Many if us that own older homes struggle with trying to keep them warm in colder weather. Drafts let cold air in and warm air out. We do what we can to fix this and are always looking for new ways to conserve energy. Everyone can save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation. If your windows are not as efficient as they used to be, read on. The following is a list of repairs that can be done to help those older sash windows do their job.
Your sash windows were once the most efficient windows available to home builders. Now days there are newer, more air tight versions being made. And the parts that your sash windows are made up of may have deteriorated, leaving the gaps we just mentioned. You may not be in the market just yet for replacing all of the windows in your home. Perhaps you rent and don't want to put that much expense into a home you do not own. You still have options for saving money on your heating and cooling costs. There are ways you can stop the leaks on these older windows. Let's look at an overview of what is available.
The first thing you should do is check the putty to see if it is crumbling or loose. Older putty deteriorates with time and the elements tend to dry it out so it is no longer pliable. By scraping off this old window putty and applying new, you are making a start towards sealing up the leaks. You can buy window putty in rope form or in a can. The rope form is a very easy and innovative way to get the job done quickly.
The wooden framing on your windows can also become split or warped over time. This can be removed and repaired or replaced with new. Put caulk on the back of the framing before applying it back to your window. This will create a nice seal when you press it in place. Just another way of sealing up your window as you go.
Sash windows have brush insulation inside them along the tracks. These brushes become worn over time. They loose their bristles as the window is raised or lowered. You can replace these brushes. Granted, this is a more labor intensive remedy. The brush insulation is available in lengths from any hardware store or building supply house. Measure the height of your windows and purchase accordingly. You want your insulation to go from the top to the bottom of the window.
Is your window trim fitting tight to the wall behind it? If not, you will want to carefully pry it off and apply caulk to the back of it. Press it back onto the wall so it makes a nice, tight seal and replace your nails. Now go all the way around the trim with more caulk to make sure the elements do not get underneath it.
Even if the repairs we have just talked about are more than you wanted to get into, there are still options. Building stores and hardware stores have plastic window film insulation kits that you tack on to the outside of the window, then heat with a hair dryer to cause shrinkage and a tight fit. Once properly applied this film is virtually invisible as you look out the window and it not only stops drafts but creates and extra barrier, buffering your window from the wind.
Whether you want to go all the way with your repair or do a quick fix, any little bit will help. When you see that you save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation, you will be glad you did.
Your sash windows were once the most efficient windows available to home builders. Now days there are newer, more air tight versions being made. And the parts that your sash windows are made up of may have deteriorated, leaving the gaps we just mentioned. You may not be in the market just yet for replacing all of the windows in your home. Perhaps you rent and don't want to put that much expense into a home you do not own. You still have options for saving money on your heating and cooling costs. There are ways you can stop the leaks on these older windows. Let's look at an overview of what is available.
The first thing you should do is check the putty to see if it is crumbling or loose. Older putty deteriorates with time and the elements tend to dry it out so it is no longer pliable. By scraping off this old window putty and applying new, you are making a start towards sealing up the leaks. You can buy window putty in rope form or in a can. The rope form is a very easy and innovative way to get the job done quickly.
The wooden framing on your windows can also become split or warped over time. This can be removed and repaired or replaced with new. Put caulk on the back of the framing before applying it back to your window. This will create a nice seal when you press it in place. Just another way of sealing up your window as you go.
Sash windows have brush insulation inside them along the tracks. These brushes become worn over time. They loose their bristles as the window is raised or lowered. You can replace these brushes. Granted, this is a more labor intensive remedy. The brush insulation is available in lengths from any hardware store or building supply house. Measure the height of your windows and purchase accordingly. You want your insulation to go from the top to the bottom of the window.
Is your window trim fitting tight to the wall behind it? If not, you will want to carefully pry it off and apply caulk to the back of it. Press it back onto the wall so it makes a nice, tight seal and replace your nails. Now go all the way around the trim with more caulk to make sure the elements do not get underneath it.
Even if the repairs we have just talked about are more than you wanted to get into, there are still options. Building stores and hardware stores have plastic window film insulation kits that you tack on to the outside of the window, then heat with a hair dryer to cause shrinkage and a tight fit. Once properly applied this film is virtually invisible as you look out the window and it not only stops drafts but creates and extra barrier, buffering your window from the wind.
Whether you want to go all the way with your repair or do a quick fix, any little bit will help. When you see that you save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation, you will be glad you did.
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Get inside information on how to save big bucks on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation now in our comprehensive sash window draught proofing and sash window refurbishment overview.
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