- Jan 1, 2005
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My house was built in 2012 with (crappy) Simonton double-hung vinyl windows. I'm suspecting that the builder didn't properly insulate the window framing as the window sill (or stool) is extremely cold compared to the temperature inside my house - I measured as low as 42F while the inside temp. was 65F, and the outdoor temp. was 31F. Granted, this was with a Thermopop, but still...
The funny thing is, the area along the top of the window feels perfectly fine; it's just along the jamb and sill, only maybe the first few inches along their plane, that feels cold. The trim isn't cold. I think I know what's going on, though, but I'd like some advice/opinions.
Looking at some really crappy pictures I took when the house was being built, and at my unfinished basement window, there is a 1-1.5" gap between the header and the top of the window frame. In the basement, this was filled with expanding foam, so I'm assuming all of my windows were done the same way, which is why this part feels normal.
The bottom and sides of the window frame butt up against the 2x6 framing of the house, leaving no room to spray in any foam. The build probably sprayed a thin line of foam along this, air sealing it but leaving a void.
Here are some pictures. Any idea if I should start ripping off trim or just deal with it until I replace my windows (something I've been considering, but I have also been thinking about moving in the next year or two). How would I even fill a crack this tight?
Coldest part, right where the vinyl frame meets the sill. The builder didn't caulk this area, but I don't feel or see a draft here when burning an incense stick. 42F
Gets warmer as you move inwards. 53F.
Header of unfinished basement window.
Bottom of unfinished basement window. The builder just sprayed a thin line of foam across this crack, probably about 1/8" wide, but likely smaller on main living area windows. How could I fill something this small?
Hopefully you can see something here. Crappy phone and dirty lens = terrible pictures. Bedroom 1/2. Notice how the window framing butts right up against the exterior 2x6 framing.
After drywall. Better camera this time. Seems like I'll have to at least unscrew and cut away the bottom strip of drywall in order to even start, no? I guess the good thing is I can just re-use it, so it doesn't seem too serious or involved. Kitchen.
Dining room:
Bathroom:
Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
The funny thing is, the area along the top of the window feels perfectly fine; it's just along the jamb and sill, only maybe the first few inches along their plane, that feels cold. The trim isn't cold. I think I know what's going on, though, but I'd like some advice/opinions.
Looking at some really crappy pictures I took when the house was being built, and at my unfinished basement window, there is a 1-1.5" gap between the header and the top of the window frame. In the basement, this was filled with expanding foam, so I'm assuming all of my windows were done the same way, which is why this part feels normal.
The bottom and sides of the window frame butt up against the 2x6 framing of the house, leaving no room to spray in any foam. The build probably sprayed a thin line of foam along this, air sealing it but leaving a void.
Here are some pictures. Any idea if I should start ripping off trim or just deal with it until I replace my windows (something I've been considering, but I have also been thinking about moving in the next year or two). How would I even fill a crack this tight?
Coldest part, right where the vinyl frame meets the sill. The builder didn't caulk this area, but I don't feel or see a draft here when burning an incense stick. 42F
Gets warmer as you move inwards. 53F.
Header of unfinished basement window.
Bottom of unfinished basement window. The builder just sprayed a thin line of foam across this crack, probably about 1/8" wide, but likely smaller on main living area windows. How could I fill something this small?
Hopefully you can see something here. Crappy phone and dirty lens = terrible pictures. Bedroom 1/2. Notice how the window framing butts right up against the exterior 2x6 framing.
After drywall. Better camera this time. Seems like I'll have to at least unscrew and cut away the bottom strip of drywall in order to even start, no? I guess the good thing is I can just re-use it, so it doesn't seem too serious or involved. Kitchen.
Dining room:
Bathroom:
Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
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