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ugreebo · Oct 20, 2009, 07:47 AM

Can I install storm windows over vinyl windows?

twinkiedooter · Oct 20, 2009, 08:08 AM

Of course you could. What sort of configuration do you have for your windows presently? If there is enough space on the outside for the storm windows to be safely attached then yes, you could. Otherwise you might look into installing the storm windows on the inside of the frame. My storm windows are on the inside of the regular windows and work just dandy.

KBC · Oct 20, 2009, 08:10 AM

Sure,but why? do the existing windows leak?

ugreebo · Oct 20, 2009, 09:53 AM

I have a couple that allow too much air to pass in winter and should be replaced but thought storm windows might be a viable short term solution.

KBC · Oct 20, 2009, 03:23 PM

New windows can be about twice the price of storms, I would check out the prices of new before you try the storms.

KISS · Oct 20, 2009, 04:41 PM

If they leak, why don't you replace the weatherstripping. I'm in the process of doing it now. For my windows the parts are free.

It's just a pain removing the sashes and taking the window apart.

My windows are tilt and you get them out by tilting them at an angle. Make sure the brakes work. You put them in the same way. Lock the brakes some distance apart and put the window in sideways and line up the tabs.

The windows come apart with 4 screws. The weatherstripping has staples in a few places, otherwise they slide in. Been told by the manufacturer that you can edge the weatherstripping in.

When the brakes (shoes) are broken, it's VERY difficult to put the windows back in. I use flexible wire.

ugreebo · Oct 21, 2009, 08:23 AM

For the most part I think it's because the windows never really closed that well. It's impossible to lock them no matter how much I try. They're tilt out like the ones mentioned previously. No issue with them opening or tilting, just that I can't seal them and in winter there is a tremendous draft. The worst is a large triple window in my daugter's room.

twinkiedooter · Oct 22, 2009, 07:39 PM

If you have drafts you could try using the silicone sealer on the outside of the windows. Even my windows need to be resealed every so many years with silicone sealer.

You could try using some very heavy weight clear plastic sheeting and making your own inside storm windows. Only problem with that is what are you going to use to attach the sheeting to the window frame. You can buy the heavy weight clear plastic in rolls 56" wide in the yard goods dept of WallyWorld. Comes in different weights and runs from $2-$4 a yard. Well worth it. There is double sided duct tape available which might work in your situation.

I lost the safety glass on my storm door a few seasons ago due to an accident and I only have the screen left in the frame. I now use one large heavy weight clear plastic sheet as my storm door window. I attach it with either clear or white duct tape. At the end of the season I just carefully remove the duct tape from the metal frame of the storm door. Cost about $3. New storm door $250. I'll stick with my homemade jobbie at $3 thank you. Can't really tell the difference from a distance and works just as well as if it was glass in the door.

Also, if your windows are single paned and not double paned yes, you will have a lot of heat loss and probably a lot of drafts as well.

You need to use the strip insulation using the correct thickness for your windows.

A few years ago I just solved my window problem altogether. I used silicone sealer and sealed all my windows shut permanently. I have the regular windows on the outside of the frame and about 4" inside the frame are my storm windows. I sealed the outside windows thoroughly and then sealed the storm windows thoroughly. I don't bother opening the windows in the summer as I have central air and ceiling fans and if I need a breeze I just open the front and back door as I always have a breeze coming through the house. No need to open the windows any longer. I've done this for the past 7 years and I don't notice the fact I can't open the windows any longer.

If you can't lock your windows it sounds like they are rather old or have warped over the years. You just might end up replacing them in a few years anyway.

pro const · Nov 4, 2009, 06:23 PM

If your windows aren't locking then they're probably not square. Open the top sash about an inch and check to see if the gap is the same all the way across, if not then take the screws out, shim up the side that needs it and silicone it in place. You don't want to put a storm window on there cause you'll never be able to take the glass or screen out without unscrewing the storm.