Caulk Between Window Sill And Masonry Ledge‏

Q: I have read two, opposite opinions about whether one should caulk between a windowsill and a masonry ledge under it. It is a 60-year-old brick and block house, and the window sills do not reach to the outside surface of the brick. Instead, there is a masonry ledge beneath the sill that goes past the brick. The ledge is slanted for
drainage.

One opinion I have read says not to caulk the joint to allow drainage. The other opinion, of course, says to caulk the joint.

Can any members with experience in renovation comment on this question?

BTW, most of the sills are in good shape and are made of cedar. Rot on some of the sills has been removed and repaired by splicing in solid PVC. In those cases, only the PVC is in contact with the ledges.

A: You do not want to caulk that joint, it is there to provide drainage to the outside of the window. If you caulk you will end up with water on the inside wall and floor.

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Question About A Window Frame‏

Q: I have one of the new energy saving windows vinyl. And this room is un even. I was cleaning the glass and I pulled it back in. I can push one the one side and it pops out. I try to slam it back in but same thing happens. And this long whit plastic fell out I guess it was to fill the gap or hide the gap between the frame and window. I have that in. But my question is can I use calking to fill the wood frame and the window?

A: Yes, you can use caulking - make sure you choose a caulking that will adhere to both wood and vinyl.

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Drafts From Cracks Around Replacement Windows‏

Q. How do I fix the cracks

I had someone look at it last year - he was actually here to install 6 new replacement windows

When I showed him the cracks he said he did not know how to fix but I could replace those windows.

Like NO!- that window is a bow window that would have cost me thousands - that I don't have. Any suggestions on a fix?

I am thinking to get clear silicone and use sparingly where I see the gaps - and then maybe for the winter line the shelf of that window area with a thick decorative blanket and close off with insulated drapes in the evening?

A. I would recommend a latex or acrylic caulking, not silicone.

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Choosing The Right Windows For Your Home

When considering a window replacement for your home the two most important items to look at are the method of construction of the window frame and the construction of the windowpane.

All materials transfer heat or cold through them. However, some materials have better insulation factors than others. Air is one of the best insulators and because of that, a window frame should be constructed so that there is a gap between the outside and the inside of the frame. The gap will help to prevent the transfer of heat and cold through the window frame. Some manufacturers will insert a thermal barrier between the inside and outside of the frame made of a different material such as a plastic or composition plastic.

The best windowpane insulation comes from placing an inert gas between two panes of glass. A gas such as argon has very low thermal conductivity. The second best method is to have two panes of glass, sealed, with an air barrier between them. A single pane of glass, even with a storm window does not provide much of a thermal barrier whatsoever. Tests have indicated that the temperature difference on the inside of a single piece of glass compared to the outside of the same piece of glass will be less than five degrees Fahrenheit, the addition of a storm window may take that difference from five to ten degrees.

With the cost of energy increasing yearly, it is very important to buy windows that will maintain the indoor temperature whether it is heating or cooling that is required. Windows and doors are the primary entry points for cold and the primary exit points for heat. An investment in good thermal windows will save you money in the long run and provide you and your family with the indoor comfort you desire.