I have a simple question. At least it seemed like it should be.
I have spent hours searching the web to attempt to see if it makes sense to replace the upstairs windows in my house. They are what I believe is called triple glazed. House built 1977. There is a double paned aluminum slider on the extior side. Then about 1.5″ airspace then a single pane aluminum slider on the interior side.
They seem to do okay. Better then the double pane alum windows on my last house. But, how do they compare to new windows?
Does anyone know of a site that gives some sample U values for these windows? So that a reasonable comparison can be made to new low e windows.
I have found lots of sites, none address these windows. Now wood casement, yadda yadda yadda, found lots of sites.
Any opinions? Any window suppliers or installers out there that might know where to find such info?
Thanks for any help.
BillyG
Replies
Hate to see an inquiry go unanswered.............so here are my thoughts!
If built in 1977 the aluminum windows probably do not have a thermal break and would have been considered for track housing where specs are set to increase the margin on the sale while reducing materials costs.
For a comparison to current technology in window manufacturing I would suggest that you visit a local building materials supplier and ask to see what is offered in aluminum windows. Check out the brand name and ask for technical specs on U and I values. Go home .....hit the web for another search.
I can think of two aluminum mfg I have used in my business....Croft Mfg and Gapco Mfg.....try these for a search.
Good Luck............................Iron Helix
PS.....wood insulated windows usually score better values than aluminum!
Thanks. I'll search the manufacturers you listed. Maybe I'll just guess that they are kind of comparable to a wood window with a storm. And use that value.
From what I understand, they were basically the best you could get in 1977. (In aluminum anyway)
I have looked at new windows. They're better. Just no one seems able to tell me how much better. If it's a 50% increase it's worth doing. If it's 10% it's not. Of course, they're all more then happy to put in new vinyl windows for me.
Probably not worth the money to upgrade. Too many other projects that need money. Just got considering it again because my youngest daughter's bedroom is always colder then the rest of the house (two 4'x5' windows). I just finished some work in that part of the attic, time to thicken the insulation over her room and see how much it helps. Guess I'll do some digging and see if the tops of the exterior walls are insulated well, I've found some gaps other places.
The single pane aluminums in the basement gotta go first, just kinda pricy with the concrete cutting.
Thanks again, I'll keep looking.
Billy
So you have to cut concrete to do the basement windows?.... why not rip out the metal frames and install a custom sized vinyl IG unit to match the existing opening!
Not as many $$$ as you might think!!
I would venture to say that replacing your existing windows of aluminum with those made of clad wood will be at least 30% more efficient. Compare current I & U values for non-thermal break aluminum IG windows to that of Andersen, Kolbe, Marvin, or even Caradco and I think there will be striking difference.
Add to that the "plugging" of insulation gaps, caulking of "Blow Holes", and added wall & attic insulation, you can slowly muster up a more efficient house in which to live.
..........................Iron Helix
Thanks. Your 30% value is probably pretty close. At least to what little I can find, best guess really. For now, the upstairs one's will stay. If I replace I'll start with the two in my daughters room and see how much difference that makes.
The downstairs windows are just small. I've gotten quotes of around $700 to just replace all 4 of them. I just can't seem to decide whether to do it, or spend the extra time and money to make them bigger.
I've spent way more hours in the attic then I care to admit. Caulking and plugging holes around all lights, wires, vents I can find. There were some big ones too. Adding soffit vents with baffles. Most has been done a couple hours at a time. Seems to be making a difference. No ice dams this year. I'm almost to the point of being done up there (3 years off and on). Then I rent a blower and add a bunch of cellulose and call it good.
Not much I can do with the walls, unless I add a layer of foam and sheetrock on the inside. Don't think things are that bad. Did find that any where there's an interior wall hooked to the exterior. there is no insulation in the wall behind it where it branches off. Changed 2 wall locations, so they're fixed. Can spray foam into one more. The other 6 I'll just ignore, more work to fix then they're worth.