Living in the Midwest, you know the weather is crazy, and winter tends to last for several months. For that reason, you need to prepare your home for the winter, otherwise, not only are you risking potential damage to your home, but you are also risking higher-energy costs. Don’t end up having to call a storm restoration expert in the middle of the night due to a water leak or some other serious damage. Here, our licensed contractors at Kiser Construction will discuss how to prepare your windows for winter to prevent possible damage.
● Start Weatherstripping
Especially in older homes, you should check for any gaps or drafts surrounding your windows and doors. These gaps can cause cold air to infiltrate your home as the temperatures drop, which will increase your energy bill because your furnace will have to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. To solve this issue on your own, you can buy apply weatherstrips to any gaps or drafty areas you notice, which can keep your energy bills at a reasonable amount.
● Install Storm Windows
When winter is on its way, you should start to change out the screens on your windows with storm windows. Screens are obviously not a good defense against harsh winter weather. For this reason, you should invest in high-quality storm windows to keep the cold air out and the warm air inside, which will inevitably lower your energy costs and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
● Repair Damaged Windows
One of the easiest ways to prepare your home for winter is to inspect your current windows. If your windows are damaged, the wood is rotten or decaying, or the glass is broken, it’s crucial you either have the damaged windows repaired by a professional, or you install new windows. Damaged windows, especially windows that are rotting or broken, can easily allow cold drafts to get into your home, which can increase your energy bills and make the home uncomfortable for you and your family. If you are interested in installing new windows instead of simply repairing your windows, you should consider energy-efficient products. Newer windows have more thermal properties, which allow you to save on energy costs.
● Manage Condensation
Though you may not realize it, condensation is one of the most common culprits of window damage in the winter. During the winter, condensation that forms when the cold air outside meets the warm air inside your home can freeze on the windows, which can cause damage. Additionally, condensation can cause damage to the wood surrounding your windows by soaking into the wood, which can lead to wood rot or more.
Bring in an Expert For an Inspection
Prior to each winter season, you should have a professional contractor come into your home to examine your windows and doors to ensure your home is protected against common winter weather. Though there is no way to predict if your home will suffer damage in a strong blizzard or other storm, you can be sure you are protected against day-to-day winter weather. A contractor will identify weak or damaged areas and come up with a plan to eradicate any issues.
Contact Kiser Construction Today
If you are in the Twin Cities area and searching for a team of licensed storm restoration experts to help you repair your home, contact our team at Kiser Construction today. No matter when your home is damaged, whether it is in the middle of the night or the middle of the day, we can be on-site in a short amount of time to help you get started on your road to recovery. To learn more about the storm damage restoration services our licensed contractors offer, give us a call at 763-633-2010 or message us on our contact page today.
If you are in need of emergency restoration services, call our 24/7 line at 612-518-8852.