Winterize Old Windows: A Homeowner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Twin Cities winters don’t mess around—and neither should your windows. A little fall tune‑up goes a long way toward comfort, lower energy bills, and preserving the character of your original wood windows. Here’s a homeowner‑friendly checklist to get everything snug before the deep freeze.

1) Close up your storm windows

Ensure Storm Windows Are Fully Closed and Sealed

Make sure to check that each storm door is fully shut and securely latched. Any gaps that allow even a small amount of daylight in are detrimental, as they indicate that you are losing valuable heat from your home. It’s essential to ensure all entries are properly sealed to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. Taking these precautions can significantly improve your energy efficiency during colder months.

Seal Gaps and Check Window Putty for Winter Protection

It’s important to thoroughly inspect for any missing gaskets, brittle putty, or small gaps particularly at the corners of your windows. One effective and temporary solution to sealing these tiny gaps is to use rope caulk, which is easy to apply and can be removed later without much effort. However, keep in mind that if you decide to use rope caulk, you should remember to take it off in the spring before you start using your windows again, ensuring they function properly. Taking these steps can help maintain your windows and improve energy efficiency throughout the colder months.

Keep Storm Window Weep Holes Clear to Prevent Moisture Build-Up

If your storms have weep slots or small holes located at the bottom, it’s important to confirm that they are open and unobstructed. This ensures that moisture can effectively escape from the surrounding areas, preventing the accumulation of water and helping to keep the glass and frame dry. Proper maintenance of these weep slots is crucial for the longevity of your windows and to avoid any potential water damage. Regular checks will help ensure optimal performance and protect your investment.

2) Verify primary windows are fully closed and locked

Properly Lock Double-Hung Windows for a Tight Seal

For double-hung windows, it’s important to ensure that the bottom sash is seated fully in its position to maximize energy efficiency. After that, you should draw the top sash all the way up until it aligns perfectly at the top. Finally, remember to lock the window properly, as the locks are specifically designed to pull the meeting rails tight together, which creates a better air seal and helps to improve insulation. This simple process can significantly enhance the performance of your windows while also ensuring safety.

Adjust or Repair Window Locks to Eliminate Drafts

If you find that a lock doesn’t engage easily when you try to use it, it’s important to address the issue promptly. Start by checking for any loose screws that may need tightening, as even small adjustments can make a significant difference. Additionally, consider using shims to improve alignment or, if necessary, replacing worn keepers that may be causing the problem. Implementing a tiny alignment fix can often lead to a remarkable reduction in drafts, enhancing the overall comfort of your space.

3) Address Broken or Cracked Glass Now

Even those seemingly insignificant hairline cracks can dramatically worsen when subjected to temperature swings, as they can quickly expand and become more pronounced. It’s crucial to replace any cracked panes promptly and to carefully reset any loose glazing points to ensure the integrity of the window. Additionally, take the time to re-glaze any soft or missing putty and apply a fresh coat of paint, as this will effectively help keep water out and protect the window’s structure. By doing so, you not only enhance the window’s appearance but also extend its lifespan.

4) Clean the Weatherstripping and Tracks

Clean and Clear Window Tracks for a Tight Seal

Paint drips and debris can create gaps. To ensure that your windows function optimally, carefully scrape away any paint ridges that may have formed on the parting beads and stops, as these can hinder the smooth movement of the sashes. After scraping, vacuum the tracks thoroughly to remove any dust and debris that could obstruct the operation. Additionally, it is important to wipe down the weatherstripping with a mild cleaner, as this will help the sashes slide effortlessly and create an effective seal when closed. Taking these steps will not only improve the functionality of your windows but also enhance their durability over time.

Repair or Replace Worn Weatherstripping

If you find that the metal spring bronze has become bent or loose during your inspection, it’s essential to either re-tack the affected areas to restore their integrity or replace those specific sections entirely to ensure proper functionality. Additionally, if the felt material shows signs of compression or damage, it is crucial to replace it promptly to maintain optimal performance and durability. Addressing these issues not only enhances the overall quality but also extends the lifespan of the equipment. Following these steps will help ensure everything operates smoothly and efficiently.

5) Keep an eye on condensation (and what it’s telling you)

Control Indoor Humidity to Prevent Condensation

High indoor humidity typically signals a moisture problem that can affect comfort and health in your home. To combat this, you should utilize bath and kitchen exhaust fans effectively, ensure your range hood is running during cooking, and consider investing in a dehumidifier for more optimal results. During colder months, it’s particularly important to maintain your indoor environment, so strive for a Relative Humidity level of around 30–40%, especially when temperatures drop. By following these steps, you can create a healthier and more pleasant living space.

