Window Air Sealing Techniques | Ask This Old House

Summary by Krater

The Ask This Old House team demonstrates practical ways to air seal old single-pane windows, explaining R-values and U-values, and comparing options like storm windows, shrink kits, weatherstripping, and caulking.

From the video

Answers: How do I air seal old single-pane windows?

• window air sealing
• R-value vs U-value
• storm windows
• window shrink kits
• weatherstripping installation
• caulking window casings

What it concludes

• Storm windows provide a second layer of glass that creates a stagnant air pocket, effectively making it a double-pane window to stop air leakage.
• Plastic shrink kits installed on the inside can effectively stop air leakage for the winter season and be removed in the spring.
• Caulking where the casing hits the jam or the wall seals gaps and stops drafts.
• Weatherstripping installed at the bottom of the sash or between sashes stops air leakage during the winter months.
• Air sealing old windows improves home comfort and reduces the energy load on heating systems.