winterizing windows

[chiefsfan1]

Well, since we cant replace all the windows at once we decided to repair what we don't replace. I have reglazed the glass that needed it. Pulled the trim off and caulked the rough in openings. Already I can tell the difference in the house.
I am looking at the 3M window insulator kit to do a few rooms for winter. are these really effective?

Oh the fun of home owner ship.

 

[mrsilv04]

The insulator kits that you put on the outside really do help.

 

[Smokescreen]

If you have a slight draft, when done correctly the kits you put on the inside help as well. I know someone that has been doing it for years as the cost of new windows is not in the budget.

 

[chiefsfan1]

Thanks these will go inside. the way the weather has been snow may fly early this year.
we have drafts. and with a 1950's house next to no insulation in the walls. I have put R-40 in the attic.

 

[horse123]

They only really help if you have a drafty window. Drafts can come from plenty of other places.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

I've never been a fan of covering the windows with plastic. I much prefer to replace the weatherstripping and make them work correctly in the first place.

It's not hard to really tighten up windows to prevent drafts without using the plastic. Thermal efficiency is another matter, but the plastic offers minimal thermal efficiency anyway. I think you'd be better off investing in weatherstripping and doing them correctly.

 

[Run]

I had success with the cheap plastic kits that go inside the windows. It helped me save a bunch of money on the heating bill. My house was built in 1947 with the cheapest way possible. My furnace would kick on automatically to prevent pipes from freezing before the window kits. After insulating it would only come on rarely.

 

[chiefsfan1]

Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
I've never been a fan of covering the windows with plastic. I much prefer to replace the weatherstripping and make them work correctly in the first place.

It's not hard to really tighten up windows to prevent drafts without using the plastic. Thermal efficiency is another matter, but the plastic offers minimal thermal efficiency anyway. I think you'd be better off investing in weatherstripping and doing them correctly.


Yeah, that is next. I see some gaps in the sash by the stops. Its a slow process. I can really tell a difference just by the reglazing of the glass panes!
The plastic window kit forms a air gap that is a insulator. It shrinks up tight using a hair dryer.

 

[Kawiguy454]

If you touch the glass and it feels COLD then the kit/s will help insulate and keep that cold from convecting into the room. I have done many windows and even a dooorwall when I lived in Michigan. It works well and saves energy. The kit came with 3m double sided tape and big sheets of plastic. Once done you can pull all the wrinkles out and it is crystal clear to look thru. Some windows I left on year round.

 

[sleddriver]

Yes they are. By trapping a layer of air inside, they greatly increase the resistance to heat flow. Especially on those cheap aluminum-framed windows lacking a thermal-barrier.

And congrats on taking time to pull the trim and seal that.

 

[E365]

I use the 3M kits in Minnesota on a 1952 house and I think they are very effective.

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

I have used the inside and outside kits with noticeable results. The 3M kits seem to have the best quality tape and film.

 

[chiefsfan1]

Looks like Ill use 3M on a few windows.
Thanks all.