Installing a Storm Window

A storm window is more than just an interesting window accessory. They are items that can help you ensure that the windows in your home survive the next storm, while also helping to reduce your energy bill. However, if you find yourself currently without a storm window, then you will need to install it. Good thing that installing a storm window is a project that even the most novice of a do-it-yourselfer can do in an hour or less. All you need to do is follow these simple steps, and your storm window will be installed with little or no problem.

Materials:

• Storm window
• Caulking
• Caulking gun
• Tin snips
• An assistant
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Drill screwdriver bits

Procedure:

1. Find and measure the blinds stops. While outside, take a look at your windows. You need to find, and measure some narrow strips of wood that are near the edges of the windows. These narrow strips of wood are called the blind stops, and this is what the window actually slides up and down. Once you find these stops, measure the distance from the outside edge of one stop to the other, as well as from the bottom of the sill to the top. Write these measurements down, and then recheck the measurements two more times to ensure veracity.
2. Purchase a storm window. Find and purchase a storm window that will fit into the measurements that you wrote down. Bring the new storm window home and, if necessary, trim the storm window to fit the opening using tin snips. The storm window will have lined stamps to help ensure that you cut in a straight line, but be sure to cut an equal amount from each side. If you find that the window is too tall; and then, only trim from the bottom so that the cut is less noticeable.
3. Apply caulk. Along each of the blinds stops apply a bead of waterproof caulking. Leave the sill itself uncaulked to allow any moisture that get's trapped between the windows a method for escaping.
4. Install the window. Place the bottom of the storm window onto the sill, and then tilt the window into place. Have a friend hold the window in place.
5. Secure the window. Begin drilling holes for screws near the edge of the storm window fins. This should be easy to do since you have a friend holding the window for you. Check with the manufacturer for the exact size and spacing of the screws. Have your friend continue to hold the window in place until all the screws have been placed.