Your windows may be partly to blame if your home feels too hot in the summer, especially if they don’t have enough insulation. In this blog, WMGB Home Improvement shares a look at the ways you can improve window insulation for summer.
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Install Weatherstripping
Weatherstipping can either be strips of metal or EPDM rubber. While both are hard-wearing materials, they have relatively short lifespans compared to the rest of the window. Replacing worn-out weatherstripping can help improve the seal around the windows and reduce the amount of heat that would otherwise leak into your home. Note that metal weatherstripping may need to be replaced by a professional.
Install Window Treatments
Windows that face east to west will be exposed to direct sunlight, which means you have to deal with solar heat in addition to ambient outdoor heat. Window treatments like blinds, shades and shutters can block direct sunlight. Light-colored window treatments can reflect some of the solar heat while letting some visible light through. When choosing a window treatment for egress windows, make sure it’s easy to push out of the way in case of emergencies.
Consider investing in replacement windows with low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and high Visible Transmittance (VT) ratings. You can find these on the energy performance labels attached to each unit.
Install Insulation Around the Frame
The transition between wall and frame should be filled with insulation and/or sealed. Heat seeping through around the window frames would defeat the purpose of having energy-efficient windows in the first place. Ideally, the indoor molding that covers the frames should feel cool to the touch. If it feels warm, then heat is seeping through, and insulation will have to be installed.
If your windows are up for replacement soon, go ahead and have them replaced. Look for features like insulated frames with double- or triple-pane glass. In addition to helping your home stay cool in the summer, energy-efficient windows also help your home stay warm during winter.
WMGB Home Improvement is your leading provider of energy-efficient replacement windows and blown-in insulation installation. Give us a call at (616) 328-6625, or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI.
