As winter sets in, homeowners who didn’t manage to have their windows replaced in the autumn and are starting to feel the chill may be wondering whether it’s simply too late to swap out their old, poorly-insulate windows for a set of state-of-the-art new vinyl windows that keep draughts out and the heat inside.
If you have found yourself in this position this year, don’t worry — you’re almost certainly not alone. Autumn is a busy time for renovations and home improvement projects, and with school starting back up and the usual end-of-year busyness setting in, it is easy to lose track of the tasks that need to be accomplished before winter comes.
The good news is, regardless of whether or not you live in a cold climate, there really is no such thing as too late. No matter where you live, if you’ve taken the time to learn about your options for new windows it is almost always possible to have them replaced professionally— even the depths of January. And while it might mean a little discomfort during the transition period, it will pay off in the months to come. After all, few things are as viscerally uncomfortable as a leaking window in winter.
But if you decide to replace your windows this winter, there are things you can do to make things go more smoothly. Here are a few ways you can minimize the impact of having your windows replaced in winter:
- Keep the Area Clean with Groundsheets: One of the more frustrating aspects of window replacement is that workers tend to track a lot of dirt and muck into the house. Laying down groundsheets will make clean up significantly easier.
- Only Replace Windows for One Room at a Time: If you have multiple windows that need to be replaced, make sure to schedule the work so that only one room at a time will need to be closed off.
- Use Insulation Barriers: The biggest concern when replacing windows will always be letting too much cold air in. One way to avoid this is by closing off the affected area using plastic sheeting and thick blankets. This will create an insulation barrier that keeps the cold contained.
All of these things can make taking out your windows in sub zero temperatures less uncomfortable. But it is also important to remember that there are actually benefits to replacing your windows in winter.
Not only will it be easier to schedule workers to get the job done, there is a chance that might be able to get a discount on the windows themselves. Winter is always a slow season for building supply companies and contractors, and if you time things right, you can actually save a lot of money on the installation.
Keeping your home well insulated in the winter is essential for maintaining comfort, reducing your heating bills, and minimizing energy loss. If your current windows are not offering sufficient protection, it may be worth some small discomfort now to replace them with energy efficient ones that will keep your home warm for the rest of the season. Call an energy-efficient window contractor today, and find out whether they can help you replace your windows this winter.