[Greenbuilding] Windows

[John Salmen]

It is an odd kind of statistic. You could staple and caulk 2 layers of plastic over a window opening and compare that to the cost of putting in sealed units and find little return on the investment. And no sealed unit is rated to last 40 years – though some do. 

 

typically

-          Current windows are sealed units with ½” air space with gas and films and generally some decent thermal seal and have frame standards and standards for sealed installation, frame quality goes from vinyl, fiberglass to wood or some hybrid in terms of frame energy quality

-          Previous generation windows were ½” air space with somewhat decent seals with minimal standards for installation

-          Previous generation to that was smaller air space and bridging seals on both glass, frames and installation requirements

 

Lifespan on the original generation (for seals leaking) was 10 years

Next generation was 15-20 years

Current generation is probably the same but gas leakage over less than 10 – though units can be tested and gas can be replaced.

 

Current generation incorporates a lot of improvements in the overall frame leakage and that could be quantified but the biggest improvements are in how the units are installed (overall building leakage).

 

Replacing the glass in old fogged units that have 5 or so inches of leakage around the frame is certainly not going to improve things much – though you get to see out the windows

 

If you are talking about old wood window sashes in NY –sure, insulate and seal around the units, replace the glass - and yes unless the sill is rotted you are probably good for another 100 years as paint seems to hold it all together (for the window not the sealed glass).

 

 

 

From: Greenbuilding [mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of Gennaro Brooks-Church - Eco Brooklyn
Sent: September-21-15 7:25 PM
To: listserv Green Building new
Subject: [Greenbuilding] Windows

 

is this true?:

You'll NEVER save money with replacement windows. There is no return on investment EVER because it would take a minimum of 40 yrs to see a return and no replacement window would last that long before needing replaced again. The data is out there. There have been thermal imaging studies done on the efficiency of original windows and on opening both sashes for air condition. Very efficient. With a minimal amount of work, any home owner can restore original windows, for cheaper than the cost of replacement, and have a much higher quality window that will last another 100 yrs."



-- 
Gennaro Brooks-Church
Director, Eco Brooklyn Inc.
Cell: 1 347 244 3016 USA
www.EcoBrooklyn.com
22 2nd St; Brooklyn, NY 11231

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