
- Aluminum Storm Windows. Some storm windows have screws on all four corners holding the frame together. These windows you can fix yourself if the gasket is available or reusable.
- Remove Broken Glass. If the glass is shattered in several places, remove it piece by piece and discard it properly, then vacuum the frame and window area thoroughly.
- Remove the Window Frame. To remove the window frame; press in on the two bottom latches and push the window up, continue pressing the latches and pull the bottom window ...
- Measure for New Glass. Before disassembling the frame, measure the inside width and height of the frame. ...
- Disassemble the Frame. Secure one of the side frames to your work surface with a clamp. ...
- Inspect the Gasket. Inspect the gasket for tears and cracks. Most gaskets cannot be found at your local hardware store but ordered online from window hardware supply.
- Install the Glass. Apply the gasket over the edge of the glass. If it’s a new gasket, make small cuts at the corners. ...
- Re-install the Window. Clean the glass with window cleaner before installing it. Tilt the top of the window frame to one side and insert the top pins into the track.
Can you paint over aluminum storm windows?
The bottom line is that old sash in good repair in combination with triple-track aluminum storm windows are probably doing a good job of keeping out winter's chill. Just make sure that the bottom of the aluminum frame is not sealed to the sill so moisture isn't trapped there. Paint, by the way, adheres nicely to aluminum.
Do storm windows need to be repaired?
While the aluminum frames never rust and resist corrosion very well, the moving parts are mostly made from nylon-based plastic that becomes brittle with age and requires replacement. The three main repairs you must make are replacing the spring latches, the top corner pins and cracked glass. Storm windows help to keep the weather at bay.
How do you remove storm windows from a house?
Check on the outside to see if the storm window frames have been painted. You will need to score the paint with a utility knife to allow the storms to come apart easily Lift the operating sash until you see the bottom of the sash clearing the frame that holds it in.
How do you repair aluminum window frames?
How to Repair Aluminum Windows. 1 Step 1 - Removing the Old Window. If you need to replace the glass in the slider part of your aluminum window, the task is remarkably easy. In most ... 2 Step 2 - Removing the Glass. 3 Step 3 - Selecting New Glass. 4 Step 4 - Fitting New Glass.
How do you refurbish old aluminum storm windows?
1:2847:30Refurbishing My 1950s Storm Windows (Why, and how?) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo another coat of primer goes on this time it goes over the glazing compound as well as the glassMoreSo another coat of primer goes on this time it goes over the glazing compound as well as the glass to seal the joint between the glazing and the glass.
Can you fix old storm windows?
These windows you can fix yourself if the gasket is available or reusable. There are storm window frames that are easily disassembled and held together with friction-fit corner fasteners and a rubber gasket that wraps around the glass. These windows you can fix yourself if the gasket is available or reusable.
How can I make my old storm windows look better?
Sand the aluminum storm window frames using a sanding block or 100-grit sandpaper to remove all loose, flaking or peeling paint. Use a small hand broom to sweep off the sanding dust and loose paint chips. Wash the window frames again and then rinse them with clean water. Allow the window frames to dry completely.
What are old storm windows made of?
While older storm windows were typically just clear glass, newer models are available with a low-e coating that reduces heat transmission through the storm window.
How much does a storm window cost?
The average cost range for replacement storm windows in your home is $85 to $180 per window, with a national average of $130 per window. This cost includes both materials and labor. These windows are a low-cost investment that can better insulate and protect your home.
How do you clean a broken storm glass?
Snap off damaged glass carefully with gloved hands. Use a vacuum, tape, or slice of bread to pick up remaining shards. If glass is only cracked, but still solid, tape the glass carefully instead. Dispose of broken glass correctly and quickly.
Can you repaint aluminum window frames?
Yes, you can. Exposure to the elements will reduce the lifespan of aluminium windows frames if they are left untreated. The rate of corrosion is also significantly increased if your home is on or near the coast.
How do you update old metal window frames?
