Storm Window Repair: DIY

In these tough economic times it is important to extend the life and functionality of your storm windows. The following easy to follow do-it-yourself (DIY) guide to repairing and maintaining your storm windows will eliminate the cost of replacement storm windows for years to come.

For this DYI guide to repairing and marinating your storm windows you will need the following tools: screwdriver, putty knife, wood putty, glazier's points, glazing compound.

Common storm window problems include storm widows that are loose, often detected by a rattling sound on windy days. Loose or rattling storm windows are most often caused by your turnbuttons or window clips. Over time your storm window's turnbuttons or window clips shift in place creating a larger hole and a less snug fit. If left unresolved lose turnbuttons or window clips can cause drafts, and on high wind days, cracked or fractured window pains.

To DIY repair this common storm window problem remove the turnbuttons or window clips, using your putty knife fill the holes with wood putty. Let the filler dry before screwing your storm window's turnbuttons or window clips back into place.

Another common storm window problem occurs as the glazing around your storm window's glass begins to deteriorate. This will cause your storm window to lose energy efficiency, and in some case cause the room to develop a draft.

It is a good idea to inspect the glazing around your storm windows twice a year. Finding and repairing your storm window's deterioration before the chill of winter or the heat of summer can save you considerable amounts money.

If upon inspecting your storm windows you do find deterioration, you will need to pick up a glazing compound and replacement glazier's point for this DIY storm window repair.

Glazier's points are the small nails placed every 8 to 10 inches around the glass. First make sure all of your glazier's points are in place. Once each pain of glass has glaizer's points even spaced at 8 to ten inches apart, replace the deteriorating glazing using fresh glazing compound and your putty knife. Typically your glazing should be about ¼ of an inch from the wood onto the glass.

These are just two easy DIY ways you can extend the life, energy efficiency, and appearance of your storm window for just a few dollars per window, which will eliminate the cost of replacement storm windows for years to come.