Fall is brief and winter is long in Northern Michigan, and many have already started preparing for colder weather.
As Detroit citizens, we know a thing or two about preparing for the winter. We all know the best coats and boots to wear, how to de-ice the car, and anything else that helps us get through the cold and snowy weather.
Homeowners are responsible for maintaining a warm and comfortable home in winter.
That means the thermostat goes up as the temperature drops.
We want to ensure that everyone stays warm in their homes during the cold days and freezing nights, so we’ve laid out some helpful tips for weatherproofing your windows and doors for winter.
Thermostat Up, But It’s Still Cold?
If you have your heater on high but still feel a cold breeze or feel a draft in your home, it could be a draft created by your windows and doors.
You will feel this coldness around the windows, but it will be obvious closer to the floor because you can truly feel the difference in temperature. Cold feet? Floors freezing or even feeling wet? That is because you have a draft coming into your home.
Why Do Drafts Happen?
Many of the homes in the Detroit area are 50+ years old. This most likely means that if you haven’t replaced the windows and doors yourself or know that they have been replaced in recent years, then they probably have never been replaced. This means that these old doors and windows aren’t functioning as well as they did when they were first installed.
When doors and windows are old and haven’t been replaced, you will see that the weatherstrips and caulking are worn, maybe torn, and falling apart. When this happens, there isn’t anything to keep the weather from seeping between those cracks that should be sealed by those materials.
Detroit is known for the freeze-and-thaw type of weather, even on a daily basis sometimes. That means that the frames around your windows and doors can shift and cause those seams and seals to loosen over time and become less functional.
This is how the cold seeps its way into your home and makes it cold in your home despite the heater being on!
Why Is This Bad?
As we said above, it makes your home cold, especially the floors!
Poor seals and protection are also the biggest sources of heat loss and the reason your energy bills are so high! Those are 2 big negatives and things you absolutely don’t want to happen.
Since Detroit homes are mostly older, you will find that this is a common occurrence in the community. And surely, the community has its own tips and tricks for helping to reduce heat loss and drafts in their homes.
Know Where The Problem Is
When it’s bitterly cold outside and you’re feeling the lake-effect snow squalls, you’re probably also feeling the draftiness and cold coming into your home.
A tip to test which areas of your home are causing the draft: a simple candle test will assist you in finding the problem areas.
Light a small candle and set it down along the windows and doors. If the flame blows in a certain direction, you will know that there is a disturbance with that window or door.
In some cases, it might be an easy fix of re-caulking or adding a weatherstrip. But if you’re feeling the cold come in and constantly dealing with heat loss despite the high temperature of your thermostat, you may want to look into replacing rather than repairing.
When Replacing Is Better Than Repairing
If you don’t know the age of your windows and doors, that is a good sign you need to replace them rather than repair them. The quick, easy fixes won’t hold long-term and will more than likely be ineffective.
Shifting frames from the freeze-thaw cycle, worn and aged weatherstrips, and the age of the home all play an important part in the issues you’re having with your doors and windows.
A switch to modern windows means that you’re not only getting a proper seal, but you’ll also have better energy efficiency and soundproofing. Just because your windows are clear doesn’t mean you should hear the neighborhood!
Our previous blog goes in-depth on the signs that it is time to replace your windows. Check that out for more information and insight!
A new door means that you increase the safety of your home, but also get one that matches your personal style. You will also have improved energy efficiency and less heat loss from the seals and framing.
Want More Guidance On Weatherproofing The Windows And Doors In Your Detroit Home? Contact Performance Remodeling!
If you believe that the coldness in your home is stemming from drafts created by your older windows and doors, contact our team at Performance Remodeling to discuss options for upgrading to modern, energy-efficient materials.
You will find that you save money and stay warm by upgrading!
For a no-sweat consultation and quote, contact our team today!
