5 ways to insulate your windows for winter
It may not be winter yet, but now is the best time to get prepared for the British cold!
According to the weather reports, we’re in for our coldest winter in a decade with up to 4 months of snow! Now is the best time to prepare to combat that cold, so we put together this mini-guide of solutions for drafty windows including the pros and cons of everything from layered curtains to shrink-wrap film.
1. Rubber Weather Sealing: You can buy strips of self-stick rubber weather sealing at a hardware store or online. Cut long strips down to fit your window dimensions, then peel and stick to the frame to close any gaps and keep out drafts.
Pros: Cheap, effective, minimal alterations to appearance of windows.
Cons: When you peel away the rubber strips, they can damage paint or leave a sticky residue.
2. Window Insulation Film: You can buy window insulation kits from a hardware store or online. Kits usually include plastic shrink film that is applied to the indoor window frame with double-stick tape, and then heated with a hair dryer to shrink the film and remove any wrinkles.
Pros: Cheap and effective.
Cons: Gives windows a cloudy, shrink-wrapped look.
3. Cellular Shades: Cellular Shades insulate while still letting in light through the windows. They can be ordered and custom cut from home and design centres.
Pros: They let in light and can be custom-fitted for doors and windows.
Cons: They can be expensive and may not insulate as much as heavier curtains.
4. Layered Curtains or Insulated Curtains: Use heavy fabrics or layered curtains over the windows to keep out drafts. Or, purchase insulated curtains with built-in thermal backing.
Pros: Looks good, can be matched to your home decor.
Cons: Curtains can be expensive and heavy drapes can block out light.
5. Draft Snakes: Draft snakes are fabric tubes placed on a windowsill or under a door to prevent cold air from creeping in. You can make one by sewing a tube of fabric to fit the width of your window and filling it with dried rice.
Pros: Cheap, easy to make as a DIY project.
Cons: It only insulates the windowsill, not the glass or frame.
Whichever method you choose, its time to start putting it into place as the temperature drops dramatically in the coming months. At least then you can relax knowing it’s sorted and turn your thoughts to more exciting things- like Christmas presents!