Winter has arrived in the Chicago suburbs. We have already enjoyed the first snowfall and celebrated the warm holiday of Thanksgiving. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are just around the corner, which means it’s time for some pleasant pre-holiday hustle and bustle. December is the best time to take stock of the year and finish any remaining tasks. The Rotten Window Repair team would like to remind you about your windows: are they ready for winter? Mend your sails while the weather is fine and prepare your windows with the help of our article.
How to prepare wooden windows for winter?
Wooden windows are an excellent solution from both an environmental and aesthetic point of view, but wooden windows are prone to rot. If you find rotten elements, you need to address the issue as soon as possible, as the window can still be saved and you can avoid costly replacement. Rotten Window Repair Company can help you with this problem.
Repair of damaged elements
Rotten Window Repair company specializes in repairing rotten wooden window frames, sashes, and sills. We will select an element identical to your damaged one (taking into account colors and shapes) and give your window a second life.
You can view our work in the gallery on our website or on our social media, where we regularly post before-and-after photos and other useful information.
Rotten Window Repair Company provides a wide range of services:
- Rotten Wood Replacement
- Window Frame Repair
- Sash and Sill Repair
- Glass Replacement
- Caulking Service
- Hardware Replacement
- Sash replacement
- New windows & doors installation
- Exterior house & deck painting
We strongly recommend you to check and repair your windows in advance, but if you notice breakages in winter, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll improve window breakages of any complexity!
Now let’s talk about what you can do yourself in order to prepare your windows for the winter season.
To prevent heat loss and cold air from entering your home, you should check that your wooden windows are still airtight.
How to check if your windows let in cold air?
- Run your hand along the joint between the frame and the sash: if the window lets in cold, you will definitely feel the frosty air.
- Apply soap foam to the joint between the frame and the sash: the foam will start to bubble where cold air is coming in.
If you find that your wooden windows are letting in cold air, we can suggest some ways to solve this problem by yourself.
Caulking with sealants:
Clean the frame of dust and dirt, degrease the surface. Select a sealant of the required thickness so that it fits snugly but does not interfere with closing the window. Attach the sealant around the entire perimeter of the frame, paying particular attention to the corners.
The Rotten Window Repair team recommends silicone and rubber seals, as they last longer and retain heat better.
This method helps eliminate small gaps and improve the energy efficiency of windows, reducing heating costs.
Insulation using thermal insulation film
There is another way to protect your home from the cold: use special thermal insulation window film. This film is attached to the frame and creates an air gap, improving thermal insulation.
How to install the film: clean the glass and frame so that the film adheres well, stretch the film over the glass, carefully securing it at the edges. Smooth the surface with a hair dryer to create a “second glass” effect.
This method reduces heat loss through the glass, does not spoil the appearance, and is easy to remove. The film helps to improve the thermal insulation of windows, retaining up to 15% of the heat inside the room.
Installation of new wooden windows
We only recommend installing new windows as a last resort. If your windows can be saved, we will do so and save you money. However, the extent of damage varies. During a free consultation and measurement, we determine the severity of the damage and are honest with our customers about it. With us, you don’t have to worry about hidden fees and markups.
To enhance the effect, you can combine the measures listed above. Whichever method you choose, cleaning and degreasing are mandatory preparatory steps.
How to prepare aluminum windows for winter?
Aluminum windows, like any other, need to be prepared for the winter season. First of all, we clean the windows. If you take care of them regularly and keep them clean, they will serve you faithfully and improve light transmission. Here are some recommendations for keeping your windows clean:
- Use mild detergents and soft cloths to avoid damage.
- Don’t forget to clean not only the glass, but also the frames and seals.
- For heavy soiling, use special cleaning products for aluminum surfaces.
After washing your windows and glass, it is important to conduct a thorough inspection:
- Check the seals for cracks or damage.
- Test for leaks: run your hand along the seals.
- If you feel heat escaping, it is time to replace them. If necessary, replace the seals with new ones.
Next, you need to check your window hardware. It is very important that all mechanisms work smoothly and that the sashes close without leaving any gaps. If your hardware is faulty, Rotten Window Repair Company provides hardware adjustment and replacement services.
How to prepare vinyl windows for winter?
The procedure is not much different from that for other types of windows. We thoroughly clean the windows and inspect them for defects:
- Are there any cracks or chips on the frames and glass?
- Is the seal damaged, and is there enough liquid sealant on it? Pay special attention to the corners, as this is where condensation first appears.
- How tightly do the sashes fit to the frame, are they sagging?
- Is there any rust on the fittings, are any parts loose?
- In case of serious damage, it is worth contacting a specialist.
How to prepare window glass for winter?
Checking double-glazed windows can significantly protect you from heat loss and increased heating bills:
- First, you need to make sure there is no condensation inside the double-glazed window. It is important to be careful, as condensation does not always indicate a seal malfunction. Most often, condensation occurs for everyday reasons. We explain how to distinguish between a malfunction and a natural phenomenon here.
- Check the window glass for cracks, chips, or other damage. First of all, this poses a risk of injury, and of course, it leads to heat loss.
If you find any of the problems mentioned above, feel free to contact Rotten Window Repair Company.
We are installing different window glass types:
- IGU Glass
- Annealed Glass
- Tempered Glass
- LoE glass
- Pattern and colored glass
Important! We do not manufacture glass; we order it especially for you from a reliable and popular window glass supplier, Cardinal Glass Industries. All Cardinal glass units come with a 20-year warranty on the thermal seal!
And a few words in conclusion…
It’s great when every detail in your home works properly, but to achieve this, you need to pay a little attention to it regularly, check it for integrity and serviceability, and fix minor problems before they turn into major ones. Don’t worry, the Rotten Window Repair team is always ready to lend a hand in caring for your windows. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by calling +1 (630) 716-6181 or filling out the special form on our website (attach photos of your windows, and we will call you back and schedule a free window assessment). We wish you warmth and comfort this winter!
