Storm Windows
Reasonably priced storm windows are an investment in your home's energy efficiency.
Keep these facts in mind as you shop:
Types of Storm Windows
Storm windows are available for most types of windows. They are made for installation on the interior or exterior of the primary window. They range from basic double track combination (window and screen) units to triple-track glass units with low-e coatings that offer many years of use. Storm windows can be custom designed for inoperable or unusually shaped windows.
No matter what type you choose, the storm window frame must be hung square with the primary window and sealed to the opening. Exterior-mounted storm windows must have "weep holes" at the bottom of the frame to allow any moisture that collects between the primary window and the storm window to drain out.
Glass or Plastic: Glass pane types offer better visibility and longer life than plastic pane types, but glass is heavy and fragile. Plastic panels, such as Plexiglas and acrylics are tougher and lighter than glass, but may scratch easily, and some materials may turn yellow over time. Those made of polycarbonate plastic or laminated glass also offer a high degree of "breaking resistance" to storms and intruders too.
Frames: The material that the frame of a storm window is made of contributes to how well it insulates and how easy it is to maintain. Wood, aluminum, and vinyl are the most common storm window frame materials.
Although very strong, light and almost maintenance free, aluminum storm window frames conduct heat very rapidly. An anodized or baked enamel finish is preferable to plain aluminum, which is subject to oxidation.
Wood frames insulate well, but weather with age and expand and contract according to weather conditions. Wooden storm window frames generally require the most maintenance. There are, however, aluminum or vinyl clad wood frames that reduce maintenance requirements.
Vinyl storm window frames are usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with ultraviolet light (UV) stabilizers to keep sunlight from breaking down the material.
Exterior and Interior Storm Windows: For the most part, interior storm windows offer greater convenience than exterior storm windows. They are easier to install and remove and often need less maintenance because they are not exposed to extreme weathering. Interior storm windows are generally the best choice for apartments and houses with more than one floor. Since they reduce air infiltration better, they also reduce energy loss more than exterior types.
Interior types inhibit air infiltration the most because they seal airtight to the primary window. This creates a superior dead-air space relative to exterior storm windows, which require weep holes. If an interior storm window is sealed tightly to the primary window, the insulation value (R value) of the window increases by as much as 2.
Installation tips: If you are installing the storm windows yourself, you'll need some tools: caulking gun, drill, and screwdriver. Most suppliers can install your windows for you.
The supplier will first measure all the windows where you want storm windows installed. It will take anywhere from several days to a few weeks to make up your order before the supplier returns to install them. Installation should take less than one day, depending on how many windows are involved. Two very important items should be checked to make sure the installation is properly done.
Make sure that both the window sashes and screen sash move smoothly and seal tightly when closed after installation. Poor installation can cause misalignment. Be sure there is a tightly caulked seal around the edge of the storm windows. Leaks can hurt the performance of storm windows a lot.
Sources: Dept of Energy Consumer Info Fact Sheet and Do It Yourself.com
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