Make Own Storm Windows?
Simply don’t have the money to buy storm windows. I have sixteen windows to cover with exterior and then two bay windows in the front that require interior storms. Has anyone made their own plexiglas storm windows who can give detailed instructions on how to do this?
Simply don’t have the money to buy storm windows. I have sixteen windows to cover with exterior and then two bay windows in the front that require interior storms. Has anyone made their own plexiglas storm windows who can give detailed instructions on how to do this?
Thanks for the ideas but what can I do to cover my bay windows which are about 55″ by 56″ wide and I have four to cover?
Ha. We’ve weatherstripped, and it just pops off. We’ve put on the shrink wrap, and hung heavy blankets, and it’s much better than before. But I don’t think it’s a better barrier than a storm window.
shrinkwrap film rocks. you can buy kits from hardware stores for not-too-outrageous prices, or spend a little time Googling and buy bulk rolls online for very cheap. properly applied, they’re invisible from outside, and nearly so from inside.
cmu, I second what benson says, altho it sure ain’t beautiful. But have you tried weatherstripping in those leaky windows?
CMU;
Yes, it seals over the frame. You apply the double-sided tape to the frame, and then apply the plastic over it. It seals very well over the frame.
Given that the plastic sheet is mounted to the frame, it is ususally set back about 4-5 inches from the window itself. As you know, air is one of the best insulators, so this set-up does an excellent job of keeping the cold out.
benson, does that stuff go on the frame? my windows, which I just sort-of-sealed with ugly black duct tape, leak from the gaps where they meet the wood frame as well as everywhere else (I should try caulking but I make a mess). So does the shrink wrap work for this?
Do you really want to install storm windows? They are truly ugly (especially plexiglass), and become dirty-looking over time.
May I suggest an alternative idea? Why not intall the “shrink wrap” clear plastic “interior” storm windows made by 3M and available in any hardware store. The material looks like Saran Wrap, and you install it over the interior window casement via double-sided tape. You then heat it via a hair blower and it shrinks to form a nice tight seal over your windows. If done well (it doesn’t take much skill), it offers a BETTER seal than most storm windows, and doesn’t take away from your exterior’s appearance. I used them in my first apartment, and they worked great. They are a whole lot cheaper than storm windows too.
The only downside (if it matters) is that you don’t have access to your window during the winter, as they are blocked by the clear plastic.