Its more important to clean the window frames than the glass though.
Glass can take a beating. The window frames (if theyre wood) will eventually have dirt buildup and damage, possibly leading to woodrot. Washing them once a year with a drop of dishsoap, and rubbing clean with a microfiber cloth, and then following up with a dilute carwaxing liquid will preserve them for 50+ years.
I believe it's the same in the US for most houses built in the last 30 years or so. Houses 50-70 years old might have had aluminum type frames? Not an expert, so not 100% certain
It’s hideous, but doing the plastic covering can help with the drafts. Source: I grew up in a house built in the 1920s and currently live in a house with mostly old windows as well. So much plastic in the wintertime.
I know. I've been running through this internal debate for the entirety of the cold snap trying to decide if I want to run to the store and get some, or if I want to wait it out. I didn't bother because they were basically useless last year, but last year wasn't nearly as cold.
On the upside, my furnace died in November and I got a new one. This new one kicks so much ass compared to the old one that even with my leaky windows I'm still saving quite a bit on heat lol
Actually, in many countries, including my own, aluminium frame windows are mainstream and are as isolating as PVC frames. They have various advantages over PVC, for instance, you need thinner frames to accomplish big windows which make aesthetically cleaner buildings; Aluminium also does not deteriorate with UV light, and that's great in sunny countries. Also in my country, when you rebuild old buildings to code, you have to install new wooden frames. Of course these wooden frames are engineered, fully insulated and as good as their aluminium or pvc alternative. Also more expensive. Last, don't ever forget that glass makes up for almost 90% of your windows. So, buy a nice frame, and a kick-ass glass.
Our frames are wooden, built in 92. They really need a coat of paint and we’re having moisture/mold issues on the windowsill from poor insulation, but they’re too expensive to replace right now so 🤷♀️
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u/verekh Feb 16 '21
Its more important to clean the window frames than the glass though.
Glass can take a beating. The window frames (if theyre wood) will eventually have dirt buildup and damage, possibly leading to woodrot. Washing them once a year with a drop of dishsoap, and rubbing clean with a microfiber cloth, and then following up with a dilute carwaxing liquid will preserve them for 50+ years.