One of the most characteristic aspects of Victorian homes are their sash windows. Usually created out of wood, these windows help augment the romance and add value to the home. But, they can also inflate your heating and cooling bill by allowing in drafts of outside air. This only happens if they have warped over time.
A simple fix to this problem is to replace all of the old windows with new vinyl versions. Some people don't want to do this because vinyl will change the look of the home. Plus it can decrease the value of the home if the home was designed for a specific look. You can get vinyl that is covered in a fake wood laminate, but that does not always solve the problem.
There are other choices for people who don't want to replace their windows. The cheapest solution is to cover them in plastic. The plastic comes in a myriad of colors so you can make the plastic part of your decorating decision. Each window could match the color palette of the room.
There are companies who will add a secondary glaze to the glass. This gives your windowpanes a secondary or double layer and will automatically stop the draft. This option is the most expensive, second to getting everything in vinyl. If you are interested in this option you could see how much it would cost to draughtstrip the glass. This is often cheaper, but does the same thing. Plus you will probably notice a noise reduction.
If you have the time and patience you can try creating a new rubber seal. Buy some rubber bath sealant and put a bead around the surface of the window where it is supposed to meet up with another surface. Close the window and let it dry to create a new rubber seal.
If the windows have fallen out of alignment you can have someone adjust them for you. You may even be able to adjust them yourself with the right tools. This will quickly stop the drafts from seeping in, and is the least time-consuming option.
You can also add window gaskets to the contact points of the sash. You may have to try a few different sizes. You will need to find one that seals the window, but still allows it to close. If that doesn't work you can always add on storm windows.
Sash windows can be a beautiful and romantic addition to your home. Make sure you take care of them to reduce the drafts of outside air into your home. If you follow the simple tips above you should be able to fix any problems quickly.
A simple fix to this problem is to replace all of the old windows with new vinyl versions. Some people don't want to do this because vinyl will change the look of the home. Plus it can decrease the value of the home if the home was designed for a specific look. You can get vinyl that is covered in a fake wood laminate, but that does not always solve the problem.
There are other choices for people who don't want to replace their windows. The cheapest solution is to cover them in plastic. The plastic comes in a myriad of colors so you can make the plastic part of your decorating decision. Each window could match the color palette of the room.
There are companies who will add a secondary glaze to the glass. This gives your windowpanes a secondary or double layer and will automatically stop the draft. This option is the most expensive, second to getting everything in vinyl. If you are interested in this option you could see how much it would cost to draughtstrip the glass. This is often cheaper, but does the same thing. Plus you will probably notice a noise reduction.
If you have the time and patience you can try creating a new rubber seal. Buy some rubber bath sealant and put a bead around the surface of the window where it is supposed to meet up with another surface. Close the window and let it dry to create a new rubber seal.
If the windows have fallen out of alignment you can have someone adjust them for you. You may even be able to adjust them yourself with the right tools. This will quickly stop the drafts from seeping in, and is the least time-consuming option.
You can also add window gaskets to the contact points of the sash. You may have to try a few different sizes. You will need to find one that seals the window, but still allows it to close. If that doesn't work you can always add on storm windows.
Sash windows can be a beautiful and romantic addition to your home. Make sure you take care of them to reduce the drafts of outside air into your home. If you follow the simple tips above you should be able to fix any problems quickly.
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