How to Repair a Storm Window
A storm window is a window that is located outside an ordinary window to protect it from storms or severe weather conditions. Storm windows are also used to reduce outside noise and keep houses well insulated.
Repair an Aluminum Storm Window
Required Materials
- replacement glazing
Required Tools
- awl
- screwdriver
Instructions
- Replace Glazing – Remove the storm cash or screen cash.
- Glazing Removal – If the corners of the window are firmly secured by the metal keys of the frame, then remove the screws to take the corners out. If you find that the corners are tightly curled, use an awl to remove the vinyl spines.
- New Glazing – In order to allow for contraction and expansion, install the replacement glazing so that it is 1/16” smaller than the interior frame. Set the glazing vinyl onto the glass and press it firmly into the frame.
Making the Slash Slide More Smoothly
Required Materials
- no. 0000 steel wool
- silicone lubricant
- piece of cloth
Required Tools
- bristle brush
Instructions
- Cleaning – Remove the sash and clean the furrows using a stiff bristle brush. The sash frames will need to be cleaned with no. 0000 steel wool to remove all traces of dirt.
- Silicone Lubricant – Spray a piece of cloth with a silicone lubricant and wipe down the sash sides. Reinstall the sash.
Painting the Sash
Required Materials
- no. 000 steel wool
- gel for dissolving aluminum oxidation
- cleaning cloth
- mineral spirit
- primer for galvanized metal
- siliconized exterior latex caulk
- 100% acrylic-latex exterior trim paint
Required Tools
- paint brush
- bristle brush
- scraper
- screwdriver
- chisel
- caulking gun
Instructions
- Cleaning – To remove signs of oxidation, use no. 0000 steel wool on the frame. You may also use a gel designed for dissolving aluminum oxidation.
- Removing the Dried Caulk – Using a scraper or chisel, scrape out the dried caulk along the frame’s borders.
- Mineral Spirit – Clean the frame with a cloth moistened with mineral spirit.
- Primer Application – Using a brush, apply the galvanized metal primer. Once the first coat has dried, a second coat will need to be applied on areas that were not properly or fully coated.
- Caulking Gun – Wait for the primer to dry and then use a caulking gun to caulk the borders with siliconized exterior latex caulk. Avoid caulking the vent holes.
- Painting – Two topcoat applications of 100% acrylic-latex exterior trim paint are required.
Tips and Warnings
- Before you begin, clean the windows with a garden hose.
- Make sure to perform both interior and exterior cleaning sessions on the windows once a year.
