Waukesha County Home

NOVEMBER 2021 HOME 3 MILWAUKEE — It's clear fall is officially upon us. The season also brings with it colder temperatures, and any existing drafts within your home become signifi- cantly more noticeable this time of year. Often times, aging windows and the pres- ence of drafts go hand in hand, which is why it's strongly encouraged to replace your home's windows if they're 15 to 20 years old or older, as they've passed their prime and are no longer providing ade- quate insulation. The question is, should you be concerned about installing new windows in cold weather, particularly with winter right around the corner? The answer is a resounding no. "When the forecast calls for cold temper- atures, experienced window installers take special precautions to ensure a seamless window installation process, which includes maintaining a comfortable tem- perature inside the home," said Christo- pher Wittmann, MCR, exterior products specialist with Callen Construction, Inc. in Muskego. Inspect your windows If you take the time to examine each win- dow in your home as the temperatures dip by carefully tracing the perimeter of each with your hand, and you notice cold spots or drafts along the way, window replace- ment is recommended. Don't let the cold weather sway you into postponing new window installation as the benefits of new windows can be enjoyed virtually instantly. "For example, new windows would elimi- nate all drafts within a home, resulting in a more consistent and comfortable indoor temperature," said Wittmann. "At the same time, you'll save money on your energy bills as properly insulated windows put less strain on your home's HVAC system." It's also worth noting that there's likely to be more flexibility in terms of scheduling a window installation project date in the colder months versus the warmer months. Taking precautions The primary concern most homeowners have when it comes to installing new win- dows in cold weather is heat or energy loss. "Professional window installers such as those employed by Callen are mindful to properly prep the new windows and sur- faces prior to installation to minimize the amount of time a home's interior is sub- jected to Mother Nature," Wittmann said. "They will typically install one window at a time as well as focus on one room at a time in order to ensure the rest of the home remains at a comfortable temperature for the duration of the project." A popular strategy is to station installers on both sides of a window in order to max- imize efficiency. "Not only does having two installers, one on the interior and one on the exterior, help ensure a quick and easy installation process, it will also conserve energy by lim- iting the number of times installers must enter and exit the home," he said. This also means fewer opportunities for installers to track snow and other debris into your home. "It should be noted that as an added pre- caution, Callen installers use drop cloths to protect the flooring and surrounding area, and in some cases, temporary plastic wall sheathing for moisture and air protection," said Wittmann. "They also take the time to thoroughly clean up after themselves once a project is complete." Another concern some homeowners have is whether the caulks and other materials used will withstand the cold temperatures. "With the advent of all-weather materials and sealants that stay malleable through- out the seasons, cold-weather applications will be just as good as they are in other sea- sons," Wittmann said. Though most applications can be con- ducted during the winter months, safety is a priority for the installers. "If there is extreme cold temperatures, wind-blow rain or sleet, or heavy snowfalls, chances are the project will not commence. However, if the weather cooperates, the installers are good to go!," he said. Ultimately, homeowners should not let cold temperatures deter them from sched- uling a window installation project, espe- cially if the windows are failing or if they've surpassed their life expectancy. "In fact, cold weather will actually make it easier to detect drafts and installing new windows will yield nearly instant benefits, including increased energy efficiency and a more comfortable and consistent indoor air temperature," Wittmann said. "Callen's professional window installers are trained to take the necessary precautions to ensure that a window installation project sched- uled for the colder months is a smooth process for the homeowner as well as every- one residing in the home." Callen's Muskego showroom, S63-W13131 Janesville Road, contains a variety of sam- ples, including full kitchen and bath dis- plays featuring Kohler fixtures and Star- mark Cabinetry products, countertops, as well as Infinity from Marvin Fiberglass replacement windows. Callen's showroom in Brookfield, 19115 W. Capitol Drive, Suite 102, has a wide assortment of products on display, including Infinity from Marvin fiberglass replacement windows, siding, doors, roofing and Gutter Topper. For more information or to arrange an initial showroom consultation, call Callen at 414-529-5509 or visit CallCallen.com. Callen explains installing windows in cold weather

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