How Cold Weather Affects Your Doors and Windows: What Homeowners Need to Know

As the clouds grey and signify the change of season, you can feel the winter coming from the chill in the air. The cold weather affects more than just our mood and lifestyle. It can significantly impact the comfort and energy efficiency of our homes. Let’s discuss how cold weather affects your doors and windows.

How Cold Weather Affects Your Doors and Windows: What Homeowners Need to Know

Energy Drainers: Uncovering How Cold Weather Inflates Your Heating Bills

Frigid temperatures, particularly those that drag the mercury down into the 30’s and 20’s, pierce through homes. Now is the time to turn the thermostat up or light the fireplace to warm things up.

Spaces between doors and windows allow the air to enter your home. The air forms a chilly draft that causes your heating bill to rise as the HVAC struggles to pump out more heat. The result? A real shocker when you’re looking at your monthly utility bill. With rising energy prices, it’s something every homeowner needs to consider.

The same scenario applies to your window frames. Warped or damaged frames won’t seal properly, allowing a draft to enter the house. If you’re handy around the house, take a few hours to check out your windows and doors before winter rolls in. If you notice any irregularities, call a contractor. They can recommend repair or window and door replacement options.

Freeze-Thaw Fables: Understanding How Temperature Swings Take a Toll

Temperature swings between summer and winter can be dramatic in states like Nebraska. Summer temps peak in the 100s, and the winters drop below freezing. Temperature gradients like this take a toll on the materials in your doors and window frames.

Wood can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. The wood can swell and crack, making windows prime candidates for winter drafts. The harsh UV rays can slowly degrade paint and make it look lifeless. As a result, it can’t withstand the elements and protect the materials underneath.

The same applies to sealed wooden doors. If you use wooden materials for doors and window frames, paint them or seal them properly. Inspect the finish every year to ensure it is weatherproof.

Cold Weather Affects Doors And Windows-Choose Materials that Keep the Chill at Bay

Wood is typically the go-to material for window frames and doors in homes all across America, regardless of the state. While this classic material is affordable and looks good, it’s a nightmare to maintain. Fortunately, materials science saved the day by introducing fiberglass and composite doors and window frames.

While most homes prefer the feel and weight of a wooden door, fiberglass window frames are a more common sight in new construction. This is because of the added service life they offer homeowners.

Generally, fiberglass window frames are more expensive than their wooden counterparts. But, the tradeoff of durability for extra upfront investment is a good move.

Composites and fiberglass are weather-resistant and a good insulator, keeping the winter cold at bay. If you plan to upgrade your window frames before the weather conditions change, choose a fiberglass frame if you can afford it. If you’re on a budget, consider composite options for your replacement windows and doors.

Winterization Wonders: Essential Tips to Protect Your Openings from the Cold

The secret to optimal sealing of doors and windows is sealing them right. Condensation on your windows is caused by warm moisture in the house condenses on cold windows. Condensation between the panes can indicate a broken seal. Exhaust fans can sometimes help reduce the condensation.

Weatherstripping on window frames and doors is essential, but it doesn’t last forever. You’ll need to replace the weatherstripping as it deteriorates, and its service life varies depending on how often you use the window or door.

Check the weather stripping first if you notice a draft coming from a door or window. If it’s worn, replace it; it’s relatively inexpensive and an easy DIY job for homeowners with little handyman experience.

You might also notice a draft coming from under a closed door between rooms or from an external entrance around the home. If that’s the case, stop the draft from sneaking into your home by placing a dual-sided draft-stopper or “draft snake” under the door. This will stop the cold air from violating the sanctuary of your warm home.

Window Maintenance 101: Best Practices for Winter Care

Inspect your home’s windows and doors at the start of the fall season. Start by opening and closing the windows. Do any of them stick when you’re opening or closing them? That’s a sign of a warped frame that needs repairing or replacing.

Lubricate all the locks and hinges on the doors to stop squeaks as the cold weather contracts the metals in these fixtures. Prepare for the cold winter weather, which affects your doors and windows.

Ensure wooden doors or window frames are sealed and in good condition, before the bad weather arrives.

Call a reliable local window contractor if you have questions or issues during your inspection. They can assess the situation and often offer free estimates on window repairs and replacements.

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At North Country Windows & Baths, our Windows are backed by a Lifetime Warranty giving our customers peace of mind. Each window is custom-made to fit your home with state-of-the-art engineering by design, and energy efficiency enhanced by style. Our windows are made to last for years of maintenance-free beauty.

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