Living in Ottawa, Canada introduces homeowners to a wide variety of weather conditions. The hot summer days and icy winters give us little time to become complacent about the preparation needed for extreme weather conditions. Protecting your home is important, and knowing how to make your windows ready for these weather changes is a critical step. The precautions we take ensure not just comfort but safety, too. Understanding how to protect against extreme weather effectively will help minimize the impacts and safeguard your home.
Why Preparing Windows is Crucial
Windows are a major part of your home’s defensive structure. During extreme weather, weak windows could be your home’s entry point for unwanted cold, heat, or rain. Ensuring the durability of your windows prevents potential damage. A well-sealed window reduces energy costs and helps maintain a comfortable interior temperature, no matter the weather outside. Unprepared windows contribute to heat-related illnesses in summer and major heat loss in winter, which can affect both your health and your wallet. Preparing them not only helps to conserve energy but also enhances the security of your home during severe storms or temperatures.
Tips on Preparing Your Windows for Extreme Weather
- Sealing Gaps
Gaps in windows can let in cold air during extreme cold months and allow conditioned (and often needed) air out during extreme heat periods. Weatherstripping is an easy and affordable way to close any visible gaps. Various types of weather stripping materials exist, including adhesive-backed foam tape, rubber strips, and V-strip weather stripping. Measure the edges of your window to ensure proper fit. Clean the surface beforehand to ensure good adhesion.
Caulking is another effective way to seal your windows. Check for gaps between the window frame and the wall, and apply a good-quality outdoor sealant. This barrier protects against both extreme cold and extreme heat.
- Reinforcing Glass
For extreme weather events such as heavy rain, sleet, or winds, consider installing impact-resistant glass or applying security film. These options are great to withstand the force during intense weather conditions. Security film helps hold glass together if it shatters, reducing the risk of injury from flying shards. Also, reinforcing glass can aid in insulation, keeping the cold out during winter weather season and the cool air in during summer.
- Installing Storm Windows
Storm windows provide an extra layer of insulation. They are an effective barrier against severe weather. Storm windows are installed on the outside or inside of the existing main windows, creating an extra layer to block harsh elements like wind and moisture. While choosing storm windows, ensure they are energy-efficient and easy to install or remove. This practice can greatly improve your home’s defense against extreme weather conditions and boost energy efficiency.
- Regular Maintenance
Regularly checking the health of your windows is crucial. Look for signs of wear, such as cracks, dampness around the frame, or difficulty opening and closing. Regular maintenance includes washing windows to prevent dirt from hindering closure or sealing operations. Also, ensure the locks are functional and in good condition. During the winter weather season, clear snow from the sills to prevent moisture infiltration. Such periodic checks will prepare you for any upcoming weather events.
Being Prepared for All Conditions
Preparing for Extreme Cold
In Ottawa, extreme cold is a part of life. Ensuring your windows are prepared for it is crucial in maintaining warmth. Plug drafts with draft snakes or thick curtains. Utilizing heavy drapes provides additional insulation. Use window plastics to seal entire window areas during the coldest months. The plastic creates a barrier against the chill, cutting down on cold drafts. When cold weather arrives, homeowners need to be as insulated as possible against the icy conditions that can lead to increased heating bills and discomfort indoors.
Preparing for Extreme Heat
Summertime extreme heat means you need to keep the cool air inside your home and block the hot sunlight from coming in directly. Use blinds, shades, or reflective window films. Apply a window film with a reflective coating to help reflect the sun’s rays away from your home and keep inside temperatures lower to help prevent heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. This method prevents the house from overheating and keeps cooling costs down.
Preparing for Severe Weather
When the National Weather Service or emergency management encourages a thunderstorm or strong winds warning, it is essential to reinforce your windows. Secure all loose items in your yard, as these can become projectiles. Consider boarding up windows if a severe storm, such as a tornado, is forecasted. Having a plan for severe weather strikes ensures both safety and preparedness. Always pay attention to weather forecasts using reliable sources to stay alert.
The Role of Doors and Garages
While special attention is often given to windows, doors and garage doors should not be neglected when preparing for severe weather. A well-sealed door prevents wind infiltration and loss of heated or cooled air. Weatherstripping works on doors as effectively as with windows. Properly insulated garage doors can greatly affect your home’s internal temperature. If a strong storm is expected, reinforce garage doors to withstand high winds, as they can easily buckle.
Creating a Safe Interior
Establish an interior room that serves as a safe space during intense weather conditions. This area should have no windows, reducing the risk of injury from shattered glass. Keep emergency supplies such as a flashlight, water, non-perishable food, and a wet cloth to use in extreme heat emergencies. Keep updated on local weather forecasts and alerts to guide when to take such precautions. Safeguarding the interior room provides peace of mind for you and your family.
Conclusion
Protecting your home involves proactive measures. Preparing windows for extreme weather conditions means taking steps to improve energy efficiency and secure your home against harsh weather. Incorporate regular maintenance, invest in improvements such as impact-resistance glass and storm windows, and make sure gaps are sealed thoroughly with quality products. Remember that a simple measure like thermal curtains can significantly enhance your home’s protection against extreme heat or extreme cold. By keeping an eye on weather forecasts, you can prepare adequately and minimize discomfort and weather-induced risks.
Remember, Ottawa’s fluctuating climate demands readiness for all potential weather events. With adequate preparation, your windows will stand strong against the test of severe weather, leaving your home safe and comfortable.
