how do you winterize windows from the outside

4 Steps to Winter-Proof Windows

• 1. Caulk and seal windows for winter. The sealant and caulking is critical during the winter. It helps create a barrier between the window frame and the exterior siding. ...
• 2. Apply new window weatherstripping. Once you’ve fixed the sealant or assured it’s in good condition, move on to the weatherstripping. ...
• 3. Inspect window locks and latches. ...
• 4. Hang thermal curtains. ...

Full Answer

What is the best way to winterize windows?

Window Caulking: Seal Windows for Winter in 3 Steps

• Locate the Leaks. Figure out where the biggest window leaks are so you can concentrate your time and money on fixing the worst problems.
• Do the Easy Fixes First. Window caulking is easy and cheap and should be the first line of defense against winter drafts. ...
• Invest in Long-Term Solutions. ...

How to winterize your doors and Windows?

• Give your windows a good cleaning before winter. This will allow you to see clearly and allow light into your home. ...
• Patch up any cracks around your windows by applying caulking or weather strip.
• Double-hung and slider window screens, as well as patio door screens, should be stored away. ...

How do you winterize windows?

The best way to winterize your windows is to add a sealed layer of plastic or glass over the window. And the cheapest, easiest way to do this is by installing an interior window insulation kit. Duck brand Shrink Film Window Insulation Kit and 3M Window Insulator Kit are two readily available options.

How to winterize drafty windows?

Family Handyman. Keep out those winter winds by sealing up your drafty windows. The best way to winterize your windows is to add a sealed layer of plastic or glass over the window. And the cheapest, easiest way to do this is by installing an interior window insulation kit. Duck brand Shrink Film Window Insulation Kit and 3M Window Insulator Kit ...

Can you insulate a window from the outside?

Insulating windows from the outside can lower your energy bills through the winter months. Outside installation may perform better in certain situations. Small children or cats that enjoy the windowsill may create tears or holes in the plastic, which may need to be fixed or replaced more often.

What is the best way to winterize old windows?

The best way to winterize your windows is to add a sealed layer of plastic or glass over the window. And the cheapest, easiest way to do this is by installing an interior window insulation kit. Keep out those winter winds by sealing up your drafty windows.

Should I put plastic on the inside or outside of my windows?

You can apply the plastic for windows in two ways, from the inside and the outside of your window. Since adverse weather conditions impact the outside of your window, you should use stronger plastic if you place it there. It needs to withstand strong winds, snow, blizzards, and heavy rains.

How do you seal cold air out of a window?

Here are seven methods of keeping cold air from coming through your windows and doors.Use Weather Strips. Weather strips are an inexpensive way to seal doors and windows in your home. ... Install New Door Sweeps. ... Apply Foam Tape. ... Insulate with Window Film. ... Hang Insulated Curtains. ... Re-Caulk Windows and Doors. ... Use a Door Snake.

What is the easiest way to insulate windows?

5 ways to insulate your apartment windowsUse window insulation film. Window film creates an insulating barrier between the interior of your apartment and your windows. ... Cover your windows with bubble wrap. ... Install removable magnetic window insulation. ... Use rope caulk to seal cracks. ... Add thermal curtains to your windows.

Does putting plastic on windows help in winter?

Window film covers are inexpensive, reduce drafts, help the house feel warmer during winter months, and reduce moisture buildup on the window due to condensation.

How do I put plastic on the outside of my window?

2:474:36DIY on Applying Plastic Film to Exterior Windows - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat make sure all the wrinkles are gone of course being outside you also have the breeze. AndMoreWhat make sure all the wrinkles are gone of course being outside you also have the breeze. And things to do.

Does plastic on the outside of windows help?

Plastic window film covers can reduce drafts and make your home feel warmer during the winter. They are also a relatively inexpensive way to reduce condensation buildup and lower energy bills. Window wraps can also seal air leaks around the window, when those leaks extend over woodwork.

How can I insulate my old windows without replacing them?

