It’s getting colder out as the days go on, and the best place for that cold to be is outside your home.
However, the cold will take the opportunity to get inside any way it can, and the easiest way in is through any openings, especially the front door and windows.
If you don’t have retractable screens that essentially store themselves away for the winter, you’ll want to know how to protect your standard screens. This will prevent them from getting damaged when the temperature drops.
Get yourself some clear vinyl sheeting to cover the screen and frame. Make sure you measure the size of your screens and cut the sheeting to the appropriate size.
Make sure to center the vinyl over the screens and use a heavy duty stapler to hold it in place. Start by stapling the top edge of the screens, then move to the bottom.
Once that’s done, fold over the edges of vinyl and then staple again. Then staple or nail strips of lathe to further seal up the vinyl.
If you need to remove your screens for the winter, make sure they are stored upright or laying flat. Keep them somewhere with a consistent temperature, like a heated garage, and wrap them in a tarp to keep the dust off.
There are several ways to add an extra layer of protection from the cold to your doors and windows. Here’s a list of the most common ways to keep the heat in and the cold out.
Yes, everyone’s favourite stress-relieving packaging can be used to insulate your windows. Use the wrap that has the large bubbles instead of the small bubbles, and cut to fit over the window. Mist the window with water and then press the wrap, bubble side to the window, and use some tape to keep it in place.
It’s not the most attractive option, but it can do in a pinch and will still allow light to shine through.
This is one of the most common and cost effective ways to insulate your windows. Using double sided tape and thin plastic sheeting, it will prevent the cold from coming in while still letting in the light and the view.
The adhesive tape is positioned on the window frame border, then the plastic sheeting is pressed to the tape. You then use a hairdryer to heat the plastic, which smooths it out.
These are a great option that’s also aesthetically pleasing. Thermal curtains are made of a thick material that blocks the cold from getting in during the winter, but also the heat during the summer.
They also block light and help reduce noise, so there’s an added bonus there as well.
Sometimes the caulking used around windows has broken down due to time and weathering. It’s easy enough to re-caulk your windows to better seal them from the cold.
Make sure you remove all the old caulking before you start with the new caulk. Use it to fill any gaps between the window, the frame, and the wall.
We hope you use these tips to stay warm this winter without breaking the bank. For more tips on how to prep for the winter, check out our article on how to prep your home for winter.
If you’re thinking it’s time to replace your standard screens with efficient and attractive retractable screens, give us a call! We can help you pick the right screens for your home.
To get a quote, call 1-888-619-3249.
