The last thing you want during the winter months is drafty windows. Many people here in Utah already bundle up indoors in a bid to save on their energy bills. You don’t want drafty windows making your home even colder and causing your energy bill to creep up – especially not when you already have the thermostat cooler than you’d like to try to save money! Sweaters inside – sure, that’s fine. Needing to wear your winter coats inside? Unacceptable.

Fortunately, you don’t just have to live with drafty windows. Here’s what you need to know about how you can test for drafty windows and what you should do if you have them. Let’s get into it.

How To Test For Drafts

There are a few different ways you can test for drafts. First off, you can do a visual inspection of your windows. You may see gaps or cracks around your windows, which drafts can easily slip through. You may notice window panes or frames that are looser than they should be. You may also notice curtains moving when they shouldn’t be if there isn’t a vent in the area. 

You can also light a candle or stick of incense and steadily, smoothly move it around your windows. If the flame or smoke begins to move unsteadily or is sucked into or out of the room, this indicates a draft. Alternatively, you can use an infrared thermometer to detect drafts.

If you want to go a more professional route, you can have an expert do a home energy audit in order to detect air leaks, as well as determine the overall air tightness of your home. 

What To Do About Drafty Windows

Drafty windows mean that your windows aren’t sealed as tight as they should be. This can result from many factors, from improper installation to simple old age to damage and more. What you’ll need to do to fix your drafty windows will depend on why they’re letting drafts through.

Repair / Replace / Install Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping improves your windows’ insulation. However, like anything else, it can become damaged or run out of life, necessitating repairs or replacement. 

Use A Draft Stopper

Draft stoppers, also known as draft snakes, are tubes full of dense material that you can place on your window sill. While these can help to prevent drafty windows, it’s important to note that they don’t resolve the issue and it would be easy for a child or a pet to knock them down.

Use Window Film

Shrink film wraps to gaps, helping to block drafts. You can install this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you, if you want to ensure a job well done. Window film reflects heat and light back where it came from, keeping your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. 

Caulk Any Cracks

Caulking is a quick and easy way to fill in any gaps between your window sashes and frames. 

Layer Curtains

Layering up your window treatments can prevent drafts from bringing the interior temperature of your home down. By using multiple layers, you’re essentially blockading drafts. Thermal curtains do wonders at insulating your windows while also adding class to your space. 

Use Storm Panels

Storm windows mount to your window casing, providing additional insulation that prevents cold air from seeping through your windows. These can be cumbersome to install, but the U.S. Department of Energy states that they can save you up to 30% on your HVAC bills. 

Replace Your Windows

If your windows are old or damaged, then your best bet to deal with drafts may be to replace them. While it’s true that this is definitely the most expensive option on the list, in the long run, replacing your windows will do wonders for your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency. If you have major draft problems, this would likely be the best option for you. 

Professional Window Services In Northern Utah

Creekside Windows & Glass provides professional window and glass services throughout Northern Utah. From replacement windows to window repair to window cleaning and more, we’re here to ensure that your windows both look and function their best all year round.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your window needs.

As much as people may gripe and groan about actually getting into the shower, once there, it’s a lovely haven you’re often reluctant to leave. Your shower doors play a significant role in both the comfort of your shower and in the aesthetics of your bathroom. You want a shower door that both suits your tastes and your needs.

For instance, if you’re remodeling your bathroom, you may not know whether to go for framed or frameless shower doors. You may wonder if a European style shower door is right for you. Or, if you or a loved one need accommodations, you may be looking into shower doors that can fulfill that need.

Here is a brief overview on some of the different types of shower doors available and some questions you can ask yourself in order to determine the perfect shower doors for you. Let’s get into it. 

Types Of Shower Doors

Hinged, pivot, sliding, framed, frameless, etc… There are many different types of doors for showers. Unless you have a walk-in shower or outdoor shower, you’ll need to pick a specific type. Here at Creekside Windows & Glass, we offer framed, frameless, and European shower doors. We may also be able to adjust your doors to your needs. 

Framed Shower Doors

Framed doors allow you to enjoy a more traditional and classic appearance. You can customize the type of glass that you have, the same as with any other door. Since these doors have frames, you can also customize the frames to match the rest of your bathroom’s decor. These are known for being more budget-friendly. 

Frameless Shower Doors

These are made of thicker, tempered glass so as not to need a frame, and as such, tend to cost more than framed doors. Many people love these doors for their sleek appearance, and the fact that you can customize the glass to your liking.

European Shower Doors

These are like frameless doors, as they do not use metal frames. They are minimalistic and come in a variety of styles, so whether you want something more modern or classic, you can ensure that you have the doors that fulfill your needs.

