Motorized Skylight Shades
Window replacement and maintenance are often the most overlooked project when considering home improvement. Purchasing Baltimore window replacements and installing more energy efficient windows is one way to ensure that the windows of a home are up to par and conserving the most energy. However, window replacements are not always necessary and in some historic districts there can be some very strict guidelines pertaining to what can and cannot be done to structures. There are several methods that homeowners can use to help older models become more energy efficient windows. A homeowner will most likely need to invest some money as well as some time in restoring the windows. Older windows can be repaired and updated whereas some of the newer window units are more difficult to repair or update. Here are a few things that homeowners can do to make their old windows more energy efficient.
Remove and Replace Broken Glass
No matter what type of window unit is in a home, broken glass can be costly. It can allow air to be exchanged from inside to outside and vice versa. This can be very detrimental when it comes to paying utility bills. It is important to remove any broken glass panes and replace them with solid glass to create a more energy efficient window. In cases where it is not possible to remove the glass there are some quick fixes that can help conserve some energy until a window replacement can be installed. Patch any cracks using a clear glazing tape to stop air exchange. If the glass is badly cracked it will be better to use masking tape to cover the gap. After taping the cracks in the window stretch a piece of polythene sheeting over it. Make sure to use the furring strips in order to keep it from tearing. This will help keep any weather out until the window can be re-glazed. In cases where security is an issue a piece of hardboard or plywood can be screwed to the frame to protect it until the window can be properly replaced.
Replace the Wooden Beads
In order to keep the panes of glass secured in the frame wooden glazing beads are used along the exterior portions of the frame. These can also be used to glaze a window which has been puttied previously. In order to ensure that it is an energy efficient window the glass must be weatherproof and secure. In order to seal the joint and ensure it is weatherproof, glazing silicone can be used. Window caulk can be applied around the rabbet up to one third of the depth. The pane will need to be gently pressed into position to ensure a tight seal. Using at least two glazing pins for every bead nail the beads in place. The inside edge of the beads should be perfectly flush against the pane. Be sure to wipe off any excess silicone.
Install Energy Film
In years gone by some of the shrink film was unsightly even though it did help windows be more energy efficient. Thankfully there are more alternatives today which also help reduce heat loss by reflecting the heat from the sun during the summer and blocking damaging UV rays all year long. Newer Low-E films can reduce heat loss by about one third in winter months. But its reflective tint can make it very difficult to see out of as it gets dark. It also changes the look of the window. There is also a relatively less expensive energy film which is non-reflective but is also colorless. It does not use adhesives so it is easy to install, can be adjusted or removed very easily. It also blocks 98 percent of the UV radiation and up to 65 percent of the sun’s heat. This is one of the very quick and easy ways to turn older windows into energy efficient windows.
Author Bio: This post was written by Joe Kelemer. Joe Kelemer has many years of installing windows in the Baltimore area. He is dedicated to providing customers with high quality service and to help customers reduce with energy bills in their homes; for more information on energy efficient windows visit, http://www.kelemerbrothers.com.