Understanding How Winter Affects Your Doors and Windows

Throughout the winter season, you’ll be indoors most of the time to stay warm and cozy. But as you relax safely inside while you enjoy watching the snowfall, the cold weather can still have a significant impact on your doors and windows. If they weren’t properly winterized or maintained regularly, they might be the cause behind the drafts and soaring energy bills this season!

As a homeowner, you’re probably familiar with facing the harsh weather brought about by the winter season. Your home’s exterior is the first to take the brunt of the cold winter weather, including your windows and doors. 

Understanding the common issues your windows and doors face during the winter season helps you know which precautions you need to take in winterizing your home. Read on as Renewal by Andersen® of Cincinnati shares some of the most common winter problems that windows and doors face.

Condensation  

If condensation forms on your windows and patio doors, this is usually a good sign for energy efficiency. This shows that the warm and humid air inside your home can’t get through your multi-paned windows, which means the heat is effectively being retained indoors. However, if you see condensation forming between the glass panes of your windows, it can mean window seal failure. This makes your windows foggy and ineffective in retaining the indoor heat. Call in a window professional to check and repair your seals as soon as possible.

Drafts

While drafts are often caused by window seal failure, they can also come from doors that are poorly insulated or not fitted properly. Old windows and doors are also susceptible to drafts, so weather stripping or extensive repairs won’t be enough to seal the air leaks. Consider replacing your old windows and doors as this is a more cost-effective solution in the long run. 

Having your doors and windows replaced during the winter season can be beneficial with the discounts and deals offered because it’s an off-season for many contractors. If you have old specialty windows that need to be replaced, make sure to work with our experts at Renewal by Andersen of Cincinnati!

Shrinking and Warping

During the winter months, the cold temperature and humidity can cause significant damage to the structural purity of certain materials. For instance, wooden window frames, doors and door frames can shrink under extreme temperatures. If the humidity levels indoors are too high, they can begin to warp or bow significantly. This is why wood must be properly treated with paint or sealer.

Other materials such as vinyl and aluminum don’t experience this same degree of distortion. This makes them more popular than wood, but keep in mind that they also have their drawbacks. Vinyl can become brittle when exposed to freezing temperatures for too long, which can affect its insulating properties. Aluminum is more lightweight than vinyl or wood, but is not recommended in colder climates because it has poor heat resistance. This means they’re unable to retain indoor heat effectively, which translates to higher energy bills during winter.  

Hardware Failure

To function properly, doors and windows have different mechanisms such as latches, handles and hinges. During winter, these mechanisms can get jammed or brittle due to the cold-weather stress as well as snow and ice buildup. If left unaddressed, the mechanisms can become damaged and require extensive repairs. A DIY repair won’t always be the best solution either, as certain types of specialty windows will have a more complex opening and closing mechanism. The more specialized mechanisms tend to be more affected than their sliding counterparts.

Ice Buildup

This often happens in the open spaces between your doors and windows. Ice buildup can also affect the frames, which makes it difficult to open a door or window without damaging your weatherstripping. This is why weatherstripping is replaced almost frequently! When the temperatures get warmer, the air gets more humid and escapes through the small cracks and openings of your doors and windows. When they come in contact with the cold outdoor air, the moisture starts to freeze and ice begins to build up. 

Winterizing Your Windows and Doors

By properly winterizing your windows and doors, you won’t just protect them from the cold weather. You’re also ensuring your energy consumption stays low during the winter season. Consider these useful tips:

1. Use Weatherstripping – Your windows will always have gaps around their frames if they’re not regularly cared for and maintained. You should also be aware that the seals around the window edges can also wear down over time due to wear and tear as well as fluctuating temperatures. There are different types of weatherstripping, so make sure to use the kind that’s waterproof and suitable to your local climate to help reduce air leaks.
2. Add More Insulation – Adequate insulation helps prevent winter damage to your doors and bay windows as it keeps the heat from escaping your home. Batt or spray foam insulation can be added to the areas behind the window or door trim, but make sure to hire a professional to do the job for you. Don’t overstuff the area in your window and door trim if you’re using batt insulation; it’s better to keep it fluffy instead of compacted. If you’re using spray foam, choose the kind that can be used with doors and windows.
3. Use Caulk Around Your Doors and Windows – Caulk is a relatively inexpensive yet effective way to seal small gaps and cracks. We recommend using polyurethane caulk for your doors and windows since it doesn’t shrink even under low temperatures. It also sticks better and can be painted on.

If you’re looking for a trusted contractor for doors and bay windows, Renewal by Andersen of Cincinnati is your best choice for the job. Call us at (651) 967-0873 or fill out our convenient contact form to get started. We serve our customers in Mason, Sharonville, Loveland and the surrounding areas of Ohio.