RETROFITTING DOUBLE-GLAZED WINDOWS MAY LEAD TO PROBELMS

December 28th, 2006

В Retrofitting Double-Glazed Windows May Lead to Probelms

Several weeks ago, we answered a discourse from a man who desired to undergo if he could retrofit double-paned window sashes in the window openings of his senior home.

Our salutation was, “Certainly.” We then gave him suggestions most how he strength fulfill this project.

However, we untended to verify into statement the accumulated coefficient of the window created by the double-paned glazing. Two readers caught our fault and added reverend attendant her undergo with double-glazed windows.

Richard Lowry, a consulting creator from San Francisco, wrote with a resolution to the difficulty created by the accumulated coefficient of the new windows:

“If the window sash is reglazed with insulating glazing, the complete sash haw threefold in weight. Then the older sash weights will not be onerous sufficiency to equilibrate the sash. That is a bounteous bother. I know. I did it.

“However, my buddies at Ocean Glass and Sash oversubscribed me whatever heavier sash weights and today the windows impact perfectly.”

Dave Evanchak provided us a kindred resolution but is not certain that retrofitting the older windows is the way to go. He writes:

“Oh boy! You cannot replace single-glazed double-hung sash with double-glazed sash without handling with the fact that the new sash will matter twice as such as the old. Even if you could encounter large window weights, they will be likewise daylong to impact properly.

“There is a resolution but it involves using custom-made lead window weights that are most twice as onerous as the example patch shackle weights.

“I conceive most homeowners vexation farther likewise such most losing energy finished single-glazed windows. You would be farther aweigh of the mettlesome if you only multiple your attic detachment or had blown-in detachment installed in your outdoor walls. And you would refrain wrecking the looks of a dustlike older home with fake-looking, ‘old-style,’ new windows.”

We concord with Dave. If the need is energy efficiency, the money for double-paned retrofit windows is better spent on accumulated detachment and weather-stripping.

Finally, metropolis Praetzel from Kentfield writes:

“Before my alter to threefold glazing in my south-facing windows, the solarise would modify my house. I didn’t need the furnace.

“Now that I have double-paned windows, I have to ingest the heater. I relied on modify from the solarise to hearty the interior of the house, but that doesn’t hap anymore.”

We revalue it when we get signaling from our readers. While it’s genuine that we have more than 50 years of additive undergo in home transformation and improvement, we have scholarly over the years that ofttimes there is more than one way to swing the cheese. When our readers substance suggestions on the solutions we propose, we try to transfer them along.

Entry Filed Under Wood Windows