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Secondary Glazing SpecialistsWinter is Coming – How to Stop Cold Air Passing Through Your Windows
When you’re relaxing on a beach in the peak July sun, it’s easy to forget how cold your home can get through the winter. But as the nights start to draw in and the temperatures drop, now is the time to start thinking about how you can keep your home or commercial property warm in the colder months.
The instinctive reaction is to turn the heating on. However, relying on your heating can be a costly endeavour. That’s especially the case when your property is letting cold air in – and letting the warm air escape.
The first step to making any property warmer in winter is stopping that cold air getting in and improving its heat retention. And your windows play a pivotal role. This post discusses the importance of efficient windows and how to stop cold air getting through your property’s fixtures.
Why windows are so important
Every property has a thermal envelope, which is made up of the walls, roof, floor, doors and windows. While we’re constantly being told about the importance of wall and loft or roof insulation, your windows are an equally important part of the thermal envelope.
Essentially, it’s no use having large parts of your property insulated if your windows aren’t up to scratch. Not only that, windows are actually much quicker, easier and more cost-effective to renovate and improve.
Do I need to replace my windows?
No – we’re not talking about replacing your windows with expensive alternatives. Installing double-glazed or even triple-windows is expensive, disruptive and can sometimes negatively impact the value of your property. In some cases, it might not even provide the best solution for your property.
There are actually several ways to stop cold air coming through your property’s existing windows…
1. Re-sealing
Over time, the caulking or sealing around windows can break down. The result is small breaks or gaps around the window, which let cold air in – not to mention moisture, which can cause further damage.
Your windows can be resealed easily using caulk along the joints. This will seal off any gaps and stop cold air getting through. It’s probably best to get a professional to complete this job, as the old caulk needs to be removed first.
2. Weather strips
Weather strips are a temporary alternative to caulk re-sealing. They are self-adhesive strips, which are applied to the inside of your window’s frame to stop cold air getting through any gaps. Unlike caulk, weather strips can also be used on the moving parts of windows. That way, you get extra insulation when the window is closed, but can still open it when required.
The only downside of weather strips is that they’re not a permanent solution and, when removed, they can leave a residue or cause paint to peel off.
3. Thick curtains
Chances are, your property already has something on the windows. Whether it’s blinds or just some light curtains, they’re useful to control how much light enters the room as well as maintaining privacy. What people commonly forget, however, is that curtains can also be used for heat retention.
If you’re only using light curtains or blinds, you’re missing out on a big insulating layer on your windows. Invest in some thick, lined curtains – or even those specifically designed for thermal efficiency – to keep more warm air in and cold air out.
4. Secondary glazing
You don’t need to affect the appearance of your property and its windows to keep cold air out. Secondary glazing is easily one of the best methods of heat retention for existing windows. Rather than replacing windows, a secondary pane is discreetly installed on the inside.
It works perfectly on heritage properties, where double glazing is not an option as the original windows need to be retained. However, secondary glazing also complements existing double-glazed units for impressive insulation. With a larger gap between the secondary pane and existing windows, there’s a bigger barrier for cold air to pass through.
5. Shutters
Wooden shutters are another option for the inside of your windows. Like curtains, they add another layer of insulation to your windows, making it harder for cold air to get through.
Shutters are particularly effective through the night, when they can be closed without any impact on light. However, they do block out a lot of light in the daytime, meaning they’re not as versatile as solutions like secondary glazing.
6. Draught snakes
You’ve probably seen draught snakes used on doors. They’re a decorative fabric tube that sits at the bottom of the door to stop cold air drifting through. However, they can also be used on windows.
Laying out draught snakes on the window sill will stop draughts coming through your windows without any work or hassle. Even better, they’re available in all kinds of patterns so you can complement the appearance of your home or office.
7. Insulation film
Insulation film is exactly what the name suggests. It’s a film that can be applied to windows to improve their insulation. Simply cut to size, stick the film on your window and apply heat to make it stick to the surface.
While it will improve the heat retention of your windows, insulation film can create a cloudy layer on your windows. So, unlike secondary glazing, it can be noticeable from inside your home or commercial property.
How can we help?
If you’re looking to keep the cold out this winter, secondary glazing is an effective, discreet and long-lasting solution. And it doesn’t have to be stressful. At Clearview, we provide DIY secondary glazing kits for homes and commercial buildings across the UK.
Our kits are supplied fully assembled, pre-drilled and completely installation-ready, so there’s nothing stopping you improving your property’s heat retention.
Discover How To Stop Draughts for Good And Save On Your Energy Bills
This free eGuide – written by specialists – explains in simple terms how to improve the thermal efficiency of your windows by more than 60% and how you can reduce your yearly heating bill by 15%.
Simply enter your name and email below and we will send a free copy straight to your inbox.
Clearview Secondary Glazing
Clearview secondary glazing - the solution to significantly improved acoustic and heat insulation to your property, making your home or offices more comfortable, secure, greener and cost efficient to run. Achieved without the disruption of replacement windows, and without damaging the character of your building.
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