Maya Ellison
Installing plastic storm windows is a great way to improve your home's insulation and protect it from harsh weather. Storm windows are custom-fit weatherproof inserts that are mounted to the inside or outside of your existing primary window, allowing you to retain your original windows while adding the benefits of new ones. This guide will teach you how to install plastic storm windows, a cost-effective and straightforward DIY project that can save you money on energy bills and provide comfort all year round.
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What You'll Learn
Measure and cut plexiglass
To install plastic storm windows, you will need to measure and cut plexiglass to fit your window frame. Plexiglass is a long-lasting and low-cost material for storm windows. It is as clear as glass, easy to work with, and weather-resistant.
Before you start, make sure you have the necessary equipment. You will need a tape measure, a table saw, safety glasses, and a dado blade for the table saw. You can purchase a sheet of plexiglass and cut it at home, or you can ask your local hardware store if they offer plexiglass cutting services.
To measure the plexiglass, take measurements of the height and width of your window from the exterior. Increase these dimensions by 2 inches to determine the height and width required for the storm window. Mark these measurements on your plexiglass sheet.
When you are ready to cut the plexiglass, put on your safety glasses. Cut the plexiglass sheet according to your marked measurements using the table saw. Once the plexiglass is cut, equip the table saw with a dado blade. This will cut a wide groove to accommodate the edges of the plexiglass.
If you are constructing a window frame, you will also need to cut 45-degree angles on the ends of each frame piece. To do this, replace the dado blade with a cross-cut blade and set the blade to a 45-degree angle. Attach a miter gauge to the table saw and work with the lumber lying flat. Cut the wood to the required dimensions for your window frame.
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Cut and assemble frame pieces
To cut and assemble the frame pieces for a plastic storm window, you will need to start by taking measurements of the window's height and width from the exterior. Increase the dimensions by 2 inches to determine the height and width required for the storm window.
You can then cut a piece of plexiglass or plastic vinyl sheeting to size. If you are using plexiglass, you can either cut it at home using a table saw or avail yourself of the cutting services offered by your local hardware store. Remember to wear safety glasses when operating power tools.
Once the plexiglass is cut, you can move on to assembling the frame. First, replace the dado blade on your table saw with a cross-cut blade and set the blade to a 45-degree angle. Attach a miter gauge to the table saw and cut the lumber to size, making 45-degree cuts based on the required dimensions for the window frame.
When you are ready to assemble the frame, begin by applying a bead of silicone caulk inside the groove of one piece of lumber. Slide one edge of the plexiglass or vinyl sheeting into the caulk-filled groove. Apply wood glue to the mitered end of the wood. Add caulk to the groove on the next piece of wood, slide the groove of the second piece of wood over the plexiglass or vinyl, and press its mitered edge firmly against the end of the first piece of wood. Repeat this process with the remaining pieces of the wood frame, ensuring a tight fit.
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Apply silicone caulk and wood glue
Installing plastic storm windows is a great way to improve your home's insulation and protect it from harsh weather. It is also a relatively simple DIY project that can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying new windows. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply silicone caulk and wood glue when installing plastic storm windows:
Prepare the Materials and Cut the Plexiglass
Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials, including silicone caulk, wood glue, plexiglass, a table saw, safety glasses, and a miter gauge. Ensure you have measured the window's height and width and cut the plexiglass to size, increasing the dimensions by 2 inches.
- Begin by applying a bead of silicone caulk: Take the first piece of lumber (frame wood) and apply a generous bead of silicone caulk inside the groove. This will create a strong seal and help insulate your window.
- Slide the plexiglass into the caulked groove: Carefully slide one edge of the cut plexiglass into the groove with the caulk. This will hold the plexiglass in place and create a tight seal.
- Apply wood glue to the mitered end: Once the plexiglass is in place, apply wood glue to the mitered end of the wooden frame. This will strengthen the joint and ensure a secure fit.
- Repeat the process with the remaining pieces: Add caulk to the groove on the next piece of wood and slide it into place over the plexiglass, firmly pressing its mitered edge against the glued end of the previous piece. Continue this process for all remaining pieces, ensuring a tight fit.
By following these steps and allowing adequate time for the caulk and glue to dry, you will have successfully installed plastic storm windows with a secure and insulated fit.
For further energy efficiency, you can also apply weatherstripping to the outside perimeter of your storm window frame. This will help seal out drafts and improve insulation, making your home even more comfortable and energy-efficient.
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Install with weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is an important component of storm windows, helping to seal gaps and prevent drafts, thus improving energy efficiency and comfort. Here is a guide on how to install plastic storm windows with weatherstripping:
First, if you are replacing old weatherstripping, use a pointed wire or ice pick to carefully pry it out of the channels. Clean the window frame thoroughly with a stiff brush and soapy water. Ensure that you do not lift the frame midway between the corners, as this could deform the vinyl window spline.
Next, you will need to choose the appropriate weatherstripping material. Options include felt, foam, rubber, or brush-style weatherstripping. Some types of weatherstripping are self-adhesive, while others may require staples or nails for a more secure hold. The D-shaped adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping is a popular choice, providing a wider range of thickness options compared to the W-shaped variety.
When installing the new weatherstripping, ensure that it is applied smoothly and securely to the window frame. If using adhesive-backed weatherstripping, press it firmly into place, and consider adding staples for extra security. If using felt, you can add a few small weatherstrip nails to prevent the felt from pulling off over time.
Finally, test the functionality of your new plastic storm window. Ensure that it opens and closes smoothly and that the weatherstripping creates a tight seal, preventing drafts and moisture ingress.
By following these steps, you can effectively install plastic storm windows with weatherstripping, improving the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.
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Alternative: use a window insulation kit
If installing plastic storm windows is too complex or time-consuming, an alternative is to use a window insulation kit. This is a less expensive option that can be installed on the backside of the window frame.
Window insulation kits are rolled for ease of use and convenience. They require no measuring and are puncture-resistant. To install a window insulation kit, first, clean the glass and the trim of the window. Then, apply double-sided tape around the entire window on the outer frame. Slowly unroll the window insulation film out over the window. Trim the excess film with an Exacto knife or scissors.
Next, use a hair dryer to heat up the plastic, which will shrink it to get a tight fit and remove any wrinkles. You can also use a blow dryer to ensure everything is snug. Once the insulation film is nice and tight, you can use an Exacto knife to create a tiny opening for the anchor or hook for the wand for the blinds.
When using window insulation film, it is important to use your fingers, not sharp objects, to open the box, as the film inside is thin and can be damaged by hard objects. The film also has static cling, so keep it away from dirt and dust. If you have one huge sheet or a large piece left over, it may be more efficient to use the "wide" way across the wall rather than the "long" way.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic storm windows can help seal your windows, blocking drafts in winter and keeping heat out in summer. They are also a cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and save money on heating and cooling bills.
You can install plastic storm windows using a window insulation kit, which includes plastic sheeting, double-sided tape, and self-adhesive felt. Alternatively, you can use plexiglass, which is a long-lasting and low-cost material. You will also need a table saw, safety glasses, and a dado blade.
To build a plastic storm window frame, first take measurements of the window's height and width and increase the dimensions by 2 inches. Cut 45-degree angles on the ends of each frame piece using a table saw with a cross-cut blade. Apply silicone caulk inside the groove of one piece of lumber, then slide the plexiglass into the groove. Apply wood glue to the mitered ends of the wood and repeat this process for the remaining pieces, ensuring a tight fit.
To install a plastic storm window, apply weatherstripping around the perimeter of the window frame. Slide the storm window into the window opening and use a pull tab to secure it in place. The pull tab can be created using a piece of packing tape, making it easier to remove the window when needed.
