How to Replace Storm Windows?
Storm windows are dependable home additions that protect against weather adversities and increase the energy efficiency of the house. They serve as heat retainers, sound-insulators, and protectors of the window glass. Different types of storm windows are available with varying mechanisms of installation to cater to different customer requirements. Storm windows are easy to install and replace. In case of damage, you can carry out storm window replacement on your own. This blog covers everything you need to know about storm door window replacement.
Can You Replace Just The Glass In A Storm Window?
It’s possible to replace the glass in the storm window only. However, take some considerations into account for better results. Measure the length and width of the window grooves in which the storm glass panel is fixed. Make sure to take accurate measurements. Get custom storm window glass at least 1⁄8 inch less than the actual groove dimensions to fix the glass exactly in the storm window. This difference in dimensions would provide room for the glass to expand with the weather without getting damaged.
Material Options For Storm Window Replacement
There are multiple material options for storm window replacement. You can choose any material based on the weather, your preferences, and your individual requirements.
Tempered Glass
It is a viable option as tempered glass is a safety standard glass with shatterproof characteristics. Toughened glass is highly impact resistant and easily accessible so you can consider it a good option for DIY storm windows.
Laminated Glass
It is an extremely strong glass type with two or more glass panes in the basic structure. For regions with extreme weather conditions, laminated glass is an ideal solution as it offers good weather resistance.
Plexiglass
Acrylic or plexiglass offers glass-like optical clarity with extremely high strength value. It is highly impact resistant. So plexiglass is a dependable option to consider for DIY storm windows.
How To Measure Replacement Glass For A Storm Window?
In order to measure the replacement glass for the storm window, take the measurements of the window opening. Take multiple measurements for accuracy. Double-check the figures and finalize the narrowest width and shortest height from the measurements and use these dimensions for ordering the replacement storm window.
How To Remove Storm Windows?
The energy efficiency and practical benefits of storm windows help save a good amount of money. However, when the weather becomes warmer, you may need to remove the storm windows from your house windows. Here is how you can remove glass or plexiglass storm windows.
- Based on the storm window installation mechanism, you can either use a drill to remove the window from the frame. Or you can use a utility knife to detach the trim and caulk between the window trim and the storm window. If the window sash won’t budge and slips out, carefully cut through the seam to rig the storm window out.
- Begin prying from below the window and slowly extract the window frame. Use a suction cup to get a good grip on the window sash.
- Lift and remove the storm window carefully.
- Scrape the attachment points of the storm window with a scraper. Remove any extra caulking to reinstall the storm windows in the future.
- Use paper towels to wipe the storm window clean after removing it. Spray the window cleaning solution directly onto the window to restore its shine.
- After removing and cleaning the storm window, wrap it in bubble wrap, old towels, or foam to safely store it.
How To Install Storm Windows?
Interior storm windows are inserted into the interior windows. However, you will need to have some basic DIY skills to install exterior storm windows. You can also contact an installation professional for the task. However, here is a guide for the storm door window replacement project.
Material Needed
The list of required materials is as follows.
- Storm windows
- Screwdriver
- Screws
- Putty knife
- Caulk and caulk gun
Steps
- Before proceeding with the storm window replacement and installation, make sure the primary windows are clean and in good condition. Clean the window, replace any missing components, and fix defects, if any.
- To ensure the perfect fit, place the storm window in the window opening. The storm window should fit perfectly in the opening. Verify that every screw hole is positioned on the window frame. After checking, remove the storm window.
- Apply caulk on the top and the sides of the window opening. Leave the bottom sill uncaulked. Align the storm window with the window opening and carefully fix the top of the storm window into the top of the window opening.
- Install the storm window to the window.
- Fix the installation screws after fixing the exterior storm window unit. Ensure that the gap between the window and the frame is uniform and you are done.
Is It Worth It To Replace Storm Windows?
There are too many benefits of storm windows to prove their practical worth. Installing storm windows offer energy efficiency as well as weather protection. Moreover, these windows support a simple installation method. Installing glass or plexiglass storm windows is pretty simple. You can expect to complete the installation in two to three hours. With a good skill set, you can even install or replace the storm window in less than two hours. So use your DIY skills and elevate the functional value of your house with storm windows.
