How-To : Home Improvement

Storm windows come in a variety of styles and colors to match most home
applications. Triple track, combination windows and screen storm windows are designed for installation over double hung windows.

Style variations include sliding window, double-hung, half-screen, and full-screen
and picture windows. Finishes include mill-finished aluminum, white, brown, and
almond.

They are permanently installed and can be opened any time with a screen slid into
place for ventilation.

Measure your existing window to determine the size of storm windows to order.
First, measure the width of the inside of your window jamb at the top, middle and
bottom. Then measure the height at the right, Center and left sides.

Double track combination units are also available and they cost less. Both kinds are
sold almost everywhere, and can be bought with or without the cost of installation.

Most suppliers will order to the closest 1/8″, so give exact measurements when
ordering. It’s better to be a little too small than too big when ordering storm
windows. You can save a few dollars 15% to 20% of the purchase price by installing
storm windows yourself.

Once your storm windows have arrived, test-fit them to make sure they’re the right
size. But you’ll need some tools: caulking gun, drill, and screwdriver. In most cases
it will be easier to have the supplier install your storm windows for you, although it
will cost more.

Apply a thin bead of caulk to the outer edges of the window stop at the top and
sides. Distribute the caulk as evenly as possible. Do not caulk the bottom of the
storm window. You’ll want to allow room for rain and moisture to run off the sill. It
will take anywhere from several days to a few weeks to make up your order before
the supplier returns to install them.

Insert the storm window into the opening. Make sure to center the window between
the side stops. It’s best to set the window tight against the sill so that the window
has ample support. 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. Most windows are predrilled. If this is not the case, drill holes 12″
apart and centered over the window stops. Make sure that both the window sashes
and screen sash move smoothly and seal tightly when closed after installation.

About The Author:

Roger King is a successful author and publisher of http://www.1st-home-decor.com
Storm windows and ideas to showcase your homes.

You can hardly have missed the devastating hurricanes that have been experienced in the last few years. It is a fact that certain locations are more prone to hurricane activity than others and that the force of these seems to be on the increase. If you own property in one of these areas, it is crucial that you take steps to protect your home buildings from bad weather, which can include installing adequate hurricane shutters and storm windows.

Fitting hurricane shutters yourself is a relatively simple task, but you should find out a little about them before you make a purchase. The main purpose of storm shutters is for protection against airborne debris that can smash through your windows or doors during a strong storm.

Your doors and windows are particularly susceptible to damage during a hurricane as they are unlikely to have been manufactured to withstand forceful blasts of wind. They may be damaged purely by the wind, or possibly by a piece of brick, metal or wood that is picked up by the hurricane and flung at the property.

Once the wind enters your home, either by breaking glass or blowing a door in, the air pressure in your home begins to increase. This will continue to worsen as long as the storm continues. The combination of the air pressure within the building, and outside wind rushing over the roof of the house can cause a vacuum effect. In severe condition this can result in your roof being ripped from the building. As well as the obvious expense and inconvenience of replacing your roof, you may experience structural problems and significant damage to the fixtures and fittings in your home.

I’m sure having read that many of you will begin an immediate hunt for storm shutters. Make sure your home is protected by high quality, robust shutters and you dramatically decrease the risk of hurricane damage. If the wind cannot penetrate your home during such a storm, the only damage will be to the exterior of the property and should hopefully be less severe. Hurricane shutters may not be the most attractive addition to your home but they will be worth the investment if your house is located in a hurricane prone area. Of course, as well as the structure of your property, they will provide some protection to your family, safely tucked away inside during the storm.