For most homeowners the normal practice is to give them a wipe down and then apply more paint over the top to refresh steel frames. The best solution for restoring steel window frames, especially those that are showing signs of rust underneath the paint, is to strip them down to the finish and start from scratch.
Should I keep my storm windows?
It's best to remove storm windows after winter to let the spring breeze circulate in your home. However, if you always use the AC during spring and summer, it's best to keep them in place because they serve as insulation, trapping the cool air inside your home and saving you money on energy bills.
Should you caulk storm windows?
Do not caulk the sill. It's a familiar story. Your old windows leak copious amounts of air, which makes for chilly drafts in the winter and higher cooling costs in the summer. Leaky windows may even be hurting your house by allowing windblown rain to seep into the structure.
Can you paint aluminum storm windows?
Before painting, the surface should be cleaned with a toluene-based surface-prep solvent such as Wilbond. Then the aluminum should be painted immediately with a high-quality exterior oil-based enamel. No primer is necessary, but at least two coats of the finish paint will be needed.
Should storm windows be vented?
The Benefits of Vented Storm Protection Vented storm protection extends the life of a window system. It circulates the air between windows by creating an upward draft in the space between windows. As the air between the covering and the stained glass warms, it rises and exits the vents at the top of the window.
How do you fix a storm window?
2:023:34How to Repair or Replace a Broken Storm Window - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by clamping the side to your workbench. Use a wood block. And a mallet. And just gently tap.MoreStart by clamping the side to your workbench. Use a wood block. And a mallet. And just gently tap. And then go to the other side and do the same.
Should I replace my storm windows?
A Brief Summary So, if your old windows aren't too bad, installing good storm windows and weather-protecting the old ones will be your cheapest, easiest option. Replacing your old windows with new-technology, energy-efficient windows are the clear winner in long-term value, but it'll cost more up front.
Should I seal storm windows?
Storm windows should not form an airtight seal but, instead, incorporate weep holes or be raised on lead shims to let moisture escape.
How do you replace a window in a storm door?
0:201:18How To Remove and Replace Your Storm Door Glass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by locating the release latches at the bottom of your storm door glass. Pull your releaseMoreStart by locating the release latches at the bottom of your storm door glass. Pull your release latches in towards each other then lift up and in towards the interior of the home to remove the glass.
How to put a glass on a table?
Put the glass on a table with one long side and one short side overhanging. Fit the rubber gasket tightly on those sides. With the gasket in place, take one half of the frame and place it over the glass, tapping the corner into place with the mallet. When that’s secure, tap the long side and the short side into place.
How thick is double strength glass?
Single strength glass will be 3/32 inch thick and double strength will be 1/8 inch thick. The difference might seem minor, but it’s very important when it comes to fitting. If you’re not sure, take a piece of the old glass to your glass shop and let them advise you.
Can you replace aluminum windows yourself?
Aluminum windows do a great job, but, like all windows, accidents can occur that cause the glass to crack or break. This ultimately leads to replacing the glass. Although you can pay a glazier to come in and do the job, it's surprisingly easy to do it yourself.
Do you need a new piece of glass?
You’ll need a new piece of glass the same size as the old one but an important factor to the job is determining whether you need single or double strength glass since one is thicker than the other and the wrong size won’t fit easily into your frame.
How to remove a fixed sash from a window?
Pull the bottom of the fixed sash toward you until it clears the frame. Pull down on the sash until it comes free of the frame. Remove the fixed sash from the window in the same way you removed the moveable sash. Grab the screen frame at the top and push it upwards.
How to check if aluminum storms have been painted?
Check on the outside to see if the aluminum storms have been painted. You will need to score the paint with a utility knife to allow the storms to come apart easily. Open the inside windows all the way so you can access the storms. Slide the operating panel to the left or right until you see the bottom side of the sash clearing the frame ...
Where is the storm sash on a screen?
The remaining fixed storm sash usually sits to the left or right of the screen frame. Use you fingernails to push the fixed sash sideways and the screen the opposite direction until they start to come apart and you see a gap between them. Pull the side of the fixed panel toward you until it clears the frame. Slide the panel until it comes free of ...
