Windows, Windows Everywhere
We forget about our home’s
windows. At least we forget about them until they leak, or rot, or swell
and we cannot open them or the balances fail and the top sash comes
crashing down. This is the case of the squeaky wheel getting attention,
especially if that squeaky wheel smashed a finger. It seems that windows
last forever, which they do if you consider “forever” to be twenty to
thirty years. Hopefully, those awful aluminum windows we built into
homes thirty-five years ago have been replaced.
Replacement windows are recommended to replace cranky, old ones. Single
pane windows leak air and are one of the least energy efficient
components in a home. Replacement windows are one way to increase a
home’s value. New replacement windows offer improved appearance, reduced
noise level, increased energy efficiency, and easier maintenance. But
homeowners often approach the search for replacement windows with little
preparation or knowledge of the pitfalls and alternatives.
Replacement windows offer two major advantages over older single-glazed
windows, higher energy efficiency and easier maintenance. Generally,
double-glazing (two panes of glass) raises the R value (overall
insulating ability) to about 2.1, more than doubling the 0.9 R value of
typical singleglazing. By adding low-e (low emissivity) coating to the
glass and filling the space between the panes with argon gas, energy
efficiency can be increased up to four times that of single-glazing.
Typical double-glazed replacement of average size costs $350-$450 each
when installed by a contractor. Since the average house has about 20
widows, a complete project costs about $9,000. If replacement windows
for the entire house are not affordable, why not replace one side of the
house this year and another side next year? It will not be long until
the job is complete. Frame construction is an important consideration
when choosing replacement windows. Investigate these options to make the
right choice:
•
Wood. Wood is an excellent insulator and is routinely used as the basic
framing material in many high-quality windows. Vinyl skins are sometimes
used to reduce maintenance.
•
All-vinyl. These hollow frames can be filled with insulating material to
increase energy efficiency. They require very little maintenance because
they resist scratching or rotting and seldom need painting.
•
Aluminum. Modern aluminum-frame windows have thermal breaks (a vinyl
bead separating the exterior and interior sides of the window frame) to
solve the condensation problems usually associated with older models.
Thermal breaks also increase energy efficiency. Always select windows
with a written warranty that covers all parts. It is especially
important to have long-term coverage for the seal in double-glazing. If
the seal leaks, moisture will get in between the panes of glass and
cause fogging. Once fogging occurs, the entire glass unit needs to be
replaced.
Equally important to the homeowner, upgrading the home by adding
replacement windows is a sure way to protect or even increase its value.
Therefore, window replacements are a win-win solution to cranky, energy
inefficient older windows.
Alban is
proud to offer FREE Continuing Education Courses in Real Estate Offices!
Call Tina to schedule one of our educational seminars, for additional
information, or to schedule our services at 800-822-7200 or
301-662-6565. |
From the Desk of
Arthur Lazerow
Have you
visited
Strathmore Recently?
Sitting in Strathmore Hall last night listening to the Baltimore
Symphony Orchestra play Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and the 110 voice
Baltimore Choral Arts Society singing its concluding movement, the
extraordinary “Ode to Joy,” I thought what a wonderful opportunity the
Music Center at Strathmore Hall offers to experience world class music
in our community.
Strathmore is truly in our back yard.
Ninety-five percent of the homes we inspect are less than one hour
driving distance from Strathmore in North Bethesda. The ticket price
includes parking, with a covered walkway into the music center. What a
deal!
Regardless of the type music you enjoy, you
can find it at Strathmore. An outdoor film festival is there in August.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under its exciting new conductor, Ms.
Marin Alsop, kicks off the September performances. You can catch
Patty Lupone singing Broadway hits, hear Bach or watch Tango in Buenos
Aires. The program offerings are remarkably varied. Ticket prices are
reasonable, which makes attending a performance affordable for an entire
family. One thing I have noted is the large number of children in
attendance.
If you have not had the Strathmore
experience, do not delay. Alban employees have been thoroughly enjoying
company paid tickets and our company dinner party at Strathmore
and hearing the Irish Tenors after dinner was wonderful this past
winter. Alban Home Inspection Service is proud to be a corporate sponsor
of Strathmore and intends to renew its commitment in October.
Weatherstripping
Here are some pointers for checking and
correcting a home’s weatherstripping in
preparation for cooler fall and winter weather.
To check for drafts and leaks:
• Wet the back of your hand and hold it close to areas of suspected
leak, such as at the perimeters of doors and windows. Incoming air is
easily detected on wet skin.
• A strip of toilet tissue can be held near
suspected leaks on a breezy day.
• At night, when most lights are turned off,
shine a flashing light from the outside in and
have someone look for light shining through.
Anywhere light is seen, air will leak.
Once a leak is found, there are several
corrective measures that can be taken. No matter what is done to seal
off air leaks, stripping must be durable and well-attached to withstand
frequent openings and closing, various preventive maintenance includes:
• Plastic Tape: Fold the self-adhesive tape into a flexible V-shape and
apply to the bottoms and tops of window sashes, door edges and other
gaps of components that are stationery.
• Heavy-duty Plastic Tape: A more durable,
V-shaped window weatherstripping material,
also self-adhesive, uses rigid strips of
aluminum to keep out drafts.
• Jamb Weatherstripping: Door jambs and
edges can be effectively sealed with strips
metal or wood with a rubber or plastic
sealing strip along the edge.
• Foam Pad: Seal electrical outlets and switches on exterior walls, with
can be major source of drafts. The pads fit under the cover plates of
the fixtures.
• Caulk: Technically not weatherstripping,
recaulk all exterior caulk joints that have
failed. This keeps both water and air
infiltration under control.
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