Fall is a good time to get your home ready for colder weather. That may mean checking your heating system or protecting exposed pipes. Just don’t forget about your windows. They deserve attention, too.
Small window problems can become much more noticeable during the cold months. A draft can make a room uncomfortable. Gaps around a window may also contribute to heat loss.
You do not need to wait for the first freeze to find these problems. A simple fall inspection gives you time to handle routine maintenance or call a professional if you find something more serious.
This home winterization checklist focuses on nine window checks you can make before winter.
Start your winter window maintenance on a cool or windy day.
Keep in mind that cold glass does not always mean you have an air leak. Glass can feel cool when outdoor temperatures drop. A draft is different. You may be able to feel air moving around part of the window.
Proper sealing can improve home energy efficiency significantly.
Next, take a look at the caulk around accessible parts of your exterior window frames. Caulk helps seal the area around a window against unwanted air and moisture.
Look for sections that are cracked or peeling. Caulk can also pull away from the window or surrounding surface as it ages.
Small areas of worn caulk may be a routine maintenance issue. Large gaps or damage that consistently reappears may need professional evaluation.
Fresh caulk can help maintain the seal around a window opening, but it cannot fix every window problem. If the window itself is damaged or no longer fits properly in the opening, adding more caulk may not address the underlying cause.
Weatherstripping helps limit air movement around parts of a window that open and close. Over time, this material can wear down.
Open your operable windows and inspect the weatherstripping you can see. Look for sections that are:
Then close the window again. The weatherstripping should make contact as intended when the window is shut. If it is damaged or no longer making good contact, cold air may be able to enter around the sash.
Do not assume that the same type of weatherstripping works for every window. Window designs vary, and an aftermarket product may not be appropriate for yours.
Check the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions before making changes. If replacement weatherstripping is needed, use a product designed for your specific type of window.
Fall is also a good time to make sure each operable window still works as it should.
Open and close every window. You should be able to operate it as designed without using excessive force. Next, test the locks and latches.
A window that does not close all the way may not seal as intended. If a lock will not engage, do not try to force it into place.
There are several reasons a window may become hard to use. The issue could involve the hardware or another part of the window. Forcing it could cause more damage.
Testing your windows before winter gives you time to address these problems before freezing temperatures arrive. If a window continues to stick, will not close, or cannot be locked properly, consider having it checked by a professional.
Take a few minutes to look closely at the glass in each window. Check for cracks or chips.
Even a small area of damage deserves attention, especially if it appears to be changing. Temperature swings can put more stress on glass that is already damaged.
Damaged insulated glass is not a DIY repair. If you find cracked glass or a problem that appears to be between the panes, a professional can help you determine the right next step.
Moisture can show up in several places around a window. Check the sill, trim, and nearby walls. Look for water stains, peeling paint, discoloration, or other signs that an area has been getting wet.
Condensation on the room-side surface of the glass is a little different. It can form when warm, humid indoor air meets a colder glass surface. Seeing condensation there does not automatically mean your window has failed.
Moisture between panes can point to a different problem. It may indicate an issue with the insulated glass unit.
Water that repeatedly appears around the frame or nearby wall also deserves attention. A professional can help if you cannot determine where the water is coming from.
A little cleaning can help keep your windows working as designed through the cold months.
Start with the tracks and sills. Remove leaves, dust, insects, and other debris that has collected during the warmer months. Buildup can get in the way of normal window operation.
Take a close look at each window frame. Check for cracks or other signs of damage.
Pay extra attention to the sill and the bottom of the frame. Look for areas that seem soft.
A small mark may not be a problem. But damage that affects how the window opens, closes, or fits in the frame may need attention.
If you find signs of serious damage, consider having the window checked by a professional before winter.
Some window problems can be handled with routine maintenance. Others may be signs that a window is no longer working as it should.
Pay attention to windows that stay drafty, are hard to open or close, have damaged frames, or show ongoing moisture or glass problems. If the same issues keep coming back or they’re too big to fix, then simple maintenance may not be enough.
Older or damaged windows may need to be replaced. A professional can inspect your windows and help you decide whether replacement is the right next step.
Early to mid-fall is a practical time to winterize windows. You can inspect them before freezing temperatures arrive, while the weather is still comfortable enough for exterior maintenance.
Starting early also gives you more time. If you find a small problem, you may be able to handle the needed maintenance before winter. If you discover something more serious, you have time to arrange a professional evaluation.
You do not need to wait until cold air is already coming into a room.
Consider making these checks part of your fall home maintenance each year. Comparing your windows from one season to the next can make it easier to notice changes before they become bigger concerns.
The best way to seal windows for winter depends on where the air is getting in.
Start by finding the source. If you find a gap around the exterior window opening, damaged caulk may need attention. If cold air is entering around an operable sash, check the weatherstripping.
Also make sure the window closes and locks as designed. Adding sealing products will not solve the problem if the window itself cannot close properly.
There is no single winter sealing method that is right for every type of window. Before adding aftermarket film, foam, or another product, check the window manufacturer’s instructions.
If you continue to feel a draft after basic maintenance, the problem may be more than a simple gap. A professional can help identify the cause instead of covering it with a temporary fix.
Routine care can help keep windows that are in good condition working as intended. But maintenance cannot solve every problem.
If your windows are old, damaged, drafty, or no longer performing well, Renewal by Andersen can help you explore your replacement options.
Our replacement windows are custom-made for your home. They feature our exclusive Fibrex® material, which combines the strength and stability of wood with low-maintenance performance. Energy-efficient glass options can also help you choose windows suited to your home and climate.
Renewal by Andersen handles the replacement process from start to finish. We help you select your new windows and take precise measurements. Your windows are then custom-made for your home.
When they are ready, our Certified Master Installers complete the installation with careful attention to your home and your new windows.
Ready to prepare your home for seasons to come? Schedule a consultation with Renewal by Andersen to explore your replacement window options.
