5 Smarter Ways to Insulate Windows for Winter in San Francisco Bay

With winter around the corner, cold air is again creeping into our homes. But is that due to the weather or poor window insulation?

For many San Francisco Bay homeowners, it could be both.

If you're not sure your insulation is in poor shape, give your windows a closer look. Some common indicators of poor insulation include:

• Condensation on glass panes
• Cold draft near the window
• Light coming through the frame
• Gaps in weather-stripping

Need help with insulating windows for the winter? Here are five ways to restore your window efficiency other than investing in new windows!

1. Re-Sealing

You can resolve many window insulation issues simply by re-sealing around the glass. That's particularly true if the existing seals seem cracked. Though seals are designed to last, it's not that hard to damage them.

The good news: re-sealing a window is a fairly simple DIY project. All you need is a caulking gun and about an hour of your time. Make sure you scrape out the old caulk and clean the area before re-sealing it.



2. Foam Insulation

If re-sealing doesn't resolve your air infiltration issues, foam may do the trick. Double-sided foam tape is particularly effective at protecting the moving parts of your windows, such as a window sash.

These days, most window frames come with weather seals at the top and bottom of the sash. However, this seal becomes compressed over time. Adding a layer of double-sided foam tape can be a simple fix.

3. Thermoplastic Film

When it comes to window upgrades, thermoplastic film is great value for money. It's cheap, easy to install, and effective at preventing drafts. This film is often used as a stopgap until you buy replacement windows.

Once you have your film, make sure to apply it to the entire window. If it's not self-adhesive, use double-sided tape to secure it. You should also be able to stretch the film a bit by heating it with a hair dryer.

4. Low-E Storm Windows

As far as energy-saving window methods go, low-E storm windows are up there in efficiency. These are windows with a low-E coating that you can attach over your current windows.

Some of their key benefits include:

• They reduce draft and noise
• They're easy to install and operate
• They save you 10%-30% on heating and cooling costs (Energy.gov)

5. Thermal Curtains

When we think of winter window protection, curtains may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, any curtain with a thick weave can be effective at trapping the cold air. Think of it as a sweater for your window!

For a particularly effective solution in this vein, look for thermal curtains. These curtains come with a thin piece of foam between their layers of fabric. They're also affordable and come in many styles.

Is Insulating Windows for the Winter Your Best Choice?

As you can see, insulating windows for the winter is fairly simple. That said, this may not always be the best way to make a home more comfortable. At some point, new windows will offer better long-term savings.

Looking to upgrade your San Francisco Bay home with modern windows? At Cal Coast Window & Door, we've been helping people like you for 20+ years! Request a free estimate for your project now!