How to insulate windows 

Windows are a vital aspect of any home. They let in natural light and air, add beauty and make your space feel open and inviting. That said, windows that aren’t properly insulated can negatively affect your space by messing with indoor temperatures and making your HVAC system work overtime. Poorly insulated windows can also lead to things like water damage and mould. But don’t worry–insulating your windows is an easy and cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and increase the comfort of your home. Even newer windows can benefit from certain forms of window insulation. In this article, we will discuss the best types of insulation and how to insulate windows for any season. 

Risks of a bad insulation

Not knowing how to insulate windows properly can lead to a whole array of problems ranging from heat loss to water damage. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs with your current windows, it may be time to bust out the caulking gun and plastic film. In some cases where damage has gone unattended for extended periods, you may need to replace the entire window.  

Discomfort

Often, the first sign of poor insulation comes in the form of discomfort. Windows that are not properly insulated are certain to let in a draft in the winter months, making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. If there are gaps between your window and the window frame, you may also hear loud whistling sounds or rattling glass on windy days. 

High energy bills

After the initial signs of discomfort comes the unexpectedly high electric bills. Poorly insulated windows will make your home less energy efficient when left unattended for too long. This is true, not only in winter but in the warmer months as well when a bad window can make your HVAC systems work twice as hard. 

Water damage

A bit of condensation on your kitchen windows while cooking is normal. But, if you notice a build-up of water in between the glass panes of your window, it is a sign of trouble. Additional signs that water damage is present include bubbling paint surrounding the window, bad smells, mould spots, foggy windows or puddles of pooling water. Mould in your home should be taken seriously and dealt with immediately before it has a substantial impact on your health. Most often, water damage is a sign that your windows were not properly installed or insulated. While there may be remedies for these issues, in many cases you’re likely looking at having to replace the windows completely. 

Best ways to insulate windows

Winter home preparation starts with insulating the windows. But when it comes to how to insulate windows, there are a myriad of options to choose from. The best method will depend on the condition of your current windows. You will also need to consider which solutions best fit your budget and overall goals. To give you an idea, here are a few of the common window insulation methods. 

Window insulation film: does that work? 

If you’re new to the window game, you might be wondering: does window insulation film work or is it just overrated Saran wrap? Well, the short answer is, yes. Window films do work to insulate your windows and retain heat in your home. That said, if there are larger issues with your windows, an insulation film will not serve as some magical long-term solution.

Luckily, window insulation film is easy to install and only requires a few basic tools. Enthusiastic DIY lovers can pick up a window film insulation kit from most local hardware stores. After that, you’ll only need some scissors, a hair dryer and a tape measure to complete the job. 

Weather stripping

Replacing worn-out weather stripping on your windows is a great, temporary solution for anyone experiencing a draft. There are multiple varieties of weather stripping to choose from, so it’s important that you know which variety is best for your windows. Some common types of weatherstripping include: 

• Foam tape One of the easiest styles of weather stripping to deal with. The tape is made of foam but works like any other tape and should be applied to the top and bottom sashes of hung windows. The tape can also be placed directly to the window sill to create an airtight seal. For sliding or casement windows, secure the foam tape to the sides of the windows. While this method is simple and inexpensive, the tape will remain visible which can be considered an eyesore to some.  
• Felt weather stripping Like foam tape, felt weather stripping is inexpensive and relatively easy to work with. Felt should also be applied fully around your window sash. Once the foam is in place, you can use nails to secure it. 
• V-strips V-strips, sometimes referred to as tension seals, are a durable form of weatherstripping that you can apply to the sides of sliding or double-hung windows. These v-shaped strips are relatively easy to work with and are invisible once installed. One potential downside of V-strips is they can make it harder to open and close your windows. 

Caulk

Caulk, commonly made from latex or silicone, is easy to apply and works well for sealing small gaps and cracks around your windows. Once applied, caulk is not designed to move and as such, can only be used on the stationary parts of your window. Caulking should be applied to both the interior and exterior windows. To apply caulk successfully, you will need to learn to use a caulking gun. You will also need a putty knife, a caulk edger and rags for cleaning up. If you notice cracks or black spots on your current window caulk, it is time to replace it.

Window treatments

Window treatments include things like thermal curtains, blinds and shutters. These treatments are used to provide privacy, add aesthetic appeal, offer UV protection and provide an extra layer of insulation. Even newer windows can benefit from the added insulation that window treatments offer. Thermal curtains, for example, work to stop cold air from penetrating the window and coming through your home.

Best type of windows for insulation 

Window frames come in all different shapes, sizes and materials. And some materials are naturally easier to insulate than others. Below, we will discuss the three best types of windows for insulation. 

Wood 

Wood frames are beloved for their aesthetic appeal but they do have some flaws. For example, wooden window frames require more frequent maintenance to protect them from issues like cracking and water damage. Despite that, wood is naturally well-insulated and lends itself well to methods such as weather stripping, caulking and insulation film.

Aluminum

Aluminum, while durable, retains heat more than other window frame materials. Because of this, aluminum windows will almost certainly require some type of weather stripping to reduce the flow of hot air into your home.

Fibreglass

Arguably the best type of window for insulation is fibreglass. Fibreglass window frames offer all the strength and durability of aluminum without all of the heat retention. These window frames also include air cavities that can be stuffed with insulation to amp up their thermal protection.

Window insulation to keep the heat out

In the first half of this article, we mainly covered how to insulate windows for winter. But, window insulation can also be useful to keep the heat out during the warmer months. In both seasons, the benefits of insulating windows remain largely the same:protect your home from uncomfortable temperature fluctuations, potential damage and high energy bills. So if you’re preparing for summer, here are some heat insulation window techniques to try. 

Heat reducing film

Window insulation film is useful for keeping the heat in but it also helps keep the heat out when summer’s hot temperatures are in full effect. You can use the same style of film for both seasons and the application method will stay the same as well. One of the main benefits of using heat-reducing film in the summer is the ability to reduce heat while still letting in natural light throughout the day. 

Heat blocking blinds 

Heat-blocking blinds, like louvred blinds, make it easy for you to control the direction and amount of sun you let into the room, thus controlling the heat as well. You can also find thermal blinds that work just like thermal curtains.

Energy-efficient window

The most effective method for reducing heat in the summer is installing energy-efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows are typically glazed in a low-emissivity or low-e coating that offers protection from infrared light and works to keep hot air out. In the winter, these same windows work to keep cold air out as well. Although this style of window typically costs more, the benefits far outweigh the costs and can help you avoid resorting to DIY methods down the line.

Call on professionals to replace windows

If you’ve already tried these DIY methods for insulating your windows to no avail, it may be time to consider replacing them. Whether you’re dealing with old, cracked windows or windows that simply don’t meet your standards, Reno Assistance is here to help. So before water damage and high energy costs set in, let our window and door renovation advisors set you up with up to 3 Verified Contractors today. Give us a call today to get started.