If you own an older home, chances are your windows are in need of some TLC. Replacing all of the windows in a house can be expensive, so it’s important to take the time to assess whether or not they can be salvaged with a bit of sealing.
Doing so will make your windows work more efficiently and help keep your house comfortable throughout the year. In this helpfull task, we’ll look at how to figure out if a window is still salvageable, why sealing it is beneficial, and the materials needed to do so.
How To Tell If A Window Is Salvageable?
Testing the airtight seal of your windows is a great first step in determining if they need to be replaced.
To do this, simply take a piece of paper, close it between the window and frame, and tug on both sides. If you feel resistance when you pull it apart, then the sealant is still secure and you can rest easy knowing that your window does not need replacing just yet!
Though it’s a simple task, inspecting the seal of your windows on a regular basis will save you from expensive replacement projects down the line.
Why Is Sealing Your Window Beneficial?
Sealing your home’s windows can do wonders in terms of energy efficiency and comfort. It can act as an effective barrier between you and the elements, keeping temperatures regulated for optimal thermal performance.
It can also be a great prevention measure against noise pollution, blocking out loud outside noise from cars, neighborhood chatter and more, so that you remain undisturbed in the peaceful interior of your home.
Because sealing a window well is an easy job by DIY standards (or achievable by a skilled professional), it doesn’t matter whether you live in an apartment building or not – you’re guaranteed a warmer, quieter atmosphere this way!
What Materials Do You Need To Reseal A Window?
– Weather stripping tape: To provide an effective barrier between the window and its frame, blocking out outside temperatures and noise pollution.
– Caulk: To fill in large gaps around the edges of windows where weather stripping tape won’t provide enough insulation on its own.
– Scissors or X-ACTO knives: To help cut and shape the weather stripping tape and caulk.
– Cleaning supplies such as rubbing alcohol or soap and water: To clean away dirt and debris before applying either type of sealant. This ensures that the sealant adheres properly to create a better seal.
Step 1: Check the Frames
Sealing the windows in your home is an important step towards insulation and comfort, so performing a thorough inspection of your window frames beforehand is key.
Start by looking for any cracks or gaps in the frame – these are especially easy to find in older windows which have experienced more wear and tear over time.
Once you’ve identified any visible signs of damage, move on to checking around the edges of the frames; debris and dirt can accumulate in these spots and make it harder for the sealant to do its job properly. Clean anything you discover before proceeding with the sealing process!
Step 2: Install Weather Stripping
Weatherstripping is an essential tool for helping to keep air from escaping the inside of the house or from coming in from outside. Depending on the season, this can greatly impact comfort levels and energy expenses.
There are many different materials and sizes to choose from when it comes to weather stripping, so it’s important to know exactly how much you need before cutting any material! Measure twice and cut once—you want your weather stripping to fit snugly around all edges of the window frames.
A great way to ensure an accurate cut is to measure a few extra inches more than what you think you may need; it’s better to have extra material that can be trimmed off than not enough material to do the job properly.
Step 3: Caulk Around Edges
Once your weather stripping has been securely fitted around the edges of each of your window frames, it’s time to take action against drafts that try to creep in from the smallest of crevices. Invest in a quality exterior grade caulk to ensure that no matter the weather, inside or out, your home is air tight and free of draughts.
Carefully outline each corner where two pieces of weather stripping have been joined together with a thin line of caulk; this will help drive away any sneaky drafts that would otherwise be welcomed through these miniscule openings.
Providing long-term protection against extreme temperatures and moisture, this simple yet effective method is sure to bring warm comfort come wintertime!
Step 4: Add Insulation Film
Insulating film is an efficient and cost-effective way of keeping your home warm and welcoming. These useful pieces of film come in a variety of styles; you can choose solid plastic or one that lightly diffuses light. Setting up is simple too. They’re cut to size, slightly larger than the window frame itself, then applied using double-sided tape or spray adhesive.
This gives your windows an additional layer of insulation to seal out cold drafts allowing them to remain at controlled temperatures. With better insulated windows, you’ll enjoy greater comfort with less energy used throughout the colder months and increased energy efficiency for long-term savings.
Conclusion
Sealing old windows might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! By taking the time to assess whether or not your windows are salvageable beforehand and gathering all of the necessary materials beforehand, you can make sure that your windows remain airtight for years to come! This will save you money by avoiding having them replaced while keeping your home comfortable every season!
