Tightening up windows
What to look for in weather-stripping and storm windows
Tighteningup your windows can save you money on heating and cooling. From the MichiganState University Extension Service, here are some tips on weather-stripping andbuying storm windows. (For a detailed OHW story on double-hung windowconstruction, clickhere. For related stories on insulation and weatherstripping, clickhere. )
Window types:
- A sliding window can be treated as a double-hungwindow turned on its side.
- Casement and tilting windowsshould be weather-stripped with the vinyl nailed to thewindow casing so that, as the window shuts, it compresses the roll.
When to use foam:
- Install adhesive backed foam, on all types ofwindows, only where there is no friction.
- On double-hung windows install only on the bottom and toprails.
- Other types of windows can use foam strips in manymore places
Caulking:
- Before applying caulking compound, cleanarea of paint build-up, dirt, or deteriorated caulk withsolvent and putty knife or large screwdriver.
- Drawing agood bead of caulk will take a little practice. Firstattempts may be a bit messy.
- Make sure the bead overlapsboth sides for a tight seal.
- A wide bead may be necessaryto make sure caulk adheres to both sides.
- Fill extra wide cracks like those at the sills (wherethe house meets the foundation) with oakum, glass fiberinsulation strips, etc.) In places where you can't quitefill the gaps finish the job with caulk.
- Caulking compound also comes in rope form. Unwind itand force it into cracks with your fingers. You can fillextra long cracks easily this way.
Storm Windows
Installing storm windows will increasethe energy efficiency of your windows.
- Triple track, combination (windows and screen) stormwindows are designed for installation over double hungwindows. They are permanently installed and can be openedany time with a screen slid into place for ventilation.
- Double-track combination units are also available andthey cost less. Both kinds are sold almost everywhere,and can be bought with or without the cost ofinstallation.
You can save a few dollars (10% to 15% ofthe purchase price) by installing the windows yourself.But you'll need some tools:
- caulking gun
- drill,
- andscrew driver.
In most cases it will be easier to have thesupplier install your windows for you, although it willcost more.
The supplier will first measure all the windows whereyou want storm windows installed. It will take anywherefrom several days to a few weeks to make up your orderbefore the supplier returns to install them. Installationshould take less than one day, depending on how manywindows are involved.
Two very important items should bechecked to make sure the installation is properly done.
- Make sure that both the window sashes and screen sashmove smoothly and seal tightly when closed afterinstallation. Poor installation can cause misalignment.
- Be sure there is a tightly caulked seal around the edgeof the storm windows. Leaks can hurt the performance ofstorm windows a lot.
What to look for when buying storm windows
Frame finish
- A mill finish (plain aluminum) willoxidize, reducing ease of operation and degradingappearance. An anodized or baked enamel finish isbetter.
Corner joints
- Quality of construction affects thestrength and performance of storm windows.
- Corners are a
good place to check construction. They should be strongand air tight. - Normally overlapped corner joints arebetter than mitered. If you can see through the joints,they will leak air.
Sash tracks and weather-stripping
- Storm windows aresupposed to reduce air leakage around windows. The depthof the metal grooves (sash tracks) at the sides of thewindow and the weather-stripping quality makes a bigdifference in how well storm windows can do this. Compareseveral types before deciding.
Hardware quality
- The quality of locks and catches has adirect effect on durability and is a good indicator ofoverall construction quality.
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