DIY Weather Proofing for Winter

Winter is coming…

If you live in the Lower Mainland, you know that we skipped fall this year and went right from summer into winter. Most of us took extra couple of weeks to enjoy the outdoors and soak up the sun, but now that the mornings are getting frosty and winter is right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dig into those indoor projects. With the inevitable cold snap on its way, let’s look at some DIY weather proofing ideas to keep your place cozy and keep the heating bill down.

Windows

If snow in November is any indication of what to expect, it may be a good idea to give windows an easy upgrade to combat extra draftiness. Windows older than 5 years could see cracking and deterioration of caulk, this is an easy fix if you’re handy with a scraper and a caulking gun. If the caulking looks to be in good condition, you can pick up a window winterization kit that includes thermoplastic film and double-sided tape, all you need is a hairdryer to shrink and seal the film. This is a perfect and inexpensive option for single pane windows in older homes. Now is a good time to make sure all the windows are closed, locked and in good repair.

Doors

Doors are the biggest culprit for letting the warm air out and the cold air in, but even when they’re closed, they could be the source of that pesky draft you’re feeling. Door sweeps are made of rubber or bristles that will keep cold air from blowing in under the door, they are inexpensive and easy to install on the interior side of the door. Weather stripping is also a quick fix and is found online or in many home improvement stores and easy to install yourself. If you feel a draft from the doors, this is a great place to start.

Whether you have baseboard heaters, gas fireplace, or it comes blasting from the basement furnace, the question always arises, do I turn it off or keep it running when I’m gone? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all for this as each heater has a different settings and energy costs. Most heating sources can be fitted with a digital thermostat which will come with programming features that allow you to set it and forget it, so you’re only using it when you need it.

These quick fixes are a great way to get your doors and windows in working order for winter, but if they need to be replaced or repaired, it’s always best to call a professional. Let us know what your indoor projects look like this year!