Still leaking drafty window?
#1
12-03-01, 07:59 AM
Still leaking drafty window?
The draft is probably coming from the rough opening. This is the space between he window frame and the studs. The rough opening is there is to allow for the movement of the wall with out affecting the window. The window molding usually covers this gap. Normally the amount of draft you get from this area is not noticable.
The volume of air in the home remains constant. What that means to you is that air cannot come into the home without the same volume of air leaving the home. Therefore, the drafts you feel around the window is a result of air leaving the home. It is the air leaving the home that is the source of the problem. That's why the plastic over the window didn't help.
Click on the little house icon with "www" next to it, at the bottom of this message and read topic "Air Boundary", it will explain what to look for and how to correct it. You'll find out it's very easy to correct you problem. You just need to understand it.
The volume of air in the home remains constant. What that means to you is that air cannot come into the home without the same volume of air leaving the home. Therefore, the drafts you feel around the window is a result of air leaving the home. It is the air leaving the home that is the source of the problem. That's why the plastic over the window didn't help.
Click on the little house icon with "www" next to it, at the bottom of this message and read topic "Air Boundary", it will explain what to look for and how to correct it. You'll find out it's very easy to correct you problem. You just need to understand it.
#2
12-03-01, 08:43 AM
Still leaking drafty window?
I have a draft in a north window that I don't know what to do with. I have put up the shrink plastic on this window and there is a draft I guess is coming from the frame itself? The plastic is on the inside of the window frame. Any suggestions?
#3
12-04-01, 03:51 PM
Greetings,
To add to the previous, I insulate old homes and use the following method, provided you have a large gap to house the weight.
If you can't find any material for the following, I'll send you some.
You can also use HD kitchen foil provided you use care not to punch holes in it.
Remove the molding carefully. Install a strip of radiant barrier(RB) material to the edge of the window frame so that the molding will cover it when reinstalled. Tuck the RB in the space(slightly) and attach to the rough frame. Replace molding. This stops air leakage and insulates the space. A spray on adhesive might work best. I use a power stapler. because the wood is so hard.
Another thing I've noticed on large windows, is that you may not have air leakage. If the window is tall enough the warm air at the top will cool and cascade down and pick up speed as it gets cooler. This will cause a circulation that can be felt across the room, particularly on the legs.
Thank you for considering my opinion.
To add to the previous, I insulate old homes and use the following method, provided you have a large gap to house the weight.
If you can't find any material for the following, I'll send you some.
You can also use HD kitchen foil provided you use care not to punch holes in it.
Remove the molding carefully. Install a strip of radiant barrier(RB) material to the edge of the window frame so that the molding will cover it when reinstalled. Tuck the RB in the space(slightly) and attach to the rough frame. Replace molding. This stops air leakage and insulates the space. A spray on adhesive might work best. I use a power stapler. because the wood is so hard.
Another thing I've noticed on large windows, is that you may not have air leakage. If the window is tall enough the warm air at the top will cool and cascade down and pick up speed as it gets cooler. This will cause a circulation that can be felt across the room, particularly on the legs.
Thank you for considering my opinion.
