Winter Window Prep - Essential maintenance tips

Rockland County's winters bring freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and high winds that can test your home's defenses. Properly maintained windows and doors are your first line of protection against the elements, helping to maintain comfort while controlling energy costs. This comprehensive guide covers essential window and door maintenance tasks to prepare your Rockland County home for the winter months.

1. Inspect for Air Leaks

Air leaks around windows and doors are major contributors to heat loss and increased energy bills. Identifying and addressing these leaks before winter arrives is crucial for Rockland County homes.

2. Weatherstripping Renewal

Weatherstripping is your primary defense against drafts but deteriorates over time. Inspect and replace worn weatherstripping on all exterior doors and operable windows.

• Door Sweeps: Replace if worn or if light is visible under exterior doors
• V-Strip Weatherstripping: Ideal for the sides of doors and windows
• Foam Tape: Good for irregular gaps in windows
• Silicone Tubular Weatherstripping: Durable option for Rockland County's variable climate

3. Caulking and Sealing

Caulk seals the fixed components of windows and doors where they meet walls, trim, and other stationary elements. In Rockland County's freeze-thaw cycles, caulk can deteriorate quickly.

Remove old, cracked caulk and apply fresh exterior-grade silicone or silicone-latex caulk around window and door frames. For best results in our climate, choose products rated for temperatures from -30°F to 170°F and that offer flexibility during seasonal expansion and contraction.

4. Storm Windows and Doors

For older Rockland County homes with single-pane windows, storm windows provide essential additional insulation during winter months.

5. Hardware Maintenance

Proper operation of windows and doors is especially important during winter when emergency exits may be needed.

• Lubrication: Apply silicone spray to hinges, locks, tracks, and operators
• Tightening: Secure loose handles, locks, and hinges
• Adjustment: Ensure doors close properly with appropriate weatherstrip compression
• Lock Testing: Verify all security features function properly

6. Condensation Prevention

Window condensation is a common winter issue in Rockland County homes. Beyond being annoying, persistent condensation can damage window frames and surrounding walls.

To reduce condensation, manage indoor humidity levels (ideally 30-40% during winter), ensure proper ventilation in high-humidity areas, and consider using programmable bathroom fans and kitchen exhaust systems to automatically regulate moisture levels.

7. Special Considerations for Rockland County

Our local climate presents specific challenges for window and door maintenance:

Professional Assessment

For many Rockland County homeowners, a professional pre-winter inspection provides peace of mind and identifies issues that might be missed during DIY maintenance.

At Window & Door Outlet, we offer comprehensive winter readiness assessments for windows and doors. Our technicians can perform maintenance tasks, make repairs, or advise on replacement if your current windows and doors are no longer providing adequate protection against Rockland County winters. Contact us today to schedule your pre-winter maintenance service.