How Do You Keep Cold Air From Coming Through Windows?
Keep cold air from coming through windows using secondary glazing. Secondary glazing takes care of cold air coming through windows and also has the added advantage of increasing thermal efficiency, by reducing heat loss. For more expert ideas, read our top tips below:
When you’re trying to keep your home warm in winter, a draughty window can make your task quite difficult. Even if the window isn’t actually damaged, having inadequate seals can be enough to let in enough cold air to affect the temperature inside.
So how do you keep cold air from coming through your windows? The good news is: There are several ways to exclude draughts from coming through windows. Some of them are simple enough that you can do them yourself. Others, like secondary glazing, might require specialised installation. Here are eight handy ways to keep cold draughts from coming through your windows.
1. Secondary Glazing
Secondary glazing is one of the best ways to keep out cold air from coming in through your windows. It offers a permanent solution which also looks good. It is extremely versatile. In fact, you can use secondary glazing in heritage properties as well. It can be discreetly installed on the inside without affecting the outside appearance.
The best part about secondary glazing is that it usually offers controlled ventilation. When you seal your windows, you run the risk of letting humidity build up inside. This humidity can lead to damp, condensation, and, as a result, mould. Secondary glazing comes with ventilation vents that do not let moisture accumulate inside. As a result, you get a warmer room but without risking too much moisture build-up. Secondary glazing is the ideal alternative to covering windows to keep cold out, by maintaining excellent ventilation.
2. Insulating Curtains
It is easy to forget that curtains can be used to exclude draughts as well as light. In fact, thick curtains can add a very effective layer of insulation. They can block out excess sunlight just as efficiently as they can keep cold air from coming through windows. If your curtains are thick enough, they help prevent air movement. By coordinating the colour of your curtains with the colour scheme of your room, you can actually add to the visual appeal of your room. As a result, this method of insulating your room actually helps improve your home’s look. Heavy curtains are not the most desirable method if you want natural light in your room. However, they are the simplest way to cover windows to keep cold air out, especially since you would have curtains in your home anyway, making them a good physical window cold air blocker.
3. Draught Snakes
Draught snakes are another DIY method to keep out draughts from your home. These are simple fabric tubes stuffed with a filler, like dried rice, to weight them down. You can make these at home. These can then be laid out at the window sill to block out draughts coming from your windows. These snakes are great at keeping out cold air from coming in. Besides, they are cheap and easy to make, especially since you can use them to add a decorative element or a colour accent to your room. The only disadvantage of draught snakes is that you can only use them at the base of the window. As a result, if the draught is coming in through the sides, or through the frame, these won’t be effective at all. However, they are an effective way to block cold air from the bottom of your window.
4. Weather Strips
Weather strips are another inexpensive and simple way to keep out draughts from your home and how to keep cold out of windows. These are self-adhesive strips commonly available at most hardware shops. You can get them in three types, compression, V-type, and foam. Out of the three, foam strips are the easiest to use, and they also last a while. Simply stick them along the window frames and block the ingress of cold air coming through your windows and window frame. This method is quite simple and effective. However, the strips don’t offer a permanent solution. Also, when you peel them off, you run the risk of either peeling off the paint, or leave residue of the adhesive on the frame.
5. Strategic Caulking
If you don’t plan on opening the windows until spring, you could try caulking along the edges to seal them shut. Even if you don’t want to take such a drastic measure, you can still apply caulk to block out any damaged areas of your window frame that may be letting in draughts.
Re-caulking your windows is a great way to comprehensively seal your windows against cold air. It can be used to cover all the sides or just the damaged areas. It is a flexible and convenient technique, However, the application, if not done properly, can look unsightly.
6. Window Insulation Film
Window insulation films are sheets of plastic that shrink when heated. These are available readily. You simply stick the sheet on to the window’s inner frame. Then, you can use a hairdryer to heat it up, making it shrink and cling to the surface. This is a great way of sealing your windows to keep cold air out. However, the film creates a cloudy layer over the glazing, and the insulation film can be quite noticeable. As a result, you may look for a more discreet or aesthetically pleasing way to block cold air from your window.
7. Window Insulation Tape
You can purchase self-adhesive foam tape from as little as £2! This tape does help to exclude draughts. However, you cannot open your windows with this product, of course. So a more permanent solution is recommended in the long run. If you need a quick, simple and cost-effective way to stop cold air coming through your window and window frame.
8. Get a Secondary Glazing Quote and Keep Draughts Out of Your Home
At Granada, we offer very elegant and discreet aluminium secondary glazing. In addition to giving you all the above advantages, aluminium secondary glazing is also incredibly light and slim. As a result, it does not place any unnecessary strain on your window frames. Moreover, the slim frames ensure that your secondary glazing is not visible unless you look for it.
Secondary glazing is an excellent way to keep your home warmer and prevent cold air from coming from your windows. Enjoy a warmer and cosier living space all through the year, and keep the cold out of your windows. There’s no need to noticeably obscure your windows or cover your windows to keep cold air out. Secondary glazing is an effective way to preserve aesthetic appeal and enhance you home.
Why not get in touch with us today, and get your quote for secondary glazing? Get draught-free windows without affecting the appearance of your windows almost instantly!