Window Preparation for Winter

Fall is here and the temperatures are already starting to drop. If you notice that your windows seem a bit drafty it may be a good time to do some simple preparation by increasing the insulation in your home. This can be accomplished in a few ways. You can, of course, always purchase new windows and have them installed before winter, but this isn’t necessarily a viable option if money is tight, which is more than common in this bad economy.

Another cheaper option involves using a caulk gun and “weatherstripping caulk sealant” or temporary caulking to seal up cracks between the window frame and glass. Weatherstripping sealant is designed to stick in place just as well as normal caulk but can be peeled away when it is no longer needed. It is inexpensive and comes in a clear color so that it blends in seamlessly and doesn’t create an eye sore. It can also be stripped away without removing paint or damaging any surfaces.

There are also several lightweight disposable storm window systems on the market that are effective in keeping out cold drafts and increasing insulation in the window. The kits come with double-stick tape which is applied to the trim casing around the window. Lightweight plastic sheeting is then pressed onto the tape where it is blown with a hair dryer in order to shrink the plastic and remove the wrinkles. Like caulking, this is a system you should use after you are sure that you won’t be opening the windows for a while.

How to Get Rid of Rust

Many metal materials in and outside the home are susceptible to rust build up. Rust, or iron oxides, are produced through a chemical reaction between impure iron, oxygen and water. There are several effective ways for removing rust once it shows up, but the best way to deal with it is through prevention. Commercial rust prevention is widely used for large scale applications that probably aren’t practical for home use. These are methods like galvanization, cathodic protection and plating. There is a simpler and cheaper solution for home users.

Rust can be prevented in the home by using coatings and paints that isolate the iron from the outside world, preventing it from reacting with water and oxygen. Simply covering any exposed iron with your favorite color of pain can help prevent rust as long as the coating remains intact. Bluing is a technique that can provide limited resistance to rusting for small steel items, such as firearms. In order for it to be successful, water-displacing oil is rubbed onto the blued steel.

If rust is already present and you are looking to get rid of it there are a couple of things you can do. You can sand or grind away portions of the metal where rust has gotten a foothold. This is may not be a viable option for some delicate items. You can also purchase consumer chemical rust removers. These are liquid cleaners that claim to be able to remove rust from metal surfaces. Beware, however, that many of these products don’t work nearly as well as advertised.