Drafty Windows?
#1
01-27-14, 09:01 AM
Drafty Windows?
Hey DIY crew!
I have quite a few old windows in my current house, none of which are in my budget to be replaced for at least another two years. I'm curious if someone can give me some good ideas on how to seal these up besides the plastic shrink wrap? I have caulked one so far, which seems to have worked great, I just don't know how well caulk is going to work in the next few days.
The reason why I'm not sure it's going to work the next few days is we have a high of -8 today and a high of -2 tomorrow. Wind chill values will be pushing -50 tonight. Obviously that adds to why my LP bill is quite high and that I'm burning through 7-8 gallons a day.
Do I need to be concerned about caulk not working correct when it's this cold or is that okay? Any other ideas? I know caulk isn't going to be astechitically (spelling?) pleasing, but if it does the job, I'll be greatful!
Thanks!
I have quite a few old windows in my current house, none of which are in my budget to be replaced for at least another two years. I'm curious if someone can give me some good ideas on how to seal these up besides the plastic shrink wrap? I have caulked one so far, which seems to have worked great, I just don't know how well caulk is going to work in the next few days.
The reason why I'm not sure it's going to work the next few days is we have a high of -8 today and a high of -2 tomorrow. Wind chill values will be pushing -50 tonight. Obviously that adds to why my LP bill is quite high and that I'm burning through 7-8 gallons a day.
Do I need to be concerned about caulk not working correct when it's this cold or is that okay? Any other ideas? I know caulk isn't going to be astechitically (spelling?) pleasing, but if it does the job, I'll be greatful!
Thanks!
#3
01-27-14, 09:09 AM
Haha, it's a wife thing 
She doesn't like the look of it and the windows that are bad are our living room ones, which she doesn't want covered up. Also, they are very visible from the road and she doesn't like the look of the plastic wrapped. However, it might be what we go to.
Most of the wind seems to come through the bases of the windows, not the panes themselves. I'm pretty sure the windows are original to the house (1963)!
We're in the middle of one of the coldest winters in recent years and it's taking a toll on our lp bill. We didn't know how bad they were until winter came and with the size of the windows that need replaced, it's just not something we can do right now, which is unfortunate.
She doesn't like the look of it and the windows that are bad are our living room ones, which she doesn't want covered up. Also, they are very visible from the road and she doesn't like the look of the plastic wrapped. However, it might be what we go to.
Most of the wind seems to come through the bases of the windows, not the panes themselves. I'm pretty sure the windows are original to the house (1963)!
We're in the middle of one of the coldest winters in recent years and it's taking a toll on our lp bill. We didn't know how bad they were until winter came and with the size of the windows that need replaced, it's just not something we can do right now, which is unfortunate.
#4
01-27-14, 09:32 AM
Are you caulking them on the inside or exterior? What draft comes thru to the interior probably won't hurt the latex caulk much [I'd think the benefit would outweigh the alternative] but you definitely don't want to caulk the exterior in below freezing temps.
#5
01-27-14, 09:50 AM
I've seen the plastic coverings that you would have to get up close to even know they were there. Once they shrink with the hair dryer they become transparent. In addition to reducing the air leakage they double the insulation value of an old window, a win/win solution.
Bud
Bud
#8
01-27-14, 10:04 AM
Group Moderator
I agree with Bud. The plastic is so clear there is just a minor distortion depending on how well you shrink it with a hair dryer or heat gun (move fast). Here is a picture of our kitchen window that has been covered. I put the tape on the front outside end of the casing.
#9
01-29-14, 12:33 PM
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Sealing up the windows will make a difference in comfort/drafts, but if you want to make a big dent in your heating bills, you'd want to look at reducing the air leakage into the attic from the living space as well as infiltration into the basement [if applicable] from the outside. The low & high points of the house experience the greatest pressure differences due to stack effect.
