How to Seal Windows for the Summer

As summer approaches, it’s time to think about how you’re going to stay comfortable during those sweltering hot days. Most people think of insulation as something for keeping the heat in during the winter, but the right techniques can help keep your living spaces cool, giving you respite from the scorching sun. Let’s dive into how to seal windows for the summer months.

Solar Heat Gain: Keeping Your Home Cool in the Summer

The sun’s rays transmit both light and heat. When the rays hit your windows, some of the radiation is absorbed, reflected back into the open air, and passed through the window and into your home.

How good a window is at preventing heat from entering a room is described in the form of the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Windows with a high SHGC are good at keeping rooms warm in the winter, while those with a low SHGC reduce the need to run your air conditioning in the summer.

Windows with design features, such as low-E coatings and argon gas fillings, can help reduce solar heat gain. So, take those factors into account when you’re choosing a style and type of replacement window.

5 Tips on How To Seal Windows for the Summer

Many homeowners who have windows with good thermal insulation for the winter months find themselves struggling with the heat in the summer. If that sounds familiar, the good news is there are some things you can do.

Replacing your windows is a great option, and in the long-term there certainly are some benefits to that strategy, but making a few summer home improvements can make a difference, even if you’re on a small budget. If you’re like most homeowners, you winterize your property, so why not insulate the windows for summer?

• Seal or block drafts: Weather stripping keeps the elements from seeping through, and those long, slender pillows called draft snakes placed on a windowsill can also ward off heat and cold airflows.
• Replace your cell shades: Cell shades are the side pockets that surround your window. These cells contain honeycomb-shaped pockets that trap air, offering thermal insulation that buffers against extreme temperature changes. Upgrading your cell shades can be beneficial for all seasons.
• Apply window film for insulation: Window film acts as a makeshift form of double-glazing. The film can be purchased quite cheaply, and it’s possible to install it yourself. Although, many people call in a professional to ensure the end result is wrinkle-free and visually appealing.
• Add shutters for extra shade: Shutters offer effective insulation, preventing both air and light transmission. They can be added to your windows quite easily, and there are many styles available, so they’re a nice visual upgrade, too.
• Consider your garden’s layout: Many homeowners underestimate the impact that factors, such as the position of trees and shrubs, might have on their day-to-day comfort. Trees contain a lot of moisture but also offer shade, making them useful additions to your garden in the summer.

Contact Thompson Creek for All of Your Window Needs

If you find the summer months uncomfortably hot, consider investing in some double-hung windows with low-E coatings. These windows can open from the top or bottom for ventilation and have good insulating properties.

Contact Thompson Creek to learn more about the windows we offer and get a free, no-obligation estimate.