Where is the fixed panel on a monitor?
The fixed panel can be above the screen in a vertical single panel arrangement or the fixed panel can be to the left or right of the screen in a horizontal side slider arrangement . Here are the steps you need to follow to take them apart:
When were storm windows popular?
Aluminum storm windows were very popular in the 1950's and 1960's. If you have a home built in that period, you are very likely going to have them. When you want to fix the screens or just take the windows apart for cleaning, you are going to need to know how to take them apart.
What is storm window?
Storm windows are actually panels of glass which are installed either inside or outside the main frame of your current windows. These are used to help the strength and stability of the windows which are already in existence. They are also helpful when it comes to regulating your heat and maintaining a constant heat within your home.
What happens if you leak water into a window?
If you have water leaking into the window, you are going to have rust and then your windows are not going to slide easily upon the tracks. The second thing dealing with alignment is that you need to be sure that the tracks are kept clean at all times.
What is triple track window?
Triple track windows refer to the storm windows that have both a window and a screen in a single unit. Triple track windows are permanently installed in place. The beauty of these types of windows is that they can easily be opened and have the screens in place to prevent bugs from being an issue. When you are looking at your wallet, you are going to see that Triple Track Windows are about ten to fifteen percent cheaper than installing permanent new windows. These types of windows can actually be installed both inside the house and outside of the house depending on the window structure.
What are the advantages of triple track windows?
The first is that you are going to have greatly improved draft protection. Old homes tend to suffer from being cold and drafty. By installing the windows, you are going to provide better insulation into the home, and further protection from the weather. Secondly the quality of the windows is better than that of other windows. Triple track storm windows are made of two panes of glass (the outer and the middle) and then the third pane which is the screen. The outer window takes the brunt of the weather which protects the inner windows and the screen. As well, these will continue to help seal in heat. Of course the best aspect of these windows is the energy savings that you are going to experience. This also stems from the added insulation. Since more heat is going to be held within the home, there is less work for your heater to heat the home.
What is misalignment in windows?
When you are dealing with misalignment issues, these are very easy to fix. typically a misalignment is going to occur when the window is not installed correctly. You need to inspect the area around the seals to insure that the window is securley in place.
How much cheaper is triple track windows?
When you are looking at your wallet, you are going to see that Triple Track Windows are about ten to fifteen percent cheaper than installing permanent new windows. These types of windows can actually be installed both inside the house and outside of the house depending on the window structure.
Can you paint in the tracks of a window?
If not, your paint is going to dry and then start peeling away, thus ruining the paint job itself, and wasting your time. As well, be sure to clean the tracks of the windows. There is no reason for you to paint in the tracks.
Can you put a storm window on a single pane window?
Smith says that adding a storm window to an older, single-pane window sash can double the window's R-value and allows it to out-perform a double-paned window with a 1/2-inch space between panes. That's one reason the triple tracks make sense.
Can storm windows be installed on the inside?
Storm windows can be installed on the inside, too, but in this case the outer sash (the very old window we're trying to save) takes the brunt of the weather and becomes the condensing surface in cold weather. Water that collects on the inside of the sash can lead to decay. (For his full study, see this article)
Who is Scott Gibson?
An accomplished woodworker and carpenter, Scott Gibson is the former editor of Fine Woodworking magazine, and a former editor at Today's Homeowner and Fine Homebuilding magazines. He also is former managing editor of the Kennebec Journal, a daily newspaper in Maine.

Step 1 - Removing The Old Window
- If you need to replace the glass in the slider part of your aluminum window, the task is remarkably easy. In most cases, all you’ll need to do is lift up the bottom of the window, swing it out toward you and remove the window. In other instances, there might be a roller at the top and you’ll need to remove the screw holding it in place first. With ...
Step 2 - Removing The Glass
- Put on protective gloves before you begin to remove the glass. Locate a screw in the bottom left hand corner of the frame. Unscrew it until it falls away and keep to one side. Next, do the same in the opposite (top right) corner. The