Sash windows are lovely and romantic architectural features but they can be drafty, especially in older homes. To be warm this winter, save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation
Start by cleaning the bottom of the sash well. Allow it to dry thoroughly; trapped moisture increases the chances of wood rot. Next, measure the width of the sash and cut a piece of self-adhesive foam insulation to the same length. Attach this carefully to the bottom of the sash by pulling away enough backing to stick one end of the adhesive to the sash. Then pull the backing away as you attach the insulation. This method eliminates the problem of having the foam stick to the wrong place.
Start by cleaning the bottom of the sash well. Allow it to dry thoroughly; trapped moisture increases the chances of wood rot. Next, measure the width of the sash and cut a piece of self-adhesive foam insulation to the same length. Attach this carefully to the bottom of the sash by pulling away enough backing to stick one end of the adhesive to the sash. Then pull the backing away as you attach the insulation. This method eliminates the problem of having the foam stick to the wrong place.
After the sash is insulated, clean the window jamb thoroughly. Allow the jamb to dry thoroughly as well. While it's drying, cut some V-channel weatherstripping into two pieces that measure one inch longer than each jamb height. Attach each piece separately to the jamb sides, tapping some finish nails into the ends to hold it in place.
Measure the sash again and cut a section of V-channel weatherstripping to the same dimensions. Lift the sash high enough so that you can reach behind the window to the outer side. Repeat the attachment process outlined above by first peeling away a bit of backing and then positioning the weatherstripping along the sash back, pulling the backing off as you go. Make sure it's attached at the top of the sash's outside with the V-channel turned toward the top.
For a window that will be closed throughout the season, seal it around all the inside edges with rope caulking, smoothed using your fingers or a spoon back. This way it will be easy to peel away the caulking when the weather warms up.
For an even more permanent solution to save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation, try this method:
Take off the molding around a window using a hammer and pry bar. Cut a section of rigid foam insulation that's backed with foil so that it will fit snugly into the area between the window's side jamb and the wall. Now spray sealant made of expanding polyurethane foam into the top and bottom of the space (be sure to use the maximum kind of expanding foam). Insert the rigid insulation and make sure the insulation is flush with the wall.
Push the foam installation into the jamb spaces on either side until it's flush with the wall surface. Seal the seams where the wall and the insulation meet with adhesive-backed foil tape, the kind used by heating contractors. Replace the window molding over the insulation, a
Measure the sash again and cut a section of V-channel weatherstripping to the same dimensions. Lift the sash high enough so that you can reach behind the window to the outer side. Repeat the attachment process outlined above by first peeling away a bit of backing and then positioning the weatherstripping along the sash back, pulling the backing off as you go. Make sure it's attached at the top of the sash's outside with the V-channel turned toward the top.
For a window that will be closed throughout the season, seal it around all the inside edges with rope caulking, smoothed using your fingers or a spoon back. This way it will be easy to peel away the caulking when the weather warms up.
For an even more permanent solution to save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation, try this method:
Take off the molding around a window using a hammer and pry bar. Cut a section of rigid foam insulation that's backed with foil so that it will fit snugly into the area between the window's side jamb and the wall. Now spray sealant made of expanding polyurethane foam into the top and bottom of the space (be sure to use the maximum kind of expanding foam). Insert the rigid insulation and make sure the insulation is flush with the wall.
Push the foam installation into the jamb spaces on either side until it's flush with the wall surface. Seal the seams where the wall and the insulation meet with adhesive-backed foil tape, the kind used by heating contractors. Replace the window molding over the insulation, a
For an even more permanent solution to save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation, try this method:
Take off the molding around a window using a hammer and pry bar. Cut a section of rigid foam insulation that's backed with foil so that it will fit snugly into the area between the window's side jamb and the wall. Now spray sealant made of expanding polyurethane foam into the top and bottom of the space (be sure to use the maximum kind of expanding foam). Insert the rigid insulation and make sure the insulation is flush with the wall.
Push the foam installation into the jamb spaces on either side until it's flush with the wall surface. Seal the seams where the wall and the insulation meet with adhesive-backed foil tape, the kind used by heating contractors. Replace the window molding over the insulation, and the job is done.
Replace the molding around the window, and you're assured you will save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation.
About the Author:
Take off the molding around a window using a hammer and pry bar. Cut a section of rigid foam insulation that's backed with foil so that it will fit snugly into the area between the window's side jamb and the wall. Now spray sealant made of expanding polyurethane foam into the top and bottom of the space (be sure to use the maximum kind of expanding foam). Insert the rigid insulation and make sure the insulation is flush with the wall.
Push the foam installation into the jamb spaces on either side until it's flush with the wall surface. Seal the seams where the wall and the insulation meet with adhesive-backed foil tape, the kind used by heating contractors. Replace the window molding over the insulation, and the job is done.
Replace the molding around the window, and you're assured you will save money on heating bills with DIY sash window insulation.
About the Author:
Sash window refurbishment makes your home look better and also reduces costs. When sash window draught proofing is completed, your home will be not as prone to losing heat around windows.