Doors and Windows - Drafty windows?
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chrisexv6
03-11-05, 08:14 AM
Was wondering if anyone had an idea on how I could verify the cold drafts that I feel are actually my windows.
The windows are Andersen horizontal gliders from 1984. This winter, the house felt a lot draftier than normal (you know, you're laying in bed and your face feels cold, but your left arm doesnt, etc. almost like cold spots). I know horizontal gliders have their own issues, unfortunately the house was designed as "contemporary" and it seems that double-hung and/or casement replacements dont really *match* the rest of the house (or so Im told by my wife :) ).
I have 3M-like shrink plastic over most of them, but it still feels a little drafty. The wall underneath each of the windows feels colder than the rest of the wall, as does the carpet/flooring directly under the window (obviously cold air falls, but maybe too much). The panes of glass feel VERY cold, depending on outside temp. I used and infrared temp gun to measure the temp differential, and on certain windows, there wasnt much (example: 20 degrees outside, glass temp measured about 35). These are double-pane windows, as I can see the aluminum strip between the two panes. I wouldnt think such a low temp differential would be normal, but feel free to comment on it.
I havent tried the incense trick yet, mostly because I dont think we could be getting drafts from many other places (upstairs we have no lights in the ceiling, so there are no holes for attic air to come in, etc). In fact, I pulled the plastic off one of the windows, and on a windy night the blind on that window actually moved. This was with the window closed and locked. So Im assuming the seals are dead/dying, which is pretty common for older horizontal gliders (it seems).
Any suggestions/ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks!!!
-Chris
The windows are Andersen horizontal gliders from 1984. This winter, the house felt a lot draftier than normal (you know, you're laying in bed and your face feels cold, but your left arm doesnt, etc. almost like cold spots). I know horizontal gliders have their own issues, unfortunately the house was designed as "contemporary" and it seems that double-hung and/or casement replacements dont really *match* the rest of the house (or so Im told by my wife :) ).
I have 3M-like shrink plastic over most of them, but it still feels a little drafty. The wall underneath each of the windows feels colder than the rest of the wall, as does the carpet/flooring directly under the window (obviously cold air falls, but maybe too much). The panes of glass feel VERY cold, depending on outside temp. I used and infrared temp gun to measure the temp differential, and on certain windows, there wasnt much (example: 20 degrees outside, glass temp measured about 35). These are double-pane windows, as I can see the aluminum strip between the two panes. I wouldnt think such a low temp differential would be normal, but feel free to comment on it.
I havent tried the incense trick yet, mostly because I dont think we could be getting drafts from many other places (upstairs we have no lights in the ceiling, so there are no holes for attic air to come in, etc). In fact, I pulled the plastic off one of the windows, and on a windy night the blind on that window actually moved. This was with the window closed and locked. So Im assuming the seals are dead/dying, which is pretty common for older horizontal gliders (it seems).
Any suggestions/ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks!!!
-Chris
wallst32
03-16-05, 06:26 AM
Read this and see if it applies: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/energy/coldwall.htm
I have the same problem (I think) with my double hung windows. They're double pane, but not low-e. When the temperature outside is around freezing, touching the window glass surface is about as cold as a glass jar from the fridge.
I have plain window shades on them right now. If you pull the shade down just above the sill, leaving maybe 1-2 inches, you can feel all the cold air being channeled down and it feels like a draft. One way to reduce the draft (though not eliminate) is to pull the shade down so it rests on the sill, forcing the air out both sides. Also, if you lift shade up and away from the window, see if you still feel the draft. If not, it may just be the cold wall effect.
I have the same problem (I think) with my double hung windows. They're double pane, but not low-e. When the temperature outside is around freezing, touching the window glass surface is about as cold as a glass jar from the fridge.
I have plain window shades on them right now. If you pull the shade down just above the sill, leaving maybe 1-2 inches, you can feel all the cold air being channeled down and it feels like a draft. One way to reduce the draft (though not eliminate) is to pull the shade down so it rests on the sill, forcing the air out both sides. Also, if you lift shade up and away from the window, see if you still feel the draft. If not, it may just be the cold wall effect.