Should Window Screens Be Removed During Winter?

As you take steps to winterize your home this year, don’t forget your windows. You might add insulation, switch to heavy winter curtains to block out the cold and install weather stripping to eliminate drafts. But to complete your winterization checklist, also consider removing the window screens. This extra to-do can help your window screens last longer and make winter more enjoyable. Take a closer look at these four reasons why should window screens be removed for winter once you close the windows for the last time in the fall.

Protection From Harsh Winter Conditions

Removing your window screens and stowing them safely away for the season will protect them from winter-related damage. Some common types of damage that can hurt your window screens are:

• Cold temperatures will make the mesh brittle. When combined with sunny weather, that brittleness can significantly age the screens.
• Harsh winds will throw ice and snow particles against the mesh, scratching it.
• Heavy snowfall might pile up against the window screen, deforming the mesh and frame when it can’t handle the weight.

Knowing the answer to “Should window screens be removed for winter?” is just the first step—you also need to know what to do with them. To safely store your window screens for the season, keep them in a dry space where you can lay them flat, such as your garage, basement, or attic.

Enhanced Insulation and Energy Efficiency

During Colorado’s cold winters, optimizing for energy efficiency can make a big difference in how comfortable your home is. By removing the screen, you can allow more sunlight into your home, naturally warming the space. With the screen frame out of the way, you also have more room for heavy-duty weatherstripping and extra rolls of insulation in the exterior window frame to block drafts.

Prevention of Mold and Mildew Growth

Why else should window screens be removed for winter? While window screens let a cooling breeze into your home during the summer months, they can trap condensation and frost up against your window frames in the winter. Snow can get in the crevices around the hardware and where the window screen presses against the window. The snow will melt, but the water won’t be able to escape the channels and corners—eventually, it will encourage mold and mildew growth (even during the winter). That damage can spread quickly across the window and even inside the window frame if there are any gaps in the seal.

By removing the frame, you’ll allow more air to circulate around the window itself, where it can whisk the water away.

Enhancing Natural Light and View

Finally, removing the frames is simply a matter of aesthetics. You’re unlikely to open your windows during the winter—and you’re very unlikely to have to worry about bugs if you do. By removing the window screens and storing them away for the winter, you can enjoy a bigger, brighter, unobstructed view. Enjoy watching the snowfall or looking at the neighborhood holiday lights without having to peer through a mesh screen. The extra sunlight can also boost your mood and make your home feel less stuffy. Because the sun rises late and sets early in Colorado, it’s important to make the most of sunlight hours, as the bright light can help with seasonal blues and staying cheerful.

Take Action: Get a Free Quote

Seasonal maintenance can extend the lifespan of your windows and window screens. Once the temperatures drop and you’re ready to winterize your windows, set aside time to remove all of your window screens, clean them, dry them, and store them flat until spring. If you notice window damage during the project or you’re not sure how to take screens out of windows, reach out to BlueBird Windows & Doors for repair services and assistance. Contact us for a quote, or let us know if you’re thinking about replacing your windows for even better views and energy efficiency.

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