As the nights get longer and the days get colder, it’s common for homeowners to wonder which parts of their home-winterization checklist are essential. And window care is a necessary part of energy efficiency that shouldn’t be skipped. So, should window screens be removed for winter? In a nutshell, yes.
Home winterization prevents damage to your property and makes the bitter cold months more comfortable inside your home. Fortunately, if you have Thompson Creek windows, removing window screens is an easy job.
Should Window Screens Be Removed For Winter?
Yes, you should remove your window screens when winter is approaching and restore them early in the spring. It’s a good habit to do this whether the screens are internal or external, particularly external screens.
It’s most common for double-hung and slider windows to have their screens located outside, but some casement windows have internal screens. In both cases, it makes sense to swap these screens out for storm windows during the coldest months of the year.
Why Do We Remove Window Screens in Winter?
There are several reasons to remove window screens in the winter:
- It enables you to wash your windows more easily
- It’s easier to clean and inspect the screens
- It helps you inspect the windowsills, frames, and locks more thoroughly
- If the screens are left in place, they could become damaged from trapped snow or ice build-up
- As much as 30% more natural light and heat can enter your property
- Storm windows offer far better thermal protection
As we approach the colder months, that last benefit is worth special attention. Not only does the sunlight help heat a room, but it can also improve your mood during those dreary days. Removing your window screens makes the inside of your home as much as eight degrees warmer during the brightest periods of the day, saving money on your energy bill.
Tips for Winterizing Your Windows
Pick a pleasant day towards the end of autumn to remove your window screens. Then take a moment to clean and inspect them for signs of damage. Mark each screen with chalk, so you know which window it belongs to. This makes it quicker and easier to replace the screens in the springtime.
Store your screens somewhere safe, such as your garage, shed, or basement. Ideally, keep them in a space that’s rarely used to reduce the risk of accidental damage.
If you live somewhere with frigid temperatures in the winter, consider fitting storm windows once you’ve taken the screens down. These windows have superior insulation properties and will help you stay more comfortable during those frosty nights.
Removing your screens is the perfect opportunity to clean the windows and inspect the tracks, sills, and frames for damage. It’s a good idea to thoroughly clean the tracks on windows and patio doors a few times per year. These narrow tracks attract a lot of dirt and dust, and if they aren’t properly cared for, the door could stick and become difficult to open during the cold months.
Winter Maintenance: Prevention is Better than Cure
Like gutters, Windows are fixtures that a lot of people forget about when it comes to maintenance, but it’s important to be proactive. Seasonal maintenance, including taking the time to remove window screens in winter, helps you avoid potentially expensive damage to the screens, problems with gutters, rotted window frames, and other issues.
If you have older, single-paned windows and would like to update them to more energy-efficient ones or simply want a new look for your property, contact Thompson Creek today. Our team can explain the range of windows available and provide a free quote for your property.