Did you know that the amount of heat potentially escaping through your windows is equivalent to having an open window year round? That’s crazy! Inadequate insulation and air leakage are the leading causes of energy waste in homes. If your windows look like this, then maybe it’s time to ask yourself these questions…
- Is your home too cold in the winter?
- Did you pay too much on your heating bills last year?
- Do you get a chill every time you walk past your home’s windows?
- Are your windows difficult to open or close?
- Does the glass in your windows rattle in the wind?
- Do you notice the breeze blowing your curtains even when your windows are closed?
No, don’t call Ghostbusters (yes, I am a child of the 80’s)! Several issues could be causing problems: your window glass may no longer function properly, your aluminum window frames may be seriously outdated, your inadequate storm windows may fail to keep heat inside, and your windows and weight boxes may lack proper insulation. This is the topic of today’s blog. Why is it important to insulate? Grab a cup of tea and read on to learn why this is a crucial step.
You can buy the best windows in the world, but they won’t perform well if you don’t insulate or install them properly. Make sure to fill the area around the window and the old weight boxes with the right type of insulation, so cold air doesn’t blow around your new windows. Insulation is a two-step process: utilizing the right kind of insulation for certain parts of the window frame and weight boxes and the other part is the sealant.
Some contractors will use cheap latex caulking rather than the insulation. This is bad. People use caulk to seal gaps rather than to insulate. The best way to insulate weight boxes is to use fiberglass insulation. Many contractors will cheap out to keep the price and labor costs down and not insulate weight pockets at all. A good installer will also make sure not to use too much to allow for natural movement of the house independently from the window. ALL products expand, contract and thus move, so ignoring this will be a problem.
The gap around the new windows, and existing frame, requires spray foam, specifically manufacture for window and door application. Standard store bought foam will expand too much, causing the windows to bind, and not function properly. This could result in the loss of warranty.
Oh-don’t know what I am talking about when I am talking about weight boxes? It’s that area around your windows that has that ancient rope and pulley system you would see if you took the window out. Feel your trim around your window or let us come out with our temp gun. We can let you know if they are properly insulated. As for sealant, the best product to use depends on the location. For exterior work, use a construction-grade silicone. For interior work, a paintable butyl is the better choice.
Windows and doors are the single biggest source of home energy loss and as much as 40% of your home’s energy loss occurs through outside air infiltration through your windows and doors. At a time when energy costs are sky-high this is probably a major part of your home’s budget so becoming more energy efficient is extremely important. Our fully insulated energy-efficient windows are designed to be more thermally efficient and can keep your home warmer in winter.
But remember this, a window is only as good as its installation. Look for a contractor who holds factory certification to ensure (1) the manufacturer honors the warranty and (2) they install your windows correctly with proper insulation. After all, what’s the point of buying new windows if you don’t insulate them properly—or at all? That’s money wasted. Don’t let the cold leave you behind. Call us, and we will check whether your windows are insulated and show you how we can save you money this winter. It’s time for you to actually be warm this winter, right?
