Are Storm Windows a reasonable approach for newish vinyl windows?
 

Grandma's house had 'em. Ours is a new house (7 years old) with builder
basic vinyl windows. There's one huge (6050) picture window on the north
side that just sheds in soooo much cold air - it's unbelievable!!! In
winter, the cold air just cascades down the thing!

Budget's very tight - and I'm rather look for some inexpensive ways to
address the draftiness without looking at a replacement yet.

Put up some of that clear plastic sheeting - and it helped. But am now
looking for something that might last 3 or so years.

Watched an episode of This Old House where they had new windows going in a
historic house - and they had "energy panels" - essentially Storm Windows on
the inside.

That got me thinking - does anyone think a storm window might be a
reasonable approach on this picture window?

Are Storm Windows a reasonable approach for newish vinyl windows?
 

"patrick conroy" wrote in message
...
Grandma's house had 'em. Ours is a new house (7 years old) with builder
basic vinyl windows. There's one huge (6050) picture window on the north
side that just sheds in soooo much cold air - it's unbelievable!!! In
winter, the cold air just cascades down the thing!

Budget's very tight - and I'm rather look for some inexpensive ways to
address the draftiness without looking at a replacement yet.

Put up some of that clear plastic sheeting - and it helped. But am now
looking for something that might last 3 or so years.

Watched an episode of This Old House where they had new windows going in a
historic house - and they had "energy panels" - essentially Storm Windows
on the inside.

That got me thinking - does anyone think a storm window might be a
reasonable approach on this picture window?

The problem is FINDING a storm windo that would fit....

Are Storm Windows a reasonable approach for newish vinyl windows?
 

Dr. Hardcrab wrote:

The problem is FINDING a storm windo that would fit....


Why? they make them any size you want.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/

Are Storm Windows a reasonable approach for newish vinyl windows?
 

patrick conroy wrote:

That got me thinking - does anyone think a storm window might be a
reasonable approach on this picture window?

You cam buy what is essentially a frame and removeable glass. They work
well for windows that do not open. I've not priced them for years, but they
used to be rather reasonable for what you got. The fram mounts inplace with
screws, the window fits in with clips that make it easy to take out for
cleaning.

--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/

Are Storm Windows a reasonable approach for newish vinyl windows?
 

" patrick conroy wrote:

That got me thinking - does anyone think a storm window might be a
reasonable approach on this picture window?

What about the heat gain and sun damage especially on the SW side? I
thought storm windows over vinyl was a big no-no.

Colbyt

Are Storm Windows a reasonable approach for newish vinyl windows?
 

Colbyt wrote:
" patrick conroy wrote:

That got me thinking - does anyone think a storm window might be a
reasonable approach on this picture window?


What about the heat gain and sun damage especially on the SW side? I
thought storm windows over vinyl was a big no-no.

Colbyt


i believe you are right. i know the new steel(at least my manuf. said
no) and fiberglass doors it is
a no no. esp. on the south and sw side. if you do have one make sure it
is open at the top and probably the bottom to let the heat out.

Are Storm Windows a reasonable approach for newish vinyl windows?
 

The clear poly installed on the inside is super cheap & if you don't open
the window in the summer - you can just leave it up year 'round as it will
help with reduced air infiltration during the summer as well.

If installing the poly on the inside did not fully do the trick - you can
install poly on the outside - although it has to be installed in warmer
weather (above 50F) so the tape will stick to the window frame. I suppose
you could use a hair dryer to get the tape to bond if it is too cold right
now where you live. Finding exterior grade tape is much harder than the
interior tape. Be sure to remove this poly and tape in the spring as the
tape will bond to the window frame during the warm summer & it is then very
hard to get it off.

I put a couple of small holes in the poly at the top and bottom - using a
'lit then blown-out' match to melt the holes - This allows for vapor to
escape.


"patrick conroy" wrote in message
...
Grandma's house had 'em. Ours is a new house (7 years old) with builder
basic vinyl windows. There's one huge (6050) picture window on the north
side that just sheds in soooo much cold air - it's unbelievable!!! In
winter, the cold air just cascades down the thing!

Budget's very tight - and I'm rather look for some inexpensive ways to
address the draftiness without looking at a replacement yet.

Put up some of that clear plastic sheeting - and it helped. But am now
looking for something that might last 3 or so years.

Watched an episode of This Old House where they had new windows going in a
historic house - and they had "energy panels" - essentially Storm Windows
on the inside.

That got me thinking - does anyone think a storm window might be a
reasonable approach on this picture window?