x24,Top3,TopLeft,x25,x12
are you an eco-friendly eater?
a discovery company

How to Fix a Loose Window Pane

Don't Let in the Cold Winter Air

Josh Peterson

By Josh Peterson
Fayetteville, AR, USA | Fri Nov 14, 2008 04:00 AM ET

window pane photo


Lambert/Getty Images

Glass is an extremely slow-moving liquid. If you live in an old home with old windows, your glass may have started to head south, literally. Loose window panes rattle in the wind because the glass on the bottom of the pane is thicker than the glass at the top. That "rattle room" can let cold air in and hot air out. This will decrease your home's energy-efficiency. Luckily, this can be dealt with inexpensively and easily.

Loose window repair: How it's done.

What You Need:
You'll need a putty knife and some caulk. I recommend low or no VOC caulking. If you can't find it in your local hardware store, order it online. You will also need vinegar and a rag.

What You Do:

  1. Apply a small amount of caulk to the edge of the suspect window. Use the putty knife to maneuver the caulk into the space between the window and the frame. Make sure to drive the caulking into the space as far as it can go. The space between the window frame and the glass needs to be completely sealed.

  2. Pour the vinegar on a rag. Use the rag to wipe up any excess caulk visible on the glass. If the rag and vinegar doesn't work, use the putty knife to scrape away the caulk.

  3. Wait until the caulking dries. Check the window. If you can still see spaces between the window and the frame. Apply more caulk in the places that need it.

More About Windows:
Extolling the Virtues of Triple Pane Windows
Green Home For Winter: Weatherize Your Windows
Windows With Water Reduce the Need for Cooling by 70%
Building the Green Modern Home: Looking at Windows
Look Out Any Window

 
  • email
  • digg
  • share
  • print
helpful article? vote for it
{ }
close window

CLOSE X

 

comments on this article

view all post a comment

 
 
 
 
 
facebook twitter rss
 
TV Module
 
Reel Impact
 
Less is More Thanksgiving
 
Green Materials Guide
 
Take a Quiz. Enter Our Sweepstakes!
 

tv schedule

view all

On Now

On Tonight

 
 

today on planet green

view all

Votes

recent
discussed

Emeril Green Episode: Liquid Gold
POSTED  9 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Fee Fie Foe Unplug, Are You as Green as an Englishman?
POSTED  9 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Big River Man Racks Up Awards On and Off Screen
POSTED  9 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Planet 100 - Copenhagen, Polar Bear Robots and Gore's Plan B
POSTED  10 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Emeril's Olive Oil Poached Tuna
POSTED  12 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Renovation Nation FAQ
POSTED  7 May 2009. 18 COMMENTS.

{170}

Ask Steve Thomas Anything (About Your Home)
POSTED  9 Feb 2009. 21 COMMENTS.

{390}

Emeril Green FAQ
POSTED  17 Dec 2008. 19 COMMENTS.

{311}

Ask Emeril Your Green Cooking Questions
POSTED  7 Apr 2009. 49 COMMENTS.

{502}

How to Go Green: Weddings
POSTED  9 May 2009. 9 COMMENTS.

{477}

 

Ads by Google