Drafty Windows

[CB]

I own a 2003 Schult with drafty windows. There doesn't appear to be any caulking on the outside. Is this normal?

[Mark Bower]

The windows themselves should have some putty tape under the flanges to seal them. On the newer homes I generally find that the air isn't coming in from around the windows, but through the windows. In my 1996 home, the air comes in where the top and bottom of the window meet. Sometimes I seal those areas with peelable caulk. In the spring, the caulk pulls right up so you can easily open the windows. But keep in mind that if there was a fire, the caulk may hinder a quick escape out the window.

Mark
You gotta see my repair manual!

[Mark]

I've been trying to make this point with the factory on my (new) windows. I can clearly see from the outside that the felt seal does not go below the edge of the window frame on some windows (almost all of them are not square). They are trying to tell me that as long as it closes enough to lock, then it is sealed...

[CB]

Thanks for the advice guys. I noticed there were drafts coming from the edges of the windows so I used plastic wrap this winter and cut my heating bills in half over last year. I think I'll try this putty and caulking next year and see if I can save more. I have alot of windows and hate having to look through the plastic wrap 6 months a year.

[Galen]

Most of the drafts entering "through" a window can be traced back to how the unit was installed. The most important thing to check for is Out Of Square (OOS). This can ONLY be done by measuring from corner-to-corner and noting any difference. Another common problem is house wrap. Most MH builders (and stick builders) wrap it around to the inside of the window frames. This will actually allow air to enter between the wrap and the wall. The wrap needs to be cut back from the rough opening enough to allow the window to contact the sheathing beneath. Roll or rope caulking also does not perform as well as Silicone caulk (100%, not siliconized acryilic). You CAN bypass your dealer and Schult and contact the window manufaturer directly - they MAY be able to help. What part of the country are you located?

[CB]

I'm in Ohio and the house was built in Indiana. The windows are Kinro. I thought is was unusual that there isn't any caulking around the windows. I have plastic wrap on the windows this winter and have cut my heating bills in half.There's also some hairline cracks appearing in the drywall at the corners of a couple of my windows. Should I be concerned?

[Galen]

Contact Kinro direct in Elkhart (Goshen) Indiana and tell them your problem. They may send a service rep to find out what EXACTLY is going on.
888-335-4676 ask for Service Department.