6 Easy Steps to Install Storm Window

Are you looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency? If replacing your windows is out of the question, installing storm windows offers a cost-effective alternative. With the right tools and basic DIY know-how, you can install a storm window in a matter of minutes. Read on—I will show you how.

What is a storm window?

A storm window is a type of window you can install in the inside or outside of your existing window. It shields the primary window from weather elements. More importantly, it helps to keep heat in during winter and to maintain a cool inner environment in the summer.

These types of windows are made from a variety of materials including plastic sheets, vinyl, and glass. Modern ones feature an invisible glazing that enhances the window’s energy efficiency by retaining heat inside the home. These are commonly known as low-e windows.

Some storm windows are removable, allowing you to use your window according to your needs. For example, you can remove the glass in summer when you want to use your window fan.

Benefits of installing storm windows

Before installing storm windows, it helps to understand their benefits. Let’s take a look at some of these perks:

Improved energy efficiency

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly a third of all homes in America have single-pane windows. These generally lack the capability to insulate against cold or heat as the seasons change.

There are other affordable methods of cooling your home, such as using a window fan. However, adding an extra layer of glass to your existing windows can help keep your house warm and cool as necessary without the extra cooling and heating costs.

Cost savings

Installing storm windows can save you big bucks on several fronts. First, setting up these windows generally costs half of what you’d pay for replacement windows. A new window can cost an upward of $400 while you’d pay about $120 for a storm window per piece.

Compared to the exterior types, interior storm windows pay for themselves faster—they tend to last longer as they are less exposed to the elements and they offer greater insulation.

In addition to this, insulating your primary windows can reduce cooling and heating costs significantly. We’re talking about trimming up to 33% of your energy bill, or $300 for households with an average energy bill of $1000.

Comfort and aesthetics

If you live in a particularly windy or storm-prone area, adding an extra layer of glass to your main windows can provide comfort and a sense of safety against the elements.

The glass also blocks noise, deflects heat, and minimizes air leakage, making your home more comfortable to be in. Lastly, a storm window can cover up old windows, giving them a new lease of life at half the cost.

A step-by-step guide to install a storm window

Adding an extra layer of glass to your primary windows can be quite a fulfilling and easy weekend project. All you need is an eye for details and the right tools and you’d be good to go. The same process applies whether you are installing an interior or exterior storm window.

Things you will need

• Tape measure
• Caulk and caulking gun
• Patty knife
• Screwdriver
• Storm window panel

Now that you have your tools gathered, it is time for the fun part…installation!

Step 1: Check the state of your windows

Fix any broken or cracked windows and repair the surrounding edges before installing the new glass. Dry the main glass to avoid entrapping moisture in between the windows.

Step 2: Get the correct window measurements

Measure the width and height of the primary window to buy the right size storm window. For the width, place the tape measure inside the window casing and measure the upper, lower, and middle width of the window.

Next, measure the height of the window from top to down. If you get different width measurements, use the smallest unit when buying the storm glass.

Step 3: Check for fit

Some stores sell standard size windows. However, it is best to bring along the particular measurements of your window to ensure right fit.

Place the window onto the opening of the primary window to ensure that it fits snugly. Check that all the edges of the storm window are lying firmly on the surrounding inner wooden frame of the existing window.

Step 4: Caulk the surrounding wooden frame

Place the caulk tube in the respective casing inside the caulk gun. Proper use of the gun is important for the best outcomes. Position the gun at a 45-degree angle against the window’s inner frame. Squeeze the caulk tube as you apply the caulk along the top of and on both sides of the window.

Do not seal the bottom part of the window, as this will block the small spouts that let out water. Blocked spouts could entrap moisture in between the glasses.

Step 5: Fit the window

Place the storm window atop the caulked edges of the window opening. Use the patty knife to pat down the glass along the edges of the window. This ensures that the top and sides are completely sealed with no space in between the primary and storm glass.

Step 6: Screw in the storm window

Use a screwdriver and fasteners to secure the window. The caulk alone is not enough to keep the glass in place.

