Throughout the month of December, we’ve been sharing helpful winter window installation tips that can help take a bite out of the cold. Last week we looked at a few important issues when it comes to window sizing and preparedness. By having properly sized windows, the amount of time the window is not in the wall can be relatively short. Once the new aluminum window or vinyl window is in its proper place, insulating foam is then used to seal the gaps. Once this is accomplished, the cold will no longer be able to enter the home, and precious heat will no longer be lost. Of course, as we mentioned last week, closing the doors to the room you are working on can help avoid severe heat loss. By working on one window at a time, the total amount of time that heat loss can occur is minimized. One of the final considerations to make when installing windows and doors during the winter months is the effect the cold has on the materials used to seal the house and finish the window installation job. Paint, caulk, and foam all will dry slower when applied in cold temperatures. Because of improper seals that can occur in these cold installations, problems can occur later on in the life of the window. To avoid costly problems, it is important to use industrial strength, high-grade sealants, foams and caulks. These higher quality materials are designed to perform well in extreme temperatures and can make all the difference in the longevity and quality of the window installation. Additionally, by keeping the caulk and foam in the warmth of the home until it is needed, the materials are more likely to perform as they’re intended. While many people are likely to avoid winter replacement window installations, it can be an ideal time of year to make the shift.