How to Prepare Roof Windows for Winter? Expert Guide
The approaching winter is a particularly demanding time for the window joinery in the attic. Heavy snowfall, low temperatures, and strong, gusty winds can adversely affect the structural elements of windows. Since weather conditions during this period can be very variable and harsh, proper preparation of roof windows is essential.
You can – and definitely should – protect yourself well in advance against unfavorable weather. How to do it correctly and prevent heat loss? We discuss this in the article below!
Why is a Winter Inspection of Attic Windows So Important?
To ensure that roof windows maintain their full functionality and tightness during the winter, they require some attention before the first frosts arrive. An annual, routine inspection includes several simple steps that will give you peace of mind throughout the winter. With proper maintenance, you gain:
Protection against frost and moisture inside the rooms,
Longer lifespan of window mechanisms,
Lower heating bills (elimination of so-called thermal bridges).
Preparing Roof Windows for the Season in 4 Steps
1. Thorough Cleaning of Roof Windows
Preparing windows for the winter season always starts with a careful cleaning.
Tip: Remember not to wash the glass in direct sunlight (this will create difficult-to-remove streaks) or at negative temperatures, where the glass becomes extremely brittle and prone to damage.
Use special cleaning solutions free from aggressive solvents and abrasive particles for cleaning profiles and glass. Remove any dirt with a soft cloth – this will help you avoid unsightly discoloration and scratches.
2. Maintenance of Window Fittings
Clean glass is just the beginning of the preparations. Equally important are the metal fittings, which largely determine the overall tightness of roof windows. Their smooth operation ensures easy and trouble-free opening and closing of the sash.
Before winter, be sure to lubricate all moving parts of the fittings and hinges. This will reduce friction, which accelerates the wear of mechanisms and leads to corrosion. For lubrication, specialized window maintenance products are best suited, which should be precisely applied using a soft cloth.
3. Insulation and Lubrication of Seals
Even the best windows can lose their tightness over time. Therefore, before winter arrives, it is necessary to properly secure the seals. Their elasticity provides a crucial barrier against the ingress of water and cold air between the sash and the frame.
Use available market products (e.g., silicone-based) that help maintain the proper elasticity of the rubber.
These products protect the seals from freezing to the profiles, which could lead to their tearing during an attempt to open the window on a frosty morning.
Note: If you notice that the seals have completely lost their elasticity, are cracked, or brittle – they must be replaced with new ones before the first snow.
4. Removal of Accumulated Leaves from the Flange
To ensure that roof windows function correctly, the sealing flange must be thoroughly cleaned in the fall. Remove any accumulated leaves, twigs, and other debris blown in by the wind. A clean flange around the window ensures proper and free drainage of rainwater and melting snow, preventing the formation of ice blockages and dangerous leaks into the attic interior.