Storm window replacements?

I moved into my house about two years ago and noticed this problem but it's been on the back burner. One of the storm window frames in the front of my house is missing the windows. I looked all over the house and can't find the windows, or the frames they have around them. So my question is this...
Can I replace just those windows? Or do I have to replace the whole storm window frame as well. Do they come in standard sizes?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

Nevermind, after the Mod moved this to the right forum I found my answers.

 

Glad you found the right forum, and found your answer. If you would have waited for either Tn...Andy or myself, you would have been told to get rid of the storm windows and replace whatever windows you have with efficient windows that don't need storms. Storms are old technology, that, at best, was only marginally better than the windows they were covering. A new energy efficient window will cost slightly more than just the storm, but will cut your utility costs by 20%, 30%, maybe as much as 50%. Plus, you don't have all of the maintenance, and you don't have to mess with them twice a year.

 

Lefty, both you and Tn...Andy have a great knowledge of windows & doors. Some posters like "jeherrin" either want to try to repair a few storm windows for a number of reasons. Most of the posts that I read is that either they don't have the money and want a temporary fix or they want to maintain the look of the house. I think that you both miss this point and immediately want them to replace the windows. Your reasons are valid but you should consider their reason also.

 

Johnam:

I'll wade into that ...

I think if you read back over my posts, I actually have told some folks how to repair them and some sources for possible parts.....but I also suggest the replacement alternative....but it's only a suggestion....

I agree with you.....people have different reasons for what they do and different depths to their wallets.....

Where I may get a little emphatic is when someone starts off talking about BUYING storm windows.......then I don't mind jumping it with both feet to suggest they are throwing money down a rat hole.

OR if they start off talking about "sealing" up their existing storm windows trying to knock down the cold.......can't be done.....in fact it makes things worse when a homeowner flys at it with a caulk gun because then they just sweat , mold inside and the trapped condensation (and rainwater when the lower sash is up in the summer) rots the frames of the main windows........SO my suggestion is it's time to consider replacements when you've reached the end of your rope with storms......

Now, LEFTY, on the other hand, is on a personal mission to rid America of storm windows...... .....plus he forgets to take his meds sometimes.......ahahahahahaaaaaaa

 

There is another option. There might be in your area someone who installs a magnetic window insert. It goes on the inside of your window, replacing your storm window, and they actually work better. I live in Utah, and I know there are people here who do it (I don't, however). You might want to look into it. The magnets make an airtight seal, just like your refrigerator door. So noise, and dust are blocked out as well as creating a great insulator. Good luck!

 

Wow.. so many replies to this thread. Thanks all, and you were right Johnam I'm just looking for a low cost alternative to make it through winter. Next spring I have a project to remove some existing anderson windows and replace them with a sliding door. These windows will then be used to replace the front ones. Just gets a little chilly in the winter up north here. Last two weeks it's been -10 or better outside and I'm looking for a quick fix that doesn't invlove making a big hole in the side of my house in the dead of winter.
However, I have a feeling replacing those inserts is a lost cause I'll just have to shrink wrap the damn thing and plan my spring project.

Oh btw- As for the magnetic ones, I think my NY winter would eat that for breakfast. Thanks for the idea though.

 

jeherrin,

A low cost, temporary option for the storm windows is easy -- a roll of 3 mil plastic, some 1X2's and a pound of screws. If it's only gonna be for a few months, I certainly wouldn't put money into glass!!

Damiano,

You've mentioned these magnetic window inserts in several posts. Maybe yes, maybe no. How much? Still sounds like you have to mess with them twice a year -- fall when you install them, and spring when you take them off. And then you have to store them all summer. If you're talking $10 or $15 per window, as opposed to $150 to upgrade the window to something that's efficient, maybe. But if the insert is going to set you back $100, and a new window is only $50 more, then WHY??

johnam,

I just know how much a person would have to invest in a glass storm window around here. For the same money, he (or she) could go to HD and buy a cheap replacement window and be farther ahead. And for only 25% or 30% more, he (or she) could step up to a pretty decent window, and possibly get a rebate from their local utility to boot. Just need to look at things in the long run. $100 to buy a storm window that might save $5 / mo. on one's utility bill, and you've gotta mess with it twice a year, or $150 for a decent replacement window that will save 20% or more on the utility bill, and (other than cleaning) you don't have to mess with it.

Andy,

MY mission?? I thought that was YOUR mission!

And meds? Forgetting to take them isn't an option. Until I see the dentist next Thursday, this tooth won't LET me forget to take the aspirin or ibuprofen. He's workin' on it -- guess I just can't rush "good" work. (Rush it? No, most of the time you can't even FIND it!!)