Sealing windows
#1
10-21-01, 06:05 PM
We'd like to seal our house a bit tighter. Some of our windows seem to lose a fair amount of heat. We've just painted our window sills, so don't want to use shrink-wrap plastic.
A few of these windows are Anderson windows, and I wondered if there are any storm window replacements that slide in place of screens. The screens wedge in at the top, and have pressure clamps that hold them in on the sides. It seems like it should be possible to design similar storm windows that could go in during the winter. But I haven't seen anything like that.
Is this a silly idea? Would storms not even be worth the trouble on reasonably well installed modern windows?
A few of these windows are Anderson windows, and I wondered if there are any storm window replacements that slide in place of screens. The screens wedge in at the top, and have pressure clamps that hold them in on the sides. It seems like it should be possible to design similar storm windows that could go in during the winter. But I haven't seen anything like that.
Is this a silly idea? Would storms not even be worth the trouble on reasonably well installed modern windows?
#2
10-23-01, 04:34 PM
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Hello: Chaz
Depending upon the climate zone of your area, storm windows may be available. I suggest you contact a local dealer or the factory directly.
You didn't mention exactly where the heat loss, if any, was. If the current windows are double pane glass, there shouldn't be any drafts or much heat loss thru the glass.
If they aren't double panes, storm windows may be a good choice to further prevent heat loss.
If the heat loss is from around the window frames or where the window frames contact the frames, you might try the self adhesive weather stripping for doors and windows found at the local hardware stores.
To answer your last question, late model double pane glass windows and frames made of vinyl are the best there is for energy efficicency. There shouldn't be any need for further insulation unless the windows were not installed correctly.
If you already have late model double pane vinyl windows and want to further reduce heating loss, insulate around the doors, in the attic {walls} if needed, and if the costs are within the budget.
Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Tom_Bart
Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Depending upon the climate zone of your area, storm windows may be available. I suggest you contact a local dealer or the factory directly.
You didn't mention exactly where the heat loss, if any, was. If the current windows are double pane glass, there shouldn't be any drafts or much heat loss thru the glass.
If they aren't double panes, storm windows may be a good choice to further prevent heat loss.
If the heat loss is from around the window frames or where the window frames contact the frames, you might try the self adhesive weather stripping for doors and windows found at the local hardware stores.
To answer your last question, late model double pane glass windows and frames made of vinyl are the best there is for energy efficicency. There shouldn't be any need for further insulation unless the windows were not installed correctly.
If you already have late model double pane vinyl windows and want to further reduce heating loss, insulate around the doors, in the attic {walls} if needed, and if the costs are within the budget.
Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Tom_Bart
Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
#3
10-30-01, 04:26 PM
Thanks for the reply
The windows are double-pane Andersons; I don't know if they are argon or anything like that. They seem to be reasonably well installed - no obvious drafts.
But .. the room in question is cooler than other rooms that have older windows with storms. There are more windows in this room - five instead of two. I'm not sure about the balancing of the heating vents, but the "coolness" seems to start in the early evening shortly after our thermostat kicks down a few degrees, so I don't think there is a problem with heat balance.
Maybe we could improve things with cellular shades or something.
I was mainly curious if there are any storm windows that slide in on Anderson double-hung windows, replacing the screens. I haven't seen any, but it looks like it would be possible, though I'm not sure the side pressure thingies would be the best way to do that with heavy glass instead of lightweight screen.
Thanks again -
Charlie Heath
But .. the room in question is cooler than other rooms that have older windows with storms. There are more windows in this room - five instead of two. I'm not sure about the balancing of the heating vents, but the "coolness" seems to start in the early evening shortly after our thermostat kicks down a few degrees, so I don't think there is a problem with heat balance.
Maybe we could improve things with cellular shades or something.
I was mainly curious if there are any storm windows that slide in on Anderson double-hung windows, replacing the screens. I haven't seen any, but it looks like it would be possible, though I'm not sure the side pressure thingies would be the best way to do that with heavy glass instead of lightweight screen.
Thanks again -
Charlie Heath
#4
11-05-01, 12:42 PM
You can have storm windows made for Anderson Windows. Just take your screens to any local window or hardware store and say you want storms of this size. Not Home Depot of Lowes. I do not believe it's the storm windows that is causing the discomfort. My suggestion is to go to http://www.resercon.com I'm listed on this site, click editor's choice web links and then click energy and weatherstripping and read topic Air Boundary. It describes a situation similar to yours. After reading the topic you could post another question or contact me from that site, if you have any more questions.
