DIY Wood Storm Windows

Wood storm windows are ideal for homes with older wood windows.  Adding wood storm windows help provide a second barrier to make existing windows more energy efficient.  Wood storm windows can be bought and easily installed.

If, you have a hard time locating wood storm windows to fit your windows or you enjoy home improvement projects then you may decide to construct your own.

Buying wood storm windows

When purchasing wood storm windows note that they are offered in single pane or insulated double pane glass panels. Double pane glass wood storm windows have a low-e coating that allows hot air to stay outside in the summer and keeps heat inside in the winter.
Installing wood storm windows

Step 1-The wood storm window is lined up with the existing window.
 
Step 2-Use storm window hangers to keep the wood storm window in place.

Step 3-Wood storm windows need drainage holes at the bottom of the frame.
            The holes allow the moisture that collects between the house window and
             the wood storm window to escape.

How to make wood storm windows

Step 1-Choose any type of wood for the framing of the wood storm window.  The     
            wood should be 1" x 2".

Step 2-The overall size of the wood storm window frame should be marginally                   
            smaller than the actual window.  Reduce the size 1/8" on each side of the
            window frame.  This decrease in measurement allows for the application of      
            foam weather stripping.

Step 3-Using a miter block cut 45 degree angles on the ends of the wood.  Cutting
             with a miter block creates a clean looking corner joint for the frame of the
             wood storm window.

Step 4-With a router make a slot in the wood storm window frame approximately    
             1/16th of an inch thick.  The slot will hold the glass in place.

Step 5-Place the slotted frame around the glass by fitting the glass into the slots.
            Assemble the wood frame at the corners with wood screws.  To reinforce
             the corners of the wood storm window also use wood glue.

Step 6-You can use glass or acrylic glass for the inside of the wood storm window
             frame.  The glass should measure the same size as the inside of the wood 
             frame including the depth of the slots.

Step 7-Seal the glass to the wood storm window frame with clear silicone caulk.  Use 
            caulk on both sides of the frame.

Step 8-Apply adhesive-back foam weather stripping to the wood storm window
                frame.

Step 9-Press the wood storm window frame into the house window opening.  The
            foam weather stripping tightly holds the wood storm window in place.  Make
            an airtight seal by running caulk around the outside of the wood storm
            window frame.