Stop Storm Window Leaks to Reduce Moisture Intrusion

A leak path during a storm can frequently be attributed to areas where there are issues with latches, corners, and gaskets that need thorough inspection. By applying some rope caulk along any leaky edges, you can effectively seal those gaps, which in turn helps to restrict airflow. This reduction in airflow is crucial because it significantly minimizes the amount of moisture that can enter and accumulate in that particular space. Taking these preventive measures can greatly enhance the integrity of your home’s defenses against storm-related damage.

6) Add Thermal Curtains or Layered Window Treatments

Thermal curtains, also known as lined Roman shades, effectively retain heat and reduce cold drafts. On sunny winter days, open them to soak up available solar warmth, and then draw them closed at dusk to keep the cozy heat indoors.

7) Use Temporary Insulating Window Film on Leaky Spots

Clear, shrink-to-fit plastic kits are the unsung champions of winterizing—yes, that delightful seasonal task we all love to disdain. These kits significantly minimize drafts and serve as an effective vapor barrier for windows that require a little extra assistance during the colder months.

8) Small Fixes That Punch Above Their Weight

Replace Frayed Window Cords for Smooth Operation

Worn-out cords can create a variety of problems, making things quite tricky and potentially preventing you from closing everything properly. This small but significant issue can lead to further complications, so it’s really a good idea to swap them out before they give out completely and create more hassle for you. By addressing this issue proactively, you can save yourself from unnecessary frustration and ensure everything functions smoothly. Regular maintenance and timely replacements can make all the difference in keeping everything running efficiently.

Lubricate Window Hardware to Maintain Smooth Function and Seal

Using a lightweight, non-staining dry lubricant on various mechanical components such as pulleys, locks, and lifts not only enhances their overall functionality but also ensures that these parts operate smoothly without attracting dirt and debris. This type of lubricant allows for better performance and longevity by providing a protective seal that prevents the accumulation of grime. Consequently, the maintenance of these mechanisms becomes easier, as they remain cleaner and more efficient over time. Investing in a quality dry lubricant can thus significantly improve the reliability of your equipment.

Re-Caulk Window Perimeters to Prevent Drafts and Water Intrusion

Take a thorough look at the perimeter where the casing meets the siding, paying close attention to the interface points, and make sure to also inspect the sill joints for any signs of wear or damage. Reapply caulk in any identified areas that have either deteriorated or failed to provide a proper seal, ensuring that they adequately protect against potential wind and water infiltration. It is vital to ensure these seals are in good condition to maintain the integrity of the structure. Regular maintenance in these areas will help prevent future issues related to moisture and air leaks.

Repaint Worn Window Areas to Protect Against Moisture Damage

Before you embark on the repainting process, it’s crucial to take the time to meticulously clean and thoroughly dry all the worn areas. Ensuring that these surfaces are clean will significantly contribute to preventing melting frost from causing any harm and will serve as a protective measure against potential damage to the underlying wood. Taking these preparatory steps can greatly enhance the longevity and durability of your paint job, ultimately safeguarding your investment. Remember, a little extra care now can save you from larger problems in the future.

Use Draft Snakes for Quick Comfort on Leaky Doors and Windows

For those troublesome doors or basement windows that tend to let in unwanted drafts, utilizing a simple draft snake can significantly enhance your comfort while you work on identifying and implementing more permanent solutions to the issue. This quick fix not only helps in blocking out the cold air during chilly months but also serves as a temporary barrier until you can find the time and resources to resolve the underlying problems effectively. It’s a practical approach to managing discomfort, allowing you to focus on long-term improvements at your leisure.

9) Plan Ahead for a Spring Restoration Day

Create a punch list as you progress: identify sashes requiring new glazing, storms needing corner resealing, cords that need replacing, and areas that require paint touch-ups. Address significant tasks when the weather warms up, but prioritize sealing cold-weather air leaks immediately.

Quick Checklist (print‑friendly)

• Storms latched tight; corners sealed; weeps clear
  
• Primary sashes fully seated and locked
  
• Locks aligned and snug; screws tightened
  
• Cracked/broken panes replaced
  
• Weatherstripping and tracks cleaned; damaged sections replaced
  
• Indoor humidity set around 30–40% RH in deep cold
  
• Thermal curtains or lined shades installed
  
• Insulating window film applied where needed
  
• Exterior caulk touched up at casings and sills
  
• Note items for spring restoration (glazing, cords, paint)