6 Ways to Insulate Windows without Replacing ThemInstall Window Inserts. Window inserts offer excellent insulation during those frigid winter months while being cost-effective compared to full window replacements. ... Bubble Wrap. ... Traditional Caulk. ... Insulated Glass Units. ... Thermal Curtains. ... Draft Stoppers.

What is the warmest window covering?

7 Window Treatments to Keep Your Home Warm in Winter Cellular Shades. Cellular shades are the most energy-efficient window treatments. ... Draperies. ... Plantation Shutters. ... Roman Shades. ... Solar Blinds. ... Insulated Curtains. ... Combination Window Coverings.

How do I stop Draughts around windows?

For windows that open, buy draught-proofing strips to stick around the window frame and fill the gap between the window and the frame. There are two types: Self-adhesive foam strips – these are cheap and easy to install, but may not last long.

Why is cold air coming through my windows?

Older windows, even some newer windows, can let cold air right into your home. It happens because of cracks, failed seals, and poor insulation. If you're trying to fix this problem by putting bubble wrap on windows, you can do better.

How do you weatherproof old aluminum windows?

If your aluminum windows are letting air in or out of your home, you can easily fix this problem by sealing the joints. Silicone caulk is ideal for sealing around metal and glass, so this is the preferred type of caulk for sealing gaps 1/4 inch wide or less on aluminum windows.

What can I put on windows to keep heat out?

Heat Blocking Window Shades. Putting up window shades is a quick fix for solar overheating. ... Blockout Roller or Panel Blinds. ... External Window Shading. ... Bubble Wrap Window Insulation. ... Heat Reducing Window Film. ... Combining Multiple Methods.

How do you insulate old aluminum windows?

Caulk carefully. Caulking is good for sealing cracks, gaps, and joints less than a quarter of an inch. ... Weatherstrip for a temporary fix. ... Seal your windows with plastic. ... Hang thermal drapes. ... Install cellular shades. ... Install storm window inserts.

How do you wrap windows in the winter?

1:004:01How To Insulate Drafty Windows for Winter - Save Hundreds on HeatingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour first step is to apply the double-sided tape to the window in my case it's a newer style windowMoreYour first step is to apply the double-sided tape to the window in my case it's a newer style window. So I'll apply it directly to the plastic for the inside. And on the outside I'll. Apply it to the

Step 1

Purchase the installation material. This includes an adhesive product that is safe to use outside, such as Self-Adhesive Labeling Tape or 3M Super Weather Strip Adhesive; heavy and durable clear plastic, such as a painter's drop cloth; and non-static wipes for cleaning computers or LCD screens.

Step 2

Squirt the window completely with a cleaning agent. Use a damp cloth to wash the window. Dry the window fully before continuing.

Step 3

Measure the window. Start at the top. Determine the height from the wood molding to the bottom molding. Make a note of the measurement. Obtain the length, measuring from the right molding to the left.

Step 4

Lay the plastic on a flat surface--for example, a table or clean concrete. Use your measuring tape to obtain the plastic's proper height and length. Indicate the measurements with the permanent marker.

Step 5

Cut the plastic evenly with the scissors. Use a ruler or a solid, straight object if you have trouble cutting a straight line.

Step 1

Apply the weather adhesive to top of the molding. If you have a broad molding on your window, apply to the far back. The tape or other adhesive needs to be in a straight line.

Step 2

Place the top edge of the plastic on the adhesive. Run your finger over the plastic to stick evenly.

What is winterization?

Winterization really comes down to energy efficiency. Sealing, caulking, weatherstripping and properly locking your windows all work to keep your window operating at peak efficiency in the cold winter months.

How to keep cold air from coming in?

You can also try overlapping curtain panels or attaching them more closely to the wall to help prevent the chilly temps from venturing indoors.

Why do you need thermal curtains?

Thermal window curtains are heavy and lined with foam to provide additional insulation. They not only help with the cold, they also reduce the noise in your home and block out sunlight. And once spring comes, it’s easy to swap thermal curtains out for lighter window treatments.

Do windows work better in winter?

These windows provide lower U-factors and higher solar heat gain coefficients (SHGF) than energy-efficient windows designed for hotter, southern climates. This means that they do a better job of insulating against winter temps while allowing in more sunlight to warm your home naturally.

