How to improve energy efficiency in old windows?
#1
01-16-05, 07:56 AM
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 81
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
How to improve energy efficiency in old windows?
I am looking at purchasing a 1929 craftsman style home. It has beautiful woodwork inside. One dilemna I have is the windows. They are very nice wood windows, with excellent wood work. Except they are single pane.
Is there any way to increase the energy efficiency of these without replacing them all together?
Is there any way to increase the energy efficiency of these without replacing them all together?
#2
01-16-05, 08:21 AM
old windows
This is a tough argument...the original integrity of the home versus the energy advantages of newer products.
I love old windows. I think that the bubbles and seeds and striations in old window glass as well as the original millwork are in keeping with the character of the home - particularly old Craftsman homes. But, they are also an energy drain.
The obvious answer if you want to keep the original windows and if the original windows are still in good shape is then by all means tighten them up and add weatherstripping (as needed and as appropriate). I won't go into a lot of detail about how to do that because there are lots of sites on the web that have detailed instructions about how that is done and can explain it much better than I can, and there are folks here who can explain much better than I can what steps to take.
But, no matter how much you put into those windows they will not approach the energy numbers of a modern window...thus the argument for asthetics or energy savings.
Even though I deal with newer windows, I think that if the old windows can be restored then I really prefer retaining them...in your case. But that is a "heart" decision rather than a "mind" decision.
That same logic might not apply somewhere where the windows were not so much a part of the character of the home.
I know this didn't answer your question at all, but just my opinion.
I love old windows. I think that the bubbles and seeds and striations in old window glass as well as the original millwork are in keeping with the character of the home - particularly old Craftsman homes. But, they are also an energy drain.
The obvious answer if you want to keep the original windows and if the original windows are still in good shape is then by all means tighten them up and add weatherstripping (as needed and as appropriate). I won't go into a lot of detail about how to do that because there are lots of sites on the web that have detailed instructions about how that is done and can explain it much better than I can, and there are folks here who can explain much better than I can what steps to take.
But, no matter how much you put into those windows they will not approach the energy numbers of a modern window...thus the argument for asthetics or energy savings.
Even though I deal with newer windows, I think that if the old windows can be restored then I really prefer retaining them...in your case. But that is a "heart" decision rather than a "mind" decision.
That same logic might not apply somewhere where the windows were not so much a part of the character of the home.
I know this didn't answer your question at all, but just my opinion.
#3
01-16-05, 10:00 AM
Member
An exterior storm window would give you more energy efficiency without replacing the wood windows.
#4
01-17-05, 07:07 AM
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 81
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, you helped my question a lot. I completely agree with you. I am sure I would never replace these windows. The woodwork in them is in excellent shape. Plus, I love the way they open up completely. =-)
Thanks again.
Storm window on the outside? How is that done, I'm curious?
Thanks for responses. =-)
Thanks again.
Storm window on the outside? How is that done, I'm curious?
Thanks for responses. =-)
