How to Install Exterior Wood Storm Windows
Storm windows and doors help keep winter's cold outside while holding the heat inside the building. Storm doors and windows trap a layer of air between the storm window and the home's windows. This creates an additional insulation barrier between the exterior and interior of your house. Storm windows are to be taken off and installed easily by the homeowner between the seasons. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Paint scraper
- Caulk gun
- Drill
- 1/8-inch drill bit
- Caulk
- Putty knife
Instructions
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1
Measure the width and height at each end and in the middle of the window. Take the dimensions from the interior of the window frame. Write down on a piece of paper the smallest of the three dimensions to get the storm window size to order.
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2
Prepare the window for the new storm window. Scrape any loose paint or caulking. Caulk the window and paint the window frame as needed.
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3
Clean the outside of the window. After the storm window installation, you cannot get access to the exterior of the window without removing the storm windows.
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4
Drill an 1/8-inch weep hole at the window sill to allow any moisture that may build up between the storm window and the outside window. Drill one hole at each side of the window sill. Measure from the edge of the storm window to the weep hole for correct placement.
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5
Caulk the back of the new storm window with butyl caulk at the top and sides of the storm window only, This will help create a weathertight seal but also allow for the storm window later. A caulk gun and caulk are available at your local lumber or hardware store. Butyl caulk stays soft, pliable and is paintable.
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6
Place the storm window into the window frame. Screw the storm window into the window frame. Use a power screw gun for this.
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7
Tap down the expander flashing at the bottom of the storm window so that it rests against the window frame's sill. The expander is a strip of metal attached to the bottom of the storm window that allows the storm window to tightly fit the window frame. Use a hammer and a putty knife for this.
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Tips & Warnings
Paint the exterior window jamb before installing storm windows.
Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when scraping the window jamb.
References
- Photo Credit window image by astoria from Fotolia.com
