Alternatives to Window Replacement


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Old 02-18-06, 12:20 PM
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Alternatives to Window Replacement

We are considering replacing most of the windows in our house. They are about 40 years old and orignal to the house. I'm not exactly sure what type of windows they are but we turn a crank to open them. They do not seal very well and when we walk by, we can feel the air blowing through. They do have weatherstripping, but it doesn't seem to be doing the trick. They are very attractive,(three or four large panes of glass depending on the size of the window) but are not energy efficient. We have about 13 windows to deal with and they vary in size (roughly 52" X 50", 36" X 36", and 53" X 38"). Are there any projects we can do to these windows to extend their lives? We live in southern Mississippi and the climate is relatively mild in the winter, but summers are hot, hot, hot!
 
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Old 02-18-06, 06:24 PM
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I went to college in Hattiesburg, so I know how hot it can be. Ahhh, but to be able to go to the gravel pits to cool off!! What you have is "casement" type windows. If they get even a little warped, they don't seem to want to close very well. Due to the age, I guess you don't have lever locks on the latch side of the windows, do you? The newer ones, do, and make the seal more powerful. Lubricating the gear mechanism and the levers on top and/or on bottom of the window may help ease their movement. I would take off all the old seals you have added over the years, and start with a fresh seal system, preferrably from the manufacturer, but even all the way around the frame. Post back if the lube job does or doesn't work. Good luck.
 
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Old 02-18-06, 06:52 PM
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40 year old aluminum framed casements -- yeah, they have lever locks. (Mine did, and they were 50 years old!!) But those drafty single pane things are costing you a fortune in cooling costs every year. Replace (or retrofit) them with energy efficient windows and keep all of that air you are paying to cool inside where you want it.

Check with you local utility company. They may offer rebates or similar incentives that will help you pay for the cost. Even if they don't, the energy savings WILL pay for it.
 
 

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