Aluminum Sliding Window Heat Insulation Material
The benefits of aluminum sliding window heat insulation are well known by the professionals in the industry. They know that these products are not only cost effective but also add value to your home. Insulation is one of those little things that can really make a difference when it comes to energy consumption and your overall enjoyment of your home's interior. Aluminum is a fantastic conductor of thermal energy and allows cool air to enter the home while warm air is trapped outside. That means that you are more comfortable inside the home and this translates directly into reduced temperatures which lead to increased usage of electricity in your household.
Sliding windows are becoming more popular in homes across America as buyers are becoming savvy about how much they spend and what they get back in return. One of the biggest purchases people make in their lives is a home. It is one of the most expensive single purchases that someone can make. That means that when it comes time to put a price on a home, the consumer wants to get the most bang for their buck. There is no better way to do that than to add value to the home with insulating elements.
The aluminum sliding window heat insulation is made from recycled aluminum, which is then transformed into sheets that can be fitted over windows. These sheets are highly durable and will stand up to high winds and hail storms. When purchasing the aluminum this material is highly recommended. The best way to tell if an item is made from recycled material is to make sure there are markings on the piece that state it is. If there are not any such markings, it is likely that the product is not real aluminum.
The aluminum sliding window heat insulation is easy to install and maintain. There is no painting or staining involved so you will not need to worry about keeping the old looking. It is completely flat so you will not have any voids and you can expect that it will hold onto the cold weather better than some of the other products on the market. If there are any crevices in the panels that may tend to hold in the heat, these can easily be filled with silicone. The only other thing you will need to do is to add weather stripping to the frame so that the panels will be properly sealed.
If you are looking to cut down on your heating costs this is an option to consider. You may even find that this is a good investment in the long run as aluminum is very durable and it will save you money in the long term. It will save you in energy as well as cost, and when you compare it to other materials you will find that the aluminum sliding window heat insulation is actually cheaper overall. You can get products that have multiple layers as well so you will be getting even more insulation for your buck. It may seem like a lot at first, but the end result will show it is well worth it. Whether you are considering investing in a new HVAC unit or just looking to achieve a perfect home climate, your first priority should be to improve your home insulation. This will not only maintain your desired home temperature but also help prevent energy wastage! Windows are a great place to get started. You may not realize it, but the cracks and gaps in your windows and bare window panes are the biggest culprits when it comes to disrupting your ideal home climate.
In summer, 76% of direct light falling on your windows becomes heat and interferes with your home’s cooling process. Similarly, in winter, 30% of your home’s heat is lost through windows. This unnecessary heat gain and loss makes your air conditioner work harder, leading to high energy costs. Window insulation is the best way to seal the cooled air inside during summers and reduce heat loss in winter. It not only helps maintain your ideal temperature settings but also results in reduced energy bills. Moreover, window insulation assists in lowering the burden on your HVAC units in extreme weather conditions which can help make your units last longer! We have prepared this comprehensive guide for you so you can properly insulate your windows and enjoy a comfortable environment regardless of the weather outside. This blog covers:
- Different window insulating materials
- Factors to consider before buying window insulation kits
- Detailed instructions on how to insulate windows
- How to maintain ideal home temperature all year-round
Window Insulating Materials
Before you begin insulating your windows, you should know the different kinds of insulating materials to select the right products.
1. Window Weatherstripping for Air Seals
Weatherstripping seals are used to cover gaps and any areas for air leaks around movable objects such as windows and doors. Window seals helps minimize air drafts that enter through cracks and gaps. During summers, it helps to keep the cooled air inside while keeping the heat outside. While in winters, weatherstripping can prevent hot air from escaping your house. The gaps between the window sash and window frame are usually filled with sealants to prevent hot or cold air from seeping in. Weatherstripping comes in many forms including silicone, felt, foam, and vinyl. When choosing to weatherstrip, look for ones that can withstand friction, temperature changes, and general wear and tear.
- Foam stripping is suitable for the top and bottom of the window sash. It is strong and durable, moderately priced but can be difficult to install.
- Tape stripping is also suitable for a window sash, costs low and is very simple to install.
- Vinyl stripping is best for holding moisture and is best for inside the track of a double-hung or sliding window. It is durable, not very expensive, invisible and simple to install.
- Fin seal is best for aluminum sliding windows. It is slightly expensive, can be difficult to install but very effective in keeping the cold out.
- Felt is easy to install, inexpensive but not very efficient. It is best for areas with low friction and is suitable for around a window.
If you apply weatherstripping to movable window parts, you cannot use your windows unless you remove the weatherstripping first. This may be acceptable during harsh winter but not always.
2. Caulking
There are three types of caulking for different areas:Caulking is used to seal air leaks in windows and doors in your home. You can also apply it on cracks in faucets, water pipes drain, and bathtubs to prevent water damage.
- Silicone caulk is used for glass and metal surfaces.
- Latex caulk for cracks in the window.
- Paint caulk is used for sites that you intend to paint later on.
You will usually need half cartilage per window. They also come in cans and tubes for sealing small cracks. Caulking needs to be reapplied after a year or two. Over time, a window area contracts or expands depending on the weather, and this tends to remove the caulking material. The wear and tear to your window’s exterior and interior caulking requires replacement from time to time to prevent heat gain or heat loss.
3. Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that expands heavily and then dries out, forming a protective barrier. It is is used to seal gaps to minimize the loss of conditioned air. It can easily fill all the nooks and crannies that are otherwise impossible to insulate. You cannot use any kind of spray foam when insulating windows. Go for low expansion foam rather than high expansion foam so that you can use the windows. Low expansion foam expands up to 30 times its liquid size. In comparison, high expansion foam can expand as much as 300 times its size, making it impossible to open your windows. When using spray foam insulation, it’s always good to keep a solvent such as WD-40 nearby in case you accidentally spray elsewhere. With solvents, you can easily clean the excess amount of foam.
4. Draft Stoppers
A draft stopper is a long tube-shaped piece of cloth filled with rice or other grains. Draft stoppers are used to block the gap around the window sash and window frame. They are a simple solution and are low-priced. You can even make your own draft stoppers or buy some cute ones in animal shapes on Amazon. They can also be used as a soundproofing material.
