August 2007 Newsletter                               View an index of all our newsletters
 

Windows, Windows Everywhere

We forget about our home’s windows. At least we forget about them until they leak, or rot, or swell and we cannot open them or the balances fail and the top sash comes crashing down. This is the case of the squeaky wheel getting attention, especially if that squeaky wheel smashed a finger. It seems that windows last forever, which they do if you consider “forever” to be twenty to thirty years. Hopefully, those awful aluminum windows we built into homes thirty-five years ago have been replaced.

Replacement windows are recommended to replace cranky, old ones. Single pane windows leak air and are one of the least energy efficient components in a home. Replacement windows are one way to increase a home’s value. New replacement windows offer improved appearance, reduced noise level, increased energy efficiency, and easier maintenance. But homeowners often approach the search for replacement windows with little preparation or knowledge of the pitfalls and alternatives.

Replacement windows offer two major advantages over older single-glazed windows, higher energy efficiency and easier maintenance. Generally, double-glazing (two panes of glass) raises the R value (overall insulating ability) to about 2.1, more than doubling the 0.9 R value of typical singleglazing. By adding low-e (low emissivity) coating to the glass and filling the space between the panes with argon gas, energy efficiency can be increased up to four times that of single-glazing.

Typical double-glazed replacement of average size costs $350-$450 each when installed by a contractor. Since the average house has about 20 widows, a complete project costs about $9,000. If replacement windows for the entire house are not affordable, why not replace one side of the house this year and another side next year? It will not be long until the job is complete. Frame construction is an important consideration when choosing replacement windows. Investigate these options to make the right choice:

• Wood. Wood is an excellent insulator and is routinely used as the basic framing material in many high-quality windows. Vinyl skins are sometimes used to reduce maintenance.

• All-vinyl. These hollow frames can be filled with insulating material to increase energy efficiency. They require very little maintenance because they resist scratching or rotting and seldom need painting.

• Aluminum. Modern aluminum-frame windows have thermal breaks (a vinyl bead separating the exterior and interior sides of the window frame) to solve the condensation problems usually associated with older models. Thermal breaks also increase energy efficiency. Always select windows with a written warranty that covers all parts. It is especially important to have long-term coverage for the seal in double-glazing. If the seal leaks, moisture will get in between the panes of glass and cause fogging. Once fogging occurs, the entire glass unit needs to be replaced.

Equally important to the homeowner, upgrading the home by adding replacement windows is a sure way to protect or even increase its value. Therefore, window replacements are a win-win solution to cranky, energy inefficient older windows.

Alban is proud to offer FREE Continuing Education Courses in Real Estate Offices!
Call Tina to schedule one of our educational seminars, for additional information, or to schedule our services at 800-822-7200 or 301-662-6565.

From the Desk of
Arthur Lazerow

Have you visited
Strathmore Recently?

Sitting in Strathmore Hall last night listening to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra play Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and the 110 voice Baltimore Choral Arts Society singing its concluding movement, the extraordinary “Ode to Joy,” I thought what a wonderful opportunity the Music Center at Strathmore Hall offers to experience world class music in our community.

Strathmore is truly in our back yard. Ninety-five percent of the homes we inspect are less than one hour driving distance from Strathmore in North Bethesda. The ticket price includes parking, with a covered walkway into the music center. What a deal!

Regardless of the type music you enjoy, you can find it at Strathmore. An outdoor film festival is there in August. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under its exciting new conductor, Ms. Marin Alsop,  kicks off the September performances. You can catch Patty Lupone singing Broadway hits, hear Bach or watch Tango in Buenos Aires. The program offerings are remarkably varied. Ticket prices are reasonable, which makes attending a performance affordable for an entire family. One thing I have noted is the large number of children in attendance.

If you have not had the Strathmore experience, do not delay. Alban employees have been thoroughly enjoying company paid  tickets and our company dinner party at Strathmore and hearing the Irish Tenors after dinner was wonderful this past winter. Alban Home Inspection Service is proud to be a corporate sponsor of Strathmore and intends to renew its commitment in October. 

Weatherstripping

Here are some pointers for checking and
correcting a home’s weatherstripping in
preparation for cooler fall and winter weather.
To check for drafts and leaks:

• Wet the back of your hand and hold it close to areas of suspected leak, such as at the perimeters of doors and windows. Incoming air is easily detected on wet skin.

• A strip of toilet tissue can be held near
suspected leaks on a breezy day.
• At night, when most lights are turned off,
shine a flashing light from the outside in and
have someone look for light shining through.
Anywhere light is seen, air will leak.

Once a leak is found, there are several corrective measures that can be taken. No matter what is done to seal off air leaks, stripping must be durable and well-attached to withstand frequent openings and closing, various preventive maintenance includes:

• Plastic Tape: Fold the self-adhesive tape into a flexible V-shape and apply to the bottoms and tops of window sashes, door edges and other gaps of components that are stationery.

• Heavy-duty Plastic Tape: A more durable,
V-shaped window weatherstripping material,
also self-adhesive, uses rigid strips of
aluminum to keep out drafts.

• Jamb Weatherstripping: Door jambs and
edges can be effectively sealed with strips
metal or wood with a rubber or plastic
sealing strip along the edge.
• Foam Pad: Seal electrical outlets and switches on exterior walls, with can be major source of drafts. The pads fit under the cover plates of the fixtures.

• Caulk: Technically not weatherstripping,
recaulk all exterior caulk joints that have
failed. This keeps both water and air
infiltration under control.