Tips for a successful storm window installation

• Choose storm windows that best suit the type of primary windows you have. For example, exterior storm windows often go well with double-hung windows.
• Opt for low-emissive (low-e) windows if energy efficiency and long-term cost-saving are a priority.
• Check the corners of the window before buying. Go for overlapped instead of mitered corners—the former tend to be stronger and are less prone to air leaks.
• Look for window models with holes already drilled along the frame for easier installation.
• Consider removing the storm glass from its frame first. This way, you can easily install the frame first and then slide in the window.

Conclusion

Adding storm windows to your existing windows is a smart idea if energy efficiency and cost-saving are a concern. If you are not looking to replace your windows, fixing storm windows might be a great alternative. Still, for best results, always choose high quality windows—these will pay for themselves in a few short years.

Have you installed a storm windows or are you considering doing so? Let us know in the comments below and feel free to ask us any window-related questions you may have.

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What are the Benefits of Inside Storm Windows?

For some homeowners, inside storm windows are a necessity. This is usually when their home is one that has some historic value. In this case, the exterior windows are not in a position to be replaced as they age, but they may be restored. In some areas, preservation regulations may prohibit adding external storm windows to such homes.

This is a problem for homes that are in areas where harsh winters are common. For homeowners like these, inside storm windows provide the solution they need. The exterior of the home is preserved, while the interior of the home is protected against extreme cold and other harsh winter elements.

Storm Windows for any Need

Inside storm windows are not just for historic homes, however. There are many instances where they provide inexpensive, convenient and reliable protection against the elements. If you own a condominium you may be limited to what kind of changes you can make to your unit. If the windows in your unit are beginning to let more drafts occur or your heating bills are increasing constantly, inside storm windows might be a good option to invest in.

For one thing, they will not impact the look of the outside of the home. For a condominium owner this may be exactly what they need in a storm window. There would be no need to have to seek approval for installing these storm windows from a homeowner’s association before taking up the project.

Also, these units are typically much less expensive than investing in a new set of replacement windows. They are also very easy for an individual to install themselves. Inside storm windows are able to be installed against the existing units and provide considerable insulation. They reduce drafts and in this way help you increase comfort throughout the home. Also, you will find you have to use less heat when needed and begin saving significant money on monthly utility bills.

They also help reduce ultraviolet rays from entering the home. If you are a condominium owner, these units can be the ideal option for you because they also help reduce outside noise. They can be installed and left indefinitely, but they are also able to be removed if needed for those months of the year where warm weather prevails.

Installing Inside Units

When it comes to being able to choose the right inside storm windows you will find that there is a range of products available. There are lightweight units that are easy enough to install and take down on your own. They may be comprised of vinyl and are capable of being adjusted to fit the exact size of all windows with tools you probably have around the home.

If you need more complex, custom configurations for units that do not open for ventilation you can find manufacturers and dealers who sell products designed to suit these specific requirements. They are inside units that can be installed with the help of a professional contractor and are more likely to be permanent once put into place. Even if you choose inside storm windows that are supposed to be easy to install on your own, you can invest a few dollars to get a handy man to help for a nominal added expense.

As with any other type of window, getting the right type for your needs and budget is important. Inside storm windows may benefit your needs if you have a home that requires preservation. Or, they might be right if you just want an inexpensive, but effective means to achieving energy efficiency.

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Storm Windows FAQs

Storm windows FAQs are some of the most frequently asked questions that people have about storm window products and prices. When you are in the market for new windows and you find the cost of replacement window products to be too high to fit into your budget, there are some lower priced storm windows types out on the market. These FAQs will give you insight into some of these alternatives and address the common topics that come up when folks begin looking around and thinking about what they can do to better protect their homes and windows, especially during the cold winter months.

Dealing with Window Drafts

Older houses have all sorts of characteristics that we struggle with as homeowners, things that make home maintenance tough sometimes. A good example is window drafts. Drafty old frames make it hard to stay comfortable in the winter time, and actually cost us money in the summer as well. Air infiltration and heat transfer are big issues with many of the window products in older homes. As a homeowner in a house like this, you have to evaluate what you can do to make things more comfortable around the house and to help keep your family warm when things get cold outside.

