Forum :
Specifying Sustainable Products and Materials
Topic :
window coverings
sfouche
There are a couple things that you can do to fix your leaky window problem inexpensively...
1) If you don't have any caulk between your window frame and the wall, you'll want to buy a caulk gun and a tube of clear silicone and put a bead of caulk down to seal the crack.
2) When you have completed item one, there is a product like you described in your post manufactured by a company called Tyz-All. They make a reusable plastic storm window that can be re-installed and removed year after year. They come in many different sizes. Do a google search with the following terms to find vendors: Tyz All plastic interior storm A note on sustainability, while plastic isn't green, a reusable plastic is a little more green. I haven't found a good replacement sustainable product here.
3) This tip is optional and a little more technical but extremely helpful. If you are handy as a carpenter or have some funds to hire one, you can also remove your window frames to expose an area that usually isn't insulated properly and spray in an expanding foam product (make sure you use a "low expanding" version for window applications). If your windows have the old iron ballasts, this isn't an option until you upgrade to newer windows at which time you would want to insist the installers do this step, as not all do.
A note on expanding foam product selection... Be sure to use products that don't use CFCs or HCFCs as they contain chlorine which is known to deplete the earth's ozone layer. Instead, consider using expanding foam products that use HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) or propane as they are better for the environment. As a precaution, HFC and propane propellants are flammable during installation, so you'll want to keep any open flames extinguished during installation. Once the foam has cured and the propellant has dissipated, this is no longer an issue.
This should solve your leaky window problem short of replacing your windows.
Greenie |
