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insulation question

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Nov 03, 2012, 01:32 PM
jlmdawg69
insulation question
I live in a older block home. There are definitely some moisture issues in this home. I have a large picture window on the front of my home that has uninsulated side
panels. You can feel the cold coming in in the winter! I have tried to put insulation but because the panels tend to sweat because of the outside temp vs. the inside temp there is a problem with mold....help!!! Is there a way to insulate these panels without the possibly of moisture and mold!!
Nov 03, 2012, 03:30 PM
nona
Chances are that they are single pane windows and the only fix is to replace them with double or triple pane windows depending on where you live.another option is to be certain that the windows are fully caulked and to run a dehumidifier to get the humidity down so the window doesnt sweat. You could also aim a electric heater at the window to evaporate the moisture.
Pick your poison
Nov 03, 2012, 04:16 PM
swschrad
first issue is to fix the mold before covering things up. open a little wall and determine the extent of the problem, then fix it. the fix will likely require caulking the outside, replacing some insulation, replacing some wallboard, and may require retrofitting some water diversion material that should be around the window framing to force any and all exterior water OUT and then DOWN.

worst case, you have framing that has dry or wet rot and needs replacement.

then caulk the inside around the window, finish the wallboard and paint, and put the trim back on.

if the windows are well and truly shot, this is the time to replace them. sale windows at your local yards will probably fit, most are standard sizes, might need a little fill wood. buy 1-1/2 rolls of butyl sill weatherproof material per window and apply it as directed on the packaging to preserve the house around the new windows.

you can insulate with anything, really, once the possibility of water infiltration is removed. batts are most popular. a good seal to the framing that keeps out water will also keep out wind.

LOVELY BUDGET TIP... if you have multi-pane insulated window panes, and the seal is blown and the windows are full of growths and not insulating, local glass shops can replace the Thermopane unit only for $100 on average, instead of the whole window. if the windows themselves still work well, this is 95% of the benefit for 25% of the money. check and replace creepy weatherstrip on the window for a perfect job. we did that, caulked around the window and floor seams all around the house, and what was a tank-and-a-third winter of oil is down to about a half tank.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: swschrad,


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