Storm windows FAQs often come from people who are living in houses that are drafty and chilly in the cold weather months. Storm window buyers should know all the things that they can so that they are equipped with all of the information they need to make good purchase choices. FAQs on different topics shed light on the things we all wonder about and need to know the answer to so that we can be smart in the decisions we make. No one ought to miss out on the chance to look at the answers to storm windows FAQs and the insight they can provide for them as shoppers and potential consumers in the market.

Replacement Storm Window Frame Materials

From steel and aluminum to many other non metal substrates, we can find quality windows made in all kinds of different ways. Each different frame type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Wood and vinyl as well as other substances are out there on the market. The right frame for you will depend on your situation. Something that works well for your home might not be quite right for someone else. It is important to note that each circumstance is different. That is why it is important to check out resources such as our storm windows FAQs. Do not make the assumption that all houses are the same.

There are different products for a reason. Some of the FAQs that people have most often can really help them understand more about this whole process. When you get a little research in on something like this and go through our storm windows FAQs, you will be much better prepared to take on the decisions that await you and much more knowledgeable on all of the options that are out there to explore. In all honesty, the best thing consumers and homeowners can do is to look at storm windows FAQs and then get some free quotes from professionals in their home markets selling and installing storm windows of all frame types.

Free Quotes on Storm Windows

Use this FAQs guide to give you the basic background information you need to answer some of the fundamental questions that you might have about the different window products that fall into this category. This introductory storm windows FAQs section is by no means an exhaustive resource containing answers to any possible question that you might have pertaining to the selection and purchase of these window products. What we have attempted to do here is to provide a guide that gives readers some basic information so that they can become more familiar with the things they are getting ready to shop for and ultimately have installed on their homes. These FAQs are not everything you’ll need to make the right choice, of course.

For that, you will have to get some estimates and check out different providers and brands of storm windows for sale in your home area. Take these FAQs as a good jumping off point, and then gather up some free quotes using our simple form. Just enter some basic information and submit the form to receive low price estimates from local contractors. Storm windows FAQs help consumers all across the country get to know these materials just a little bit better before they buy so that when the time comes, they are ready to make a smart purchase. Look over our storm windows FAQs and pick energy efficient window products sold and installed by local professionals with help from the things you learn.

Basics

Q: Are Storm Windows Hard to Install?

A: If you realize that your home could use the added insulation and protection offered from a set of storm windows, you may full answer.

Q: Can I Find Storm Window Replacement Hardware Online?

A: If you have a relatively new set of storm windows, if a piece of hardware breaks it is likely to be covered under the windows’ full answer.

Q: How Can I Choose a Good Contractor to Install my Storm Windows?

A: For people who need to entrust the installation of storm windows to someone else, choosing the right person is as crucial full answer.

Q: How Can I Compare Prices on Storm Windows?

A: Buying new storm windows for your property is an important project. The storm windows that you end up purchasing and installing full answer.

Q: How Can I Find Storm Windows That are the Right Size?

A: It is relatively easy to find storm windows that fit a standard sized window to ease the work of installing storm window full answer.

Q: How Can I Replace my Storm Window Hardware?

A: Replacing storm window hardware or repairing storm window damage does not necessarily require the assistance of an expert full answer.

Q: How do I Fix Storm Window Cracks?

A: Finding yourself with a storm window crack can be upsetting, especially if you were not ready financially to take care of full answer.

Q: What are the Benefits of Inside Storm Windows?

A: For some homeowners, inside storm windows are a necessity. This is usually when their home is one that has some historic full answer.

Q: Will Storm Windows Reduce my Energy Bills?

A: Installing storm windows is an important project to protect your house. With this installation, you will deter the possibility full answer.

Options

Q: Are there Eco-friendly Storm Window Options to Choose From?

A: There are options for any homeowner looking to buy storm windows, or replace storm window hardware, that not only provide full answer.

Q: Can I Find a Storm Window to Match my Modern Home?

A: Buying storm windows for your house can be a large project to begin, especially if you need to buy bulk storm windows. Not full answer.

Q: Can I Find Decorative Storm Windows?

A: The needs of home owners for storm windows are vast and varied. Some home owners simply want to find the most affordable full answer.

