Readying Your Windows and Doors for Winter

Winter is almost here, and if you’re as keen as your New Jersey neighbors, you must be preparing your home for the cold, as well. As you set about your home improvement, take your windows and doors into account. As essential components that act as your primary defense against the upcoming chill, it’s important that they remain in top form.

Let Renewal by Andersen®, your trusted contractor for quality windows and doors in Hillsborough, New Jersey and the surrounding areas, help you get started. Here is a winter checklist to make sure you’re ready for the season.

1. Preparing Your Doors
Your exterior doors can let in more cold air than any other part of your home. That’s why make sure to check your units for recurring drafts. When left unattended, these can compromise the thermal stability of your interiors, putting extra load in your heating system and leading to increased energy costs. Inspect door frames for cracks and gaps; caulk and seal these if necessary to prevent heat loss.

Sealing off doors you’re not liable to use in winter can also help. Make sure that these don’t let in cold air from underneath. You can also seal the space between the doorjamb and adjacent wall to keep heated energy from leaking out.

When the frames of your wooden entry door shows signs of rot and decay, replace or repair these to extend the unit’s lifespan. To maintain the energy efficiency and comfort of your home, make sure your sliding patio doors in Hillsborough, New Jersey, don’t have any cracked or broken glass.

2. Readying Your Windows
Like your exterior doors, windows can account for up to 25 percent of energy loss in your home, so make sure that these are in shape to take on the winter chill. Inspect your windows for drafts; for greater insulation, caulk and weather-strip these. If your existing weather stripping is already old and worn, replace it.

Removing dirt and debris buildup around your windows ensures smooth operation. You’ll want your windows completely shut off—even a slightly open unit can let in cold air while leaking out expensive heating energy. Check your window frames for rot, decay, or extensive weather damage. Make sure that your units’ glass is also intact.

If unsure that your windows and doors are strong enough, have a reliable contractor like Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey — New York Metro conduct a thorough inspection. When these are already beyond repair, we suggest replacement as a lasting, energy-saving solution.

Turn to us for your window and door replacement needs. With our high-quality materials and expert team, we’ll maximize the comfort and energy efficiency of your home this coming winter. Fill out our form today for a free estimate.