Can a window latch break?

Locks, latches and other closing mechanisms may wear or break with enough use. If a thorough cleaning and lubrication doesn’t do the trick, the mechanism may need to be repaired or replaced. Contact your local window professional to get it fixed or to purchase a replacement part and make the repair yourself.

Do you need to check out windows?

You need to check out each and every window to ensure everything is in working order and that all seals are airtight — and watertight. While air will make your home cold, water that seeps in and freezes can do even more damage.

Can you unsnap weatherstripping?

In most cases, you can simply unsnap the current weatherstripping and replace it with a new piece.

Replace Cracked Or Broken Glass

Start with a trip “through the looking glass” by inspecting all the windows in your home for cracked or broken glass and replacing all damaged panes. Even if the windows are crack-less, consider replacing them with newer energy-efficient ones if they have a lot of years under their belt.

Caulk To Seal Windows

Using caulk to seal or reseal windows from the outside elements is cheaper and easier than you may think. Be sure to scrape off the old caulk first and then use both hands as you take the caulking gun along the edges of the window as the caulk dispenses in a smooth and uniform manner.

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is the application of a strip of material to cover the joint of the window and the sill, casing or threshold so as to exclude rain, snow and cold air.

Install Storm Windows

Usually stored in the garage or attic during the warmer months, storm windows can prevent winter drafts from entering the home, especially during extreme winter weather. Once the months of wintry mix have passed, storm windows can be removed and replaced with screens to allow those warm summer breezes to fill your home.

Window Insulator Kits

At about 15 bucks, a window insulator kit provides an inexpensive, quick, easy solution to drafty windows. These involve a clear insulating film that can be applied with your hands and then sealed with a hair dryer. Wondering which one to buy and where? Here is a good place to read reviews and purchase the best window insulator kits .

Install Cellular Shades

Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, block light and insulate windows. These can be a great way to keep in the heat and cut down on energy costs. Another benefit is that they can be used as a year-round window treatment through all the seasons, not just in the winter.

Add Insulation To Windows

Spray foam or batt insulation (fiberglass insulation manufactured in sheets or rolls) can also be added behind windows to protect from cold weather.

What Is an Energy Audit?

An energy audit is a home assessment that measures your home’s efficiency. Experts consider your home tight if you are not losing energy due to cracks or drafts in your windows. Most energy audits are not exclusive to windows. In fact, your energy auditor can check your water heater and other aspects of your home to ensure proper insulation.

What Are Your Options for Replacement Windows?

There are many types of windows on the market. As a homeowner, it is important to choose a window that meets your aesthetic requirements. It should also meet the functional requirements you have too. The following are the most common window types and ways you can easily weatherize these windows.

Understanding Energy-Efficient Windows

There is more to choosing a window than deciding on the style of window you want. In fact, when reducing your heating bill is of the utmost importance to you, then it is essential that you consider all the aspects of getting the most energy-efficient windows. But first, it’s important to understand the benefits of energy-efficient windows.

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy-efficient windows go beyond reducing the cost of your heating bills. These windows help to keep your home comfortable, including helping your home maintain consistent temperatures throughout the day. They also help you reduce the cost of your HVAC by reducing the load requirements during peak performance each day.

Factors to Consider When Assessing Energy-Efficient Windows

Manufacturers can include a variety of measures to make windows more energy-efficient, but even trained eyes can’t look at a window and determine whether it reduces your energy consumption or not. Thus, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created national ratings to simplify the process.

Consider Your Climate Before Installing Windows

The climate you live in is another important consideration when it comes to choosing windows for your home. The DOE and EPA base their recommendations for windows on your climate. The United States has four different requirements for windows to be considered Energy Star windows, based on the climate.

Ways to Winterize Windows

After installing new replacement windows using our team at RWC, it makes sense to take every measure to keep your warm air inside. Although new windows are highly energy-efficient, taking extra steps to reduce energy loss is in your best interests. Fortunately, winterizing your windows is a do-it-yourself project.