Window gaps are thieves of home comfort

By PHIL MULKINS World Action Line Editor - 9/22/2009


Dear Action Line: How can you tell if your windows are drafty? Our air conditioner runs constantly on windy days. I need to fix this before winter. — D.H., Tulsa.

John Vestring, who owns Glass Doctor of Tulsa, said, "Most heat escapes from homes through gaps around windows, not through the glass. Failed caulk, gaps between trim and casings, and bad window seals are usually to blame."

Flying money: The Department of Energy says tightening home window seals can save 10 percent on energy bills.

Drafts: Find window seal gaps by holding a lighted candle or incense stick near the window on windy days. The flame or smoke will move where there are gaps. Don't rely on glass temperature or the presence of condensation alone to find drafts.

Curtains and shades: Replace light curtains with thicker curtains in fall and winter months. Curtains restrict air movement but don't block it completely. They enhance ambiance and create dead-air spaces at the windows, restricting air flow. Shutters or shades also add appeal and restrict air flow better than curtains.

Trim: Most room air escapes around window and door glass trim. Caulk reduces air flow. Replace caulking annually and paint it, further sealing the caulk to the glass and protecting the caulk from drying completely. Rope caulk is easier to use than glazing caulk and is easily removed and reused.

Weather stripping: Older windows seldom opened can be fitted with foam rubber or vinyl-tube weather stripping to stop leaks. Determine the amount needed by measuring window perimeter and adding 10 percent for overlapping and waste.

Plastic add-ons: Custom-built frame insert sheets of clear plastic can be attached to window trim with clips. They cover the entire window and create dead-air spaces.

Glass pane replacement: "Permanent window draft solutions are best for Tulsa as we experience all four seasonal extremes," Vestring said. "These solutions might only cost a few hundred dollars if all you're doing is replacing cracked glass panes. Full-service glass shops like mine can replace single panes." There are 42 "glass plate & window" businesses on pages 546 through 547 of the Tulsa Yellow Pages.

Storm windows: If you can't afford replacement windows, even with tax credits, storm windows may be more viable. They can be installed on the inside or outside of existing windows to add another layer of glass. Storm windows prevent drafts. Call the shops listed on page 1095 of the Tulsa Yellow Pages. Ten storm window businesses are listed in the Tulsa Better Business Bureau database (six in Tulsa and one each in Bixby, Catoosa, Claremore and Owasso) at tulsaworld.com/BBBdatabase — click the "Type of Business" tab and type in "storm windows."





Submit Action Line questions by calling 699-8888 or by e-mailing phil.mulkins@TulsaWorld.com or by mailing it to Tulsa World Action Line, PO Box 1770, Tulsa OK 74102-1770.




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