Considerations When Choosing A Shower Door

There are many different questions to ask yourself when choosing a door for your shower, as is the case with everything involving the interior design of your home. Some of the most important considerations you should have answers for are as follows. 

What’s Your Budget?

Perhaps the most important thing to figure out on your quest to find the perfect shower door is what your budget looks like. The last thing you want is to fall in love with a type of shower door only to find out that it’s out of your price range. By setting a budget, you can have an easier time looking at doors that you can realistically afford, avoiding such a heartache.

How Big Is The Space?

You need to take measurements for your shower in order to help your search. For example, if you have a corner shower, these typically don’t have as much room for a door as showers that are more centered. Knowing how big the space is can help you pick a size that works and is comfortable, rather than opting for a door that looks strange and out of place in the space.

What’s Your Bathroom Design?

You don’t want to pick a shower door that clashes with the aesthetics of the space. There are so many different styles and finishes available. If you need help figuring out what kind of door would work best with your design, you can consult with an expert. People who sell shower doors are familiar with customers needing help choosing and would be happy to help you out.

Stunning Shower Doors To Finish Your Space

Creekside Windows & Glass provides all sorts of shower doors to homeowners in Utah, from framed to frameless to European. We can also make modifications to make them more accessible, such as by installing a bar for a shower curtain instead of a door, if needed. Contact us today to learn more about the shower doors we provide and what we can do in order to ensure that you receive the perfect doors for your needs. 

It’s easy to forget about your windows once they’re installed, unless they either sustain damage or get really dirty. However, it’s important to ensure that you’re maintaining your windows all year round in order to both help them look their best and to ensure that they last you as long as possible. Winter window maintenance can go a long way to both improve the curb appeal of your home and ensure that you’re not losing energy through your windows.

Here is what you need to know about some of the key things you can do as part of your winter window maintenance.

#1. Keep Your Windows Clean

It’s easy for many people to overlook just how dirty their windows actually are. Since dirt and grime accumulates over time, you can get used to it and not even realize just how badly your windows need to be cleaned. This is why when people hear that you should get your windows cleaned at least twice a year, they’re often skeptical. Yet, when they actually get their windows cleaned, they’re often left astounded by the difference it makes.

Clean windows are important not only to help your windows last as long as possible, but also to ensure that you’re getting as much natural light as possible. This is crucial during the winter months. With less sunlight, many people suffer from seasonal depression. Dirty windows can cause even less natural light to make its way into your home, making the winter blues even worse.

It’s best to clean your windows before the temperature drops too low. Before the first snow or before we get snow that sticks around is a good time to schedule your window cleaning service.

#2. Check For Damage

It’s always better to address any damages while they are still small and easy to fix, rather than to put it off and then end up with a massive repair bill on your hands. This is important always, but especially for winter window maintenance. Damage-free windows are able to save you energy and keep your home more secure.

Some damages to watch for include:

• Damaged hinges
• Scratched/cracked glass
• Water damage on wooden parts
• Air leaks along the sides and spaces

While some damage results just from factors like your weather-stripping getting old, others can result from errant snowballs. Ignoring damage won’t make it go away, and can make the winter even worse. It’s cheaper and easier to repair damages when you first notice them, rather than putting it off. Some repairs are easy to DIY while others are better left to the professionals. 

If ever you want to know whether you can fix something yourself or whether you should call in a window repair service, it’s best to contact the honest, upfront professionals here at Creekside Windows & Glass.

#3. Replace Your Windows As Needed

How wonderful would it be if windows would last forever? If you only ever needed to replace them because your tastes changed and you wanted to upgrade? Unfortunately, this isn’t the case with anything. Even if you take impeccable care of your windows, they will need to be replaced sooner or later. 

For example, if your windows are old, you may struggle with drafts throughout the winter. Rather than constantly paying an ever-increasing energy bill, you could save money in the long run by replacing your old windows before winter truly sets in. 

If your windows do need to be replaced, it’s important to work with honest, experienced professionals who really know what they’re doing and who truly care about a job well done. Windows are an investment, after all, and the last thing you want is to have to call another window company because the people you hired to replace your windows did a shoddy job. 

Professional Window And Glass Services In Northern Utah

Creekside Windows & Glass is here to help you with your window and glass needs all year round. If you have broken windows or need new or replacement windows, you can count on us for top-tier service with an eye for the details. We can help with your winter window maintenance, whether that be answering questions you have about what you should be doing or helping you out with any necessary repairs or replacements.

Contact us today to learn more about the services we provide and what we can do to elevate your home.