If you’re looking for more information about sash windows, do get in touch with them today.