Insulating Aluminum Window Frames

Wesrick · 02-15-2010, 09:43 PM

In case anyone was wondering, I did find out what to search for when looking to replace the "fur strip" - it's called "pile weatherstrip" or "pile weatherstripping". I can't find it at Home Depot, Lowes, or most hardware places - however, there happens to be a local Ace Hardware that carries it in many sizes. How convenient!

So, if anyone ever needs to know here's a record of what to look for.

Wesrick

Pigoff · 04-19-2012, 11:42 AM

I had an energy audit preformed on my house and found out that I am losing over 75% of my energy through the windows and the duckwork. I am trying to figure out how to insulate the old metal windows (house was built in the early 60's).

I am also working on the duckwork (boy did I get taken by my home inspectors as they never went under the house, dryer vented into the wall, not under the house, master shower not hooked up and emptying under the house etc.). One duct is not attached to the bathroom vent. It is hanging down about 9-12 inches below it. I am going to Lowes to see what I need to reattach it. I have some insulation missing from one duct that I am going to fix too!

I haven't been on the other side of my house to see that ductwork as I have to crawl under the ducts to get over there so am going to do that this weekend.

My brothers are helping me. they are both on disability so they can't help me money wise so I have to get this done the least expensive (we all do in this economy) possible. My brothers, my 7 year old granddaughter and myself are going to be working on this for a while I guess. I'll let you know what the other side of the house looks like after this weekend. I only have Sunday off so that is where I will be on sunday. I am going to use that insulating foam on some daylight cracks that I saw last weekend under the house.

We bought the string of grey play dough looking stuff for the window but it won't stick to the metal my brother said so we are using caulk around the window. What do you use on the sash where it goes up and where it meets the window seal is my main question I guess. It has some old felt on it but I didn't think that was very effective.

Any suggestions on the windows. I can't afford to hire anybody and I have been taken by the best so now if I do have to hire anybody I cry for days cause I know I am going to get taken again. Ha!

joecaption · 04-19-2012, 01:09 PM

Without a picture of what your windows look like it's anyone guess what to do.
Most often all you need for the ducts is a roll of foil tape (not duct tape) and some hex head short screws. There both sold in the ventalation area in Lowes or HD.

Tom Struble · 04-20-2012, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlanticWBConst.

Yes, this can work, However, make sure that it is not the rigid expanding foam. As stated, it will cause warpage in the flexible vinyl window frame and void warranties.

Use the foam that is soft-rated. It won't expand and warp frames. We have used it, I can't recall the name brand or what exactly the label says....But it's out there being sold.....

without a thermal break i don't think insulating the inside of the extrusion will do much good

Windows on Wash · 04-21-2012, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigoff

I had an energy audit preformed on my house and found out that I am losing over 75% of my energy through the windows and the duckwork. I am trying to figure out how to insulate the old metal windows (house was built in the early 60's).

I am also working on the duckwork (boy did I get taken by my home inspectors as they never went under the house, dryer vented into the wall, not under the house, master shower not hooked up and emptying under the house etc.). One duct is not attached to the bathroom vent. It is hanging down about 9-12 inches below it. I am going to Lowes to see what I need to reattach it. I have some insulation missing from one duct that I am going to fix too!

I haven't been on the other side of my house to see that ductwork as I have to crawl under the ducts to get over there so am going to do that this weekend.

My brothers are helping me. they are both on disability so they can't help me money wise so I have to get this done the least expensive (we all do in this economy) possible. My brothers, my 7 year old granddaughter and myself are going to be working on this for a while I guess. I'll let you know what the other side of the house looks like after this weekend. I only have Sunday off so that is where I will be on sunday. I am going to use that insulating foam on some daylight cracks that I saw last weekend under the house.

We bought the string of grey play dough looking stuff for the window but it won't stick to the metal my brother said so we are using caulk around the window. What do you use on the sash where it goes up and where it meets the window seal is my main question I guess. It has some old felt on it but I didn't think that was very effective.

Any suggestions on the windows. I can't afford to hire anybody and I have been taken by the best so now if I do have to hire anybody I cry for days cause I know I am going to get taken again. Ha!

75% through windows and duct work? That is awfully high.

They didn't know any air leakage to the attic via top plates, penetrations, lights, etc?

Pigoff · 04-24-2012, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windows on Wash

75% through windows and duct work? That is awfully high.

They didn't know any air leakage to the attic via top plates, penetrations, lights, etc?

Okay. Went under the house. Everything looks good. All the duct work is insulated. I repaired one that was torn with the help of Lowes. Ha!

The master bath floor vent wasn't attached to the floor. It was just hanging down and we got that fitted and nailed back in the vent hole in the floor.

The report says I need to insulate the attic fan and attic door too!

Going to Lowes to get stuff to do that too!

Pigoff · 04-24-2012, 03:53 PM

Half the house I already insulated the light switches and plug-ins so have to do the rooms that I haven't painted next. That is an easy fix.

Pigoff · 04-24-2012, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Struble

without a thermal break i don't think insulating the inside of the extrusion will do much good

Not sure if this is what you are talking about but a we are going to get some wood and plastic and make an inside window cover (think picture frame with plastic) and line it with felt to see if that will keep heat in this winter. I can't afford to buy new windows right now.

The windows in the livingroom don't open so not sure how to do those other than caulk them really well. No indention to put the frames in those windows.

Windows on Wash · 04-24-2012, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigoff

Okay. Went under the house. Everything looks good. All the duct work is insulated. I repaired one that was torn with the help of Lowes. Ha!

The master bath floor vent wasn't attached to the floor. It was just hanging down and we got that fitted and nailed back in the vent hole in the floor.

The report says I need to insulate the attic fan and attic door too!

Going to Lowes to get stuff to do that too!

Insulate attic fan?

Do you mean install? Even still, attic fans are not preferred when passive options are available.

Pigoff · 04-26-2012, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joecaption

Without a picture of what your windows look like it's anyone guess what to do.
Most often all you need for the ducts is a roll of foil tape (not duct tape) and some hex head short screws. There both sold in the ventalation area in Lowes or HD.

I got a roll of duct insulation for $20 and some foil tape and repaired the tear. Still got some left in case I find another tear but everything looks good under there so I guess the energy loss is from the windows, attic door and attic fan. I feel better after crawling around down under the house. Didn't find any scary things like Holmes on Homes talks about. Whew!

Pigoff · 04-26-2012, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windows on Wash

Insulate attic fan?

Do you mean install? Even still, attic fans are not preferred when passive options are available.

Insulate. Heat or air is escaping I was told and the infraray pictures he took show it to I guess.

02-15-2010, 09:43 PM	#16
Wesrick Newbie Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 2	Insulating Aluminum Window Frames In case anyone was wondering, I did find out what to search for when looking to replace the "fur strip" - it's called "pile weatherstrip" or "pile weatherstripping". I can't find it at Home Depot, Lowes, or most hardware places - however, there happens to be a local Ace Hardware that carries it in many sizes. How convenient! So, if anyone ever needs to know here's a record of what to look for. Wesrick

04-19-2012, 11:42 AM	#17
Pigoff Newbie Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 6	Insulating Aluminum Window Frames I had an energy audit preformed on my house and found out that I am losing over 75% of my energy through the windows and the duckwork. I am trying to figure out how to insulate the old metal windows (house was built in the early 60's). I am also working on the duckwork (boy did I get taken by my home inspectors as they never went under the house, dryer vented into the wall, not under the house, master shower not hooked up and emptying under the house etc.). One duct is not attached to the bathroom vent. It is hanging down about 9-12 inches below it. I am going to Lowes to see what I need to reattach it. I have some insulation missing from one duct that I am going to fix too! I haven't been on the other side of my house to see that ductwork as I have to crawl under the ducts to get over there so am going to do that this weekend. My brothers are helping me. they are both on disability so they can't help me money wise so I have to get this done the least expensive (we all do in this economy) possible. My brothers, my 7 year old granddaughter and myself are going to be working on this for a while I guess. I'll let you know what the other side of the house looks like after this weekend. I only have Sunday off so that is where I will be on sunday. I am going to use that insulating foam on some daylight cracks that I saw last weekend under the house. We bought the string of grey play dough looking stuff for the window but it won't stick to the metal my brother said so we are using caulk around the window. What do you use on the sash where it goes up and where it meets the window seal is my main question I guess. It has some old felt on it but I didn't think that was very effective. Any suggestions on the windows. I can't afford to hire anybody and I have been taken by the best so now if I do have to hire anybody I cry for days cause I know I am going to get taken again. Ha!

04-19-2012, 01:09 PM	#18
joecaption Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hartfield VA Posts: 18,832	Insulating Aluminum Window Frames Without a picture of what your windows look like it's anyone guess what to do. Most often all you need for the ducts is a roll of foil tape (not duct tape) and some hex head short screws. There both sold in the ventalation area in Lowes or HD.

04-24-2012, 03:53 PM	#22
Pigoff Newbie Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 6	Insulating Aluminum Window Frames Half the house I already insulated the light switches and plug-ins so have to do the rooms that I haven't painted next. That is an easy fix.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Insulating Aluminum Window Frames