Drafty windows

Drafty windows

Jim HartmannPro Member
Multi-family Investor · Columbus, IN · Member since 2013 · 69 posts · 25 votes
Having older rental houses in Indiana, I have several houses with drafty windows. I pay utilities on several of the multi units and over the last couple years have placed plastic sheeting on the outside of the windows during the winter months to help with heating and lower costs. Talking to a relative recently it was mentioned that this could be a safety issue if someone were to have a fire. I can see the potential, but also see that since it is plastic, it could easily be cut or ripped off in the event of an emergency. Wanted to get everyone's thoughts on this. Thanks
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  • Dawn AnastasiPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    10y

    Invest in newer energy efficient vinyl windows. Plastic just looks cheap.

  • Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2015 · 117 posts · 39 votes
    10y
    Vinyl windows are very inexpensive. Easy to install. Add value to your property. Attract a better tenant. Save money on utilities. Tilt in for easy cleaning.
  • Developer · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 904 votes
    10y
    What if the original windows are embedded in the stucco and not easy to remove?
  • Avon, IN · Member since 2015 · 72 posts · 17 votes
    10y

    Couldn't you have those windows worked on to make them more energy efficient? 

  • Investor · Coplay, PA · Member since 2015 · 404 posts · 315 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Percy N.:

    What if the original windows are embedded in the stucco and not easy to remove?

     There is always a way to do it. No way to say without looking at the windows.

  • Residential Real Estate Broker · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2014 · 39 posts · 12 votes
    10y

    Check your local building codes and tenant laws.  If a fire breaks out and the tenant throws an object out the window for quick exit but that item qets caught in the open with in the plastic and remains trapped is the rest of what happens worth not replacing the windows.  

    Replace windows, caulk, paint, repair, raise the rent

  • Jim HartmannPro Member
    OP
    Multi-family Investor · Columbus, IN · Member since 2013 · 69 posts · 25 votes
    10y

    Thanks everyone.  I am hoping to get the windows replaced in the next couple years as I believe this is best in the long run.  Hoping this will get it through this winter for now.  I agree that it would also look better as well.

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