How to Weather Proof

Blog, Glazing

How To Weather Proof Your Windows.

Well the cold weather has hit, and it’s time to look at ways to keep that coldness outside.  This week I’ve been looking at ways to stop the cold from permeating your home and hoisting up those ever increasing utility bills.  I’ve hunted around to find some of the top ideas to insulate your windows against the frosty months ahead.

  • Rubber Weather Sealant

Be careful to watch out for the cheaper versions of rubber weather sealant as they can sometimes harden and crack in extreme weather.  But at around a fiver a roll, it’s a cheap way of reducing those pesky draughts.  It can be particularly effective when used in conjunction with other weatherproofing methods.

You will need

  1. Tape measure
  2. scissors

How it works

  1. Measure the area you want to cover
  2. Cut the strip to size
  3. Remove the backing strip
  4. Push into place

 

  • Window Insulator Film

As you can see its simple to fit.  Another simple solution is window insulator film, around £25 mark for a kit, and easily obtainable from any hardware shop or online.  You can apply the film both inside and outside the house.  The film is designed to reduce both draughts and condensation. For a step by step approach to installing window film, follow the link below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vj6vCFoYcE

 

You will need

  1. Alcohol wipes
  2. Hair dryer
  3. Scissors
  4. Tape measure

How it works

  1. Remove all window dressings, like curtains or blinds.
  2. Clean the frame of the window with the alcohol wipes.
  3. Measure the window to be fitted.
  4. Cut and apply the double sided tape (that comes with the kit), to the outside edge of the window frame.
  5. Unfold the window film, measure the film to fit the window leaving an inch all around to allow for shrinkage. Test for fit before cutting.
  6. Peel off the backing from the tape and apply the film to the tape stretching and tweaking film to reduce wrinkles.
  7. Apply the hair dryer to the film, which will shrink the film to size.
  8. Repeat procedure on all other windows to be filmed.

 

  • Bubble wrap film

The insulator film can make a considerable difference to your energy costs, reducing overall bills by up to 10% a year; well worth a little time and effort. A similar idea that can be used in conjunction to the film is to stick bubble wrap to the glass of the window to insulate against the cold. A 100 metre roll of wrap cost around £30 from stationary and online suppliers.

You will need

  1. Scissors
  2. Tape measure
  3. Bubble wrap on a roll
  4. Water small amount
  5. Sponge or spray to apply water to window

How it works

  1. Measure and cut bubble-wrap to fit window
  2. Dampen window with water spray or sponge
  3. Apply wrap straight to window
  4. Repeat on other windows

The bubble wrap can increase the temperature inside your home by up to 4 degrees, producing an energy saving cost of around £60 per year.  The film can be taken down over the summer (label each sheet clearly with the window it has been removed from).  It can then be stored and saved for the following autumn.

If you prefer to get the professionals in or are considering investing in new windows to increase insulation, there are a few options to choose from including; double, secondary glazing or the new Low e glass.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Double Glazing

 

  • Double glazed windows are made up of two pieces of standard float glass, with a spacer bar to separate the panes.  This bar creates a sealed vacuum of space, insulating against the cold air outside.  Double glazing frames come in different colours and styles. You can choose to have the glass plain or decorated with a number of different decorative affects.  The cost of Double glazing fitted into a three bed house, would be, between £4000-£6000, dependent on personal, glazing enhancement preferences. When choosing an appropriate glazing firm, make sure you choose a company with an insurance backed guarantee.  The installation itself should last around fifteen years before the glass starts to mist and needs to be replaced.  Installing double glazing can significantly reduce your energy costs, between 10%-20%, and improve your homes temperature by around 5-6 degrees.

 

 

  • Secondary Glazing

Secondary glazing is cheaper by far than double glazing; only costing, between £250 – £1000, dependent on the number of windows to be treated. However it is not as effective in reducing heating costs, but it can still save you around £150 a year.  Although if your home is a listed building or built in a conservation area, it may be that you are restricted to having secondary glazing, as it is more likely to conform to the strict guidelines surrounding this type of property.  Secondary glazing is where a supplementary sheet of glass is fitted inside the same framework as the original glass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Low-e Glass

Low-e, or low emissivity glass, is glass that has been treated with a special coating, which enables glass to absorb the infrared heat and light from the sun.  The heat and light are then reflected back into the home, which will save both energy and money.  This special coating also filters out the harmful ultra-violet light that reduces light damage on soft furnishings.

Low-e glass is more cost effective, energy efficient and more environmentally friendly, than standard double glazing.  It is on average about 10% higher in cost than standard double glazing, however it can keep a home 20-30% warmer.  So in the long run it will be cheaper to keep warm and therefore cost less.

If you need any advice or need an individual price for any of the above window installations please follow the link: http://www.wiltshireglaze.co.uk/