Want to keep your home extra-cozy this winter and reduce your energy costs? Then look into how to save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation. Insulating windows can be one of the simplest and cheapest ways to keep cold air out and money in the family bank account.
Start by cleaning the bottom of the sash well. Allow it to dry thoroughly; trapped moisture increases the chances of wood rot. Next, measure the width of the sash and cut a piece of self-adhesive foam insulation to the same length. Attach this carefully to the bottom of the sash by pulling away enough backing to stick one end of the adhesive to the sash. Then pull the backing away as you attach the insulation. This method eliminates the problem of having the foam stick to the wrong place.
For those with little DIY experience, there's a simple method for window insulation. Purchase some self-adhesive foam insulation, some V-channel weatherstripping and some rope caulk. Next, measure the sash width with a tape measure and cut a piece of foam insulation to match. Wash the sash bottom with soap and water or any household cleaner and dry it completely. (Don't apply insulation over damp wood; the trapped moisture could cause the wood to rot quicker). Once the sash is dry, attach the insulation to the bottom by peeling off the backing as you go.
Measure the sash again and cut a section of V-channel weatherstripping to the same dimensions. Lift the sash high enough so that you can reach behind the window to the outer side. Repeat the attachment process outlined above by first peeling away a bit of backing and then positioning the weatherstripping along the sash back, pulling the backing off as you go. Make sure it's attached at the top of the sash's outside with the V-channel turned toward the top.
If you're sure you'll keep the window shut all winter long, lock it, and then seal all around the inside sash with rope caulking. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it down against the sash. It will be possible to pull off the caulking when the weather warms up so you can open the window again.
For an even more permanent solution to save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation, try this method:
Use a pry bar and a hammer to take off the molding around a window. Measure the vertical space between the side jambs and the drywall or plaster. Then cut a piece of rigid foam insulation that's backed with foil to the height of the space. Apply a foam sealant made of polyurethane that expands into the spaces at the jamb's top and bottom for a complete seal.
Now press the foam insulation strip firmly beside the jamb, making it flush with the wall. Repeat this procedure on the other side jamb and then cover both seams where the insulation meets the wall with adhesive-backed foil tape. Insert a small length of rubber carpet padding into the hole where the rope and pulley meet.
Either of these methods will save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation.
Start by cleaning the bottom of the sash well. Allow it to dry thoroughly; trapped moisture increases the chances of wood rot. Next, measure the width of the sash and cut a piece of self-adhesive foam insulation to the same length. Attach this carefully to the bottom of the sash by pulling away enough backing to stick one end of the adhesive to the sash. Then pull the backing away as you attach the insulation. This method eliminates the problem of having the foam stick to the wrong place.
For those with little DIY experience, there's a simple method for window insulation. Purchase some self-adhesive foam insulation, some V-channel weatherstripping and some rope caulk. Next, measure the sash width with a tape measure and cut a piece of foam insulation to match. Wash the sash bottom with soap and water or any household cleaner and dry it completely. (Don't apply insulation over damp wood; the trapped moisture could cause the wood to rot quicker). Once the sash is dry, attach the insulation to the bottom by peeling off the backing as you go.
Measure the sash again and cut a section of V-channel weatherstripping to the same dimensions. Lift the sash high enough so that you can reach behind the window to the outer side. Repeat the attachment process outlined above by first peeling away a bit of backing and then positioning the weatherstripping along the sash back, pulling the backing off as you go. Make sure it's attached at the top of the sash's outside with the V-channel turned toward the top.
If you're sure you'll keep the window shut all winter long, lock it, and then seal all around the inside sash with rope caulking. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it down against the sash. It will be possible to pull off the caulking when the weather warms up so you can open the window again.
For an even more permanent solution to save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation, try this method:
Use a pry bar and a hammer to take off the molding around a window. Measure the vertical space between the side jambs and the drywall or plaster. Then cut a piece of rigid foam insulation that's backed with foil to the height of the space. Apply a foam sealant made of polyurethane that expands into the spaces at the jamb's top and bottom for a complete seal.
Now press the foam insulation strip firmly beside the jamb, making it flush with the wall. Repeat this procedure on the other side jamb and then cover both seams where the insulation meets the wall with adhesive-backed foil tape. Insert a small length of rubber carpet padding into the hole where the rope and pulley meet.
Either of these methods will save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation.
About the Author:
Sash window refurbishment makes your home's curb appeal higher and also reduces costs. When sash window draught proofing is completed, your home will be less likely to lose heat around windows.
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