Winter Comfort Package

Winnipeg | Calgary

Winter Comfort Package

Your guide to winter window & door care: a practical homeowner guide to cold-weather maintenance, humidity, condensation, window operation and patio door care.

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6
short chapters
10 min
to read
1 checklist
to save you a service call

Before Winter Arrives

Simple checks that prevent avoidable winter service calls.

Your winter checklist

6 items Tick items off as you go. Your progress is saved on this device.

What to check by window type

Casement

Check hinges, crank, locks and compression seals.

Awning

Check top hinges, operator and bottom seal.

Sliding

Clean track, drainage paths, rollers and latch.

Hung

Clean vertical tracks; check balances and locks.

Picture

Inspect perimeter seal and keep airflow to glass.

Important: never force frozen windowsAllow frozen parts to thaw naturally. Never pry a sash open, pour boiling water on glass, or chip ice with metal tools.

Indoor Climate & Humidity

The right balance of warmth, airflow and moisture.

Winter humidity guide

−5°C outside today

Aim for indoor relative humidity of 30–35%

Reduce RH further if water or frost accumulates. These are general cold-weather starting points, not universal limits.

Comfortable indoor conditions

20–22°CSuggested living-space temperature

Use a hygrometer to monitor relative humidity (RH).

Ventilation & moisture control

  • Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during and after moisture-producing activities.
  • Use HRV/ERV according to the system instructions; maintain filters and exterior vents.
  • Ventilate regularly when outdoor conditions permit; short airing can help.
  • Consider a dehumidifier in basements or other high-moisture rooms.
  • Keep heat registers and air paths clear; open blinds to improve glass airflow.
If condensation appearsCheck indoor RH first. Colder outdoor temperatures often require lower indoor humidity.

Window Care & Drainage

Small seasonal maintenance steps make a difference.

Weep holes: small openings, important function

What they do

Some window frames have drainage openings near the bottom exterior edge. They allow incidental water to escape.

How to maintain them

  • Remove visible leaves, dirt and debris with a soft brush.
  • Keep exterior openings clear of snow and ice when safely accessible.

Never

  • Block or seal drainage openings with caulk.
  • Push sharp tools deep into the drainage channel.

Cleaning, seals & hardware

Cleaning glass and frames

Use mild soap and water on glass and vinyl frames; avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh solvents.

Weatherstripping

Inspect weatherstripping for tears, gaps or sections pulling away.

Lubricating hardware

Use manufacturer-approved lubricant only where specified; do not oil every component.

It feels different in extreme cold

A small change in operating feel can occur in extreme cold; persistent binding should be checked.

Condensation: Normal or a Problem?

Where the moisture appears matters more than a single photograph.

Tap where you see moisture on the window.

Usually fine

Moisture on the inside surface

Often related to RH, ventilation and cold-glass conditions.

What to do: Wipe dry and improve airflow.

Usually fine

Moisture on the outside surface

Occasional dew or frost may occur even on efficient windows.

Contact Norden Seal

Moisture between the sealed panes

This can indicate insulating-glass seal failure.

What to do: Contact Norden Seal.

Contact Norden Seal

Light / temporary

Small droplets on the room-side glass during cold snaps may reflect indoor humidity and limited airflow.

Heavy / persistent

Pooling water, soaked trim, mould or recurring heavy moisture needs attention and investigation.

Try firstCheck RH, use exhaust fans/HRV, open blinds, dry sills and monitor. Seek help promptly for water damage or moisture trapped between panes.

Entry Doors & Patio Doors

Prevent ice, debris and moisture from affecting operation.

  • Vacuum bottom tracks, rollers and accessible drainage paths regularly.
  • Remove snow and ice gently with a soft brush or plastic scraper.
  • Keep thresholds dry and free of grit; do not chip ice with metal tools.
  • Close and lock the sliding panel fully to maintain its seal.
  • Inspect weatherstripping for gaps, damage or loose sections.
  • Never force a frozen panel or roller mechanism.
  • Keep the sweep, threshold and exterior landing clear of snow and ice.
  • Check latches, hinges, closers and weatherstripping; do not force hardware.
  • For storm doors, follow the manufacturer’s seasonal ventilation guidance to limit trapped moisture.
  • Minor seasonal changes in fit can occur; persistent rubbing, gaps or failure to latch needs attention.

What’s Normal — and When to Call

A quick troubleshooting guide before requesting service.

Often normal in very cold weather

  • Temporary room-side condensation that clears after humidity is reduced.
  • A little exterior frost or dew under certain weather conditions.
  • Minor seasonal contraction or slightly different hardware feel.
  • Cold glass near edges and corners during extreme temperatures.

Contact Norden Seal if you notice

  • Moisture between sealed glass panes.
  • Recurring leaks, water damage or mould.
  • Persistent drafts with windows fully closed and locked.
  • Broken hardware, damaged seals or doors that will not latch.
  • Repeated heavy condensation despite humidity and airflow adjustments.

Before you call — quick checklist

  1. Check indoor humidity and outdoor temperature.
  2. Confirm windows and doors are fully closed and locked.
  3. Check tracks, screens, vents and drainage for debris.
  4. Take clear photos of the concern.

Have your contract number and a brief description ready.

Still not sure? Talk to Norden Seal.

Call the office nearest you, or visit nordenseal.ca.

Winnipeg(204) 202-7140 Calgary(587) 885-3078

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