Are you dealing with a broken window in the middle of winter and don’t know how to tackle it? Winter weather can be harsh on windows, leading to unexpected cracks or total breakages. If this has happened to your home, you might feel overwhelmed about what steps should be taken next. Fear not — there are many options available for covering a broken window until more permanent solutions can be made.
In this blog post on how to cover a broken window in the winter, we’ll go over the best ways to make sure that your home remains safe and secure during cold winter months even after a broken window occurs. Keep reading to learn more!
Needed Tools and Materials
Given below is a list of the tools and materials you’ll need to cover your broken window in the winter:
- Plywood
- Nails or Screws
- Hammer or Drill
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Saw (Optional)
11 Step-by-step Instructions on How to Cover a Broken Window in the Winter
Step 1: Measure the Broken Window Opening
The first step to take when you have a broken window in the winter is to measure the broken window opening. With a tape measure, determine the width and height of the opening and write down these measurements. This will help you decide what size of plywood you’ll need to cover the opening.
But make sure to leave at least a half-inch of wiggle room in case you need to make any adjustments. Otherwise, the plywood may not fit properly.
Step 2: Determine Plywood Size
Next, you’ll need to figure out how large your plywood sheet should be in order to cover the broken window opening properly. Take your measurements from Step 1 and add two inches to both the width and height of the window opening for wiggle room.
For example, if your window was 30” wide and 24” high, then you would need a piece of plywood that is 32″ wide by 26″ high. It’s also important to note that plywood is sold in 4-foot by 8-foot sheets, so you will likely need to cut the sheet down to size.
Step 3: Cut a Piece of Plywood To Fit Window Opening
Once you have determined the size of your sheet of plywood, use a saw to cut out a piece that will fit your window opening. Make sure to sand down any rough edges or splinters before proceeding to Step 4. Otherwise, these can cause injury or damage to your window. You can also sand down any other areas of your plywood as well to give it a finished look and offer more protection from the elements.
Step 4: Secure Plywood To Window Opening
Next, secure the plywood sheet over the broken window using screws and washers. If you don’t have screws and washers on hand, you can also use duct tape or weather stripping for added protection from the cold air outside.
It’s important to make sure that the plywood is secured properly in order to ensure that no cold air gets into your home, as this can cause further damage to the window and your home. It’s also important to make sure that no gaps are left between the plywood and window frame, as this can cause drafts or water damage.
Step 5: Insulate Around the Edges
To ensure that no cold air is entering through gaps in between the plywood and window frame, it’s important to fill these spaces with insulation foam or caulking. When you’ve filled in all of the gaps, you can then use weather stripping to seal any remaining cracks.
This will help keep your home warm and protect it from the cold weather outside. But make sure to check the insulation and weather stripping periodically throughout the winter, as any gaps or cracks could get larger over time. It’s also a good idea to replace these materials every few years, as they can start to wear down from the cold weather.
Step 6: Cover the Plywood with Plastic Sheeting
Next, cover the plywood sheet with a layer of plastic sheeting. This will act as an extra layer of protection from cold air and moisture coming in through the broken window. Secure plastic sheeting to the frame using duct tape or weather stripping.
It’s important to make sure that the plastic sheeting is tight and secure around the edges in order to ensure no cold air is entering your home. You can also use a layer of heavy-duty tarp for extra protection from the weather.
Step 7: Apply Caulk Around Edges
Once you have completed Step 6, it’s important to apply caulk around all edges of the window opening where plastic meets wood, to ensure that no cold air can seep in through any cracks or gaps. You can also use a weatherproof sealant for extra protection from the winter elements. Allow the caulk or sealant to dry completely before proceeding to Step 8.
Step 8: Create Another Layer of Insulation
To create an added layer of insulation, you may want to consider using a foam board around the edges of the plywood sheet. This will provide an extra layer of insulation and help keep your home warm during cold winter months. It’s important to make sure that the foam board is properly secured and sealed against cold air entering your home.
But make sure to check the foam board periodically throughout winter months, as any gaps or cracks can get larger with time. However, keep in mind that foam board is not a replacement for insulation around the edges of the window opening.
Step 9: Cover with a Layer of Fabric or Blanket
To provide additional protection from air drafts, cover your window opening with a layer of fabric or blanket. This will also add an extra layer of insulation and protect your window from moisture or condensation buildup. Secure the fabric or blanket in place using duct tape or weather stripping.
It’s important to make sure that the fabric or blanket is tight and secure against the window opening in order to ensure no cold air can enter your home. This is especially important during the winter months when temperatures drop drastically.
Step 10: Install Shades or Curtains
Finally, install shades or curtains over the broken window for added protection from the cold outside temperatures. This will also allow you to control the amount of light entering into your home. Installing shades or curtains will also help to insulate your home and keep it warm during the winter months.
Be sure to check these periodically throughout the season, as they can become damaged due to cold temperatures. You may also want to consider investing in thermal curtains for added insulation. Otherwise, heavy-duty blankets or sheets will work just as well.
Step 11: Check for Air Leaks
Once you have completed all of the steps above, it’s important to check for any air leaks around the window opening. If you do find any cold drafts coming through, seal them up with insulation foam or caulking. Always make sure to check for air leaks periodically throughout the winter, as any gaps or cracks could get larger over time.
It’s also important to inspect the condition of your plywood sheet and plastic sheeting every few months, as they can become damaged due to cold temperatures and moisture buildup. It’s also a good idea to replace these materials every few years, as they can start to wear down from the cold weather.
By following these 11 steps on how to cover a broken window in the winter, you can help keep your home warm and cozy during frigid temperatures outside! Additionally, by taking preventative measures such as properly sealing cracks or gaps around windows and doors, you can also help reduce energy costs throughout the entire year.
Do You Need Support From a Professional?
If you need help installing or covering your broken window, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. An experienced contractor can help ensure that the job is done correctly and provide guidance on any other measures you may need to take in order to protect your home from the cold winter weather. For more information on how to cover a broken window in the winter, check out our website for additional resources!
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of covering a broken window in the winter will depend on materials needed, labor costs, and any additional repairs that may need to be done. Generally speaking, it can range from around $75 – $500 depending on the size of the window and the type of materials used. However, if you are able to do all of the steps yourself, you may be able to save money by purchasing your own supplies and doing the work yourself.
Look for coupons or discounts when shopping for materials in order to save as much as possible. Additionally, you can also check with your local hardware store or home improvement center for further advice. It’s important to remember that taking prevent.
Conclusion
Covering your broken window in the winter is crucial to keeping your home safe and warm. You have a variety of materials you can use for this job, but each requires some method of installation. You’ll need to measure, cut, and secure the covering accurately. If done properly, you can make sure that your home is safe during the cold season.
Of course, in addition to protecting yourself from the winter chill, remember that after summer comes – repairing or replacing the window will still be an option!
Finally on how to cover a broken window in the winter, if you want to give your home an interesting and creative look during winter while saving energy at the same time, why not try covering your window with driftwood? Driftwood is great because it’s free and easy to find; just make sure you get yours from waterways that haven’t been contaminated with pollutants like oil or pesticides.
By following these steps and taking care when selecting driftwood, you can learn how to identify driftwood and successfully cover up that broken window in style!
