Old Windows

Hello, Question about old Windows. My house was built in 1936 and i am taking a wild guess but i think the windows are still original and if they aren't then they are really old. My problem is I want to wait to replace them once I remove the plaster and put up drywall. That is not going to be for a while and I was wondering if anyone knew of anyway to keep heat from escaping through these old windows??? I live in Rochester, NY and the winters can get really cold and I would like to keep as much heat in as possible. Please give me some advice on if there is anything you can put over the windows and if so where i can get it???

 

If you don't mind having plastic over your windows. Cover the windows with a 5 mil plastic cut to the size of outside frame. Staple the plastic over the windows. This will help to stop the drafts.
Good Luck,
Hoale

 

I agree with the last poster, but, I would like to suggest something that I feel is better. It is a shrink type plastic that you put on from the inside with a double stick tape and then use a hair dryer to shrink the plastic until it is tight. It costs more than regular plastic but it is virtually clear and the seal around the windows is unbeatable. It does have a tendency to pull off some paint in the spring when you pull the tape from off the frames, if the paint is marginal. You should be able to find it at any hardware store or a Home Depot should have it. Good Luck.

 

The taped on stuff also "shrinks" with a hair dryer leaving hte window wrinkle free.
It works
The staple on method allows a lot of air leakage between the staples.

 

Hey guys/girls(dont' want to offend anyone..haha),
Thanks for your help, i have talked to a few people around here and they suggested the shrink plastic. I am hoping next summer I am going to be able to rip out all the plaster and put in new drywall/insulation/electric and windows. But for this winter i already have a big project of remodeling the attic and the downstairs bathroom(removing old plumbing and putting all new in and a bath in the attic).

 

It does have a tendency to pull off the finish, but it is virtually airtight when applied according to the directions (double back tape, hair dryer). I am guessing that anyone using this product lacks storms or efficient windows and won't miss a little paint over having a draft. The product I bought was marketed by 3M adn I found it at a hardware store on sale. Not sure, but you may eligible for a free energy audit- check with your utility company, and they may help you with the cost of weatherizing your home.

 

You are wasting your time with shrink wrap.

You know the windows are old and need replacing-----REPLACE THEM .

Some new high-efficient windows today come with a 20 year non-prorated warranty. These windows can pay for themselves in climates such as Rochester in those 20 years. Look at it this way, if new windows can pay for themselves in 20 years (maybe even as little as 5 years) would'nt it make sense to upgrade to newer windows every 20 years to take advantage of new technologies as they come available.

The best window today could be as good as junk 20 years from now.

 

You could always try re-caulking the window frames.