Q: Can I Find Energy Efficient Storm Windows?

A: As a property owner, it is important to find the most ways of saving money for the property. By making energy efficiency full answer.

Q: Can I Find Stained Glass Storm Windows?

A: If you have stained glass windows on the property that you own, you likely take great pride in the look that they can provide full answer.

Q: Can I Paint Storm Window Trim?

A: Overtime, the trim around your windows can begin to look faded or you may grow tired of seeing the same trim color year after full answer.

Q: How Can I Choose the Right Storm Window for my Home?

A: A storm window is a valuable tool that you can use to protect the interior of your house. This product can also be used to full answer.

Q: How Can I Find Storm Window Options Online?

A: Finding options for storm windows is all a part of finding the ones that will do the best job for the needs your home has, full answer.

Q: How do I Install Stained Glass Storm Windows?

A: Unless you have owned a home with stained glass windows before, you may never have given thought to the fact that they, too, full answer.

Q: How Many Different Types of Storm Windows are There?

A: Storm windows are available for virtually all different types of windows. Not only are there exterior options that will be full answer.

Q: Should a Storm Window Design Match my House?

A: The storm window selection process is an important one because you want to ensure that you not only spend a reasonable amount full answer.

Q: What Does Low-e Coating Do?

A: Finding ways to improve the energy efficiency of your house is important if you are a property owner. Improving energy efficiency full answer.

Q: What Storm Window Type Would Match a Modern Home?

A: The type of storm window design you decide to select will really depend on the specific form of house you have and unique full answer.

Q: What Types of Storm Windows are Best in Colder Climates?

A: Storm windows and the proper storm window replacement hardware can help you enjoy greater comfort throughout your home during full answer.

Q: What Types of Storm Windows are Best in Hotter Climates?

A: It is important to choose a suitable type of storm window based upon the climate in which your home is located. It is not full answer.

Q: Would Putting Storm Windows in my Bay Add Value to my Home?

A: Typically, home owners don’t remain in the same property for their entire lives. Rather, many owners purchase starter properties full answer.

Purchasing

Q: At What Price Should I Purchase Storm Windows?

A: Storm windows are purchased by many different types of individuals including home owners as well as business owners. Whether full answer.

Q: Can I Save Money By Installing my Storm Windows Myself?

A: Often, a major goal that property owners have with regards to home maintenance and improvements is saving as much money as full answer.

Q: How Can I Save Money on my Storm Windows?

A: Installing new storm windows in the property that you own can be extremely beneficial. With this installation project, you full answer.

Q: Is It Cheaper to Buy Storm Windows in Bulk?

A: Buying storm windows for your property, whether it’s a business, a rental building or another type of building can be a large full answer.

Q: Is It Possible to Purchase Gently Used Storm Windows?

A: If you are wishing to add protection to your home for an upcoming cold, winter season but do not want to, or need to, go full answer.

Q: Is It Wise to Buy Used Storm Windows?

A: One of the best ways to protect the interior of your house and also to conserve the amount of energy you use is to install full answer.

Q: What are the Signs That It is Time to Purchase New Storm Windows Instead of Repairing the Old Ones?

A: For many homeowners with storm windows each season they pull them out of storage to install them they feel a little more full answer.

Q: What Happens if my Storm Windows Don’t Fit Properly?

A: Installing storm windows on your property is one of the best ways to protect against storm damage and also to improve the full answer.

Q: What Types of Storm Windows are Available in my Area?

A: For many homeowners, storm windows are essential and need to be removed from storage and installed once a year. But, if you full answer.

Q: When is the Best Time to Purchase Storm Windows?

A: The best time to purchase storm windows really depends on the needs that you have as a home owner. Storm windows are products full answer.

Q: Where Can I Find Storm Window Manufacturers?

A: Storm window manufacturers can be easy to find from requesting quotes from them online. This online process can be very beneficial full answer.

Q: Which Storm Windows are Best Suited for Warmer Climates?

A: You may understand that different makes of storm windows provide different levels of protection against various weather elements. full answer.

Q: Will Storm Window Stores Install the Windows?

A: Buying new storm windows for your property is an important project. This is an important home improvement project since the full answer.

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