Interior "storm windows"
I have a window that is cold and drafty. I cannot afford to replace it now so instead intend to reduce the heat loss by installing an interior “storm window”, by which I mean fitting a sheet of plexiglass, held in place by a frame, inside the window. I have been looking for a supplier…
I have a window that is cold and drafty. I cannot afford to replace it now so instead intend to reduce the heat loss by installing an interior “storm window”, by which I mean fitting a sheet of plexiglass, held in place by a frame, inside the window. I have been looking for a supplier of such a thing but can’t find one. This type of “do it yourself storm window” is common in home improvement stores in the UK, where I’m from originally, but does not seem to exist here. I’ve scoured Home Depot and Lowes to no avail. Can anyone recommend anywhere else where I might look?
There is a company in Albany called Windowtherm. I believe the product is the Advanced Energy Panel. There is a website. The panels are made of an aluminum frame and two skin of the same material you get with the double stick tape and blow dryer package. I’m loathe to say that it is vinyl. The AEP’s skins are heavier and reasonably clear, enough to read the newspaper through. It is very inexspensive and they will send you a kit but read the directions for measuring. I always tell clients they ar the biggest bang for the buck. good luck, Devin Dascher
Does anyone have any experience with Window Savers (@ bugleg posted a link above)? I’ve actually been considering going this route, but would love to hear from someone who has actually used it. Our windows are quite large – 4′ x 8′, drafty as hell and we need a solution that is easy enough to remove for spring/summer when we want to be able to open the windows for fresh air, but effective in keeping the drafts at bay during these cold winters.
I haven’t seen anybody offering ready-made interior storms other than the film, and I had assumed it had to be custom done, either DIY or hiring a handyman or carpenter.
If draftiness is a problem a quick fix is rope caulk, which is available. it is like a coil of flexible putty that you use as needed around leaky window and door gaps during the winter. It fills the small space, preventing air from leaking in. Not as good as a well-fitting storm window because it doesn’t create an air-filled space between the window and the interior, but it will help and could be used in addition to interior storms when you get them.
Transparent film (3M) looks great when you install it, but days later it started to crinkle & show, and if I tried to tighten it again it tore. I’ve tried different techniques on 3 large windows (maybe they were too big) and all with the same result.
Google “interior storm windows.” Lots of options — both to purchase and DIY.
You could order a sheet of plexiglass to fit from most glass shops. They may also sell some that are in frames as well.
Those plastic blow dry tight sheets are great. Better than plexi. The problem if you use them the way they are intended is that you have to redo it every year. And the tape leaves marks around the window frame.
A better way is to build a frame that you can reuse. Google DIY interior storm windows and you should find that info. But that takes more work and you need a place to store it in the summer.
Check out
http://www.windowsaver.com/index.html
go to Home Depot they sell transparent film, which you can fit around window and make it almost invisible with hair drier. I think it would be a good as storm window.