NewGrower2011
Well-Known Member
When sealing up your windows be careful of heat build-up in between. Speaking from experience.
My first attempt, I used 2 sheets of foil-backed foam (1/2" x 2) and the window facing west got soooo hot it literally allowed the mini-blinds to melt/warp to the point they fell out of the side brackets and was showing the foam board (street-side window! not good!). And the physical pressure that built up appears to have pushed out the window frame somewhat. There were large cracks in the drywall/window casing - so the heat/pressure can become way more than you'd expect.
My second attempt, I built a large wooden box that stuck out from wall enough to put some inlet/outlet venting using 1/2" pvc with elbows for light traps. And that is STILL not working out. I replaced the mini blinds with better ones that had a metal bar at top not the cheaper plastic ones. Now I'm still facing a major issue with the heat.... After little more than 1 summer season I'm noticing the white blinds are turning brown on me and noticeable (from the street! ugh). I replaced all the blinds at same time so it very very obvious the heat is changing the color and it stands out compared to nearby windows with nice bright white blinds.
Something to consider. My "v3" will use active ventilation probably. Something like a couple DC fans (PC parts, etc) at bottom to draw in, couple at top to exhaust and keep air flowing. I thought my passive approach before would have done enough to let convection deal with it, but need much larger vents and probably active is the more "sure thing" - don't want to mess with a 4th attempt.
My first attempt, I used 2 sheets of foil-backed foam (1/2" x 2) and the window facing west got soooo hot it literally allowed the mini-blinds to melt/warp to the point they fell out of the side brackets and was showing the foam board (street-side window! not good!). And the physical pressure that built up appears to have pushed out the window frame somewhat. There were large cracks in the drywall/window casing - so the heat/pressure can become way more than you'd expect.
My second attempt, I built a large wooden box that stuck out from wall enough to put some inlet/outlet venting using 1/2" pvc with elbows for light traps. And that is STILL not working out. I replaced the mini blinds with better ones that had a metal bar at top not the cheaper plastic ones. Now I'm still facing a major issue with the heat.... After little more than 1 summer season I'm noticing the white blinds are turning brown on me and noticeable (from the street! ugh). I replaced all the blinds at same time so it very very obvious the heat is changing the color and it stands out compared to nearby windows with nice bright white blinds.
Something to consider. My "v3" will use active ventilation probably. Something like a couple DC fans (PC parts, etc) at bottom to draw in, couple at top to exhaust and keep air flowing. I thought my passive approach before would have done enough to let convection deal with it, but need much larger vents and probably active is the more "sure thing" - don't want to mess with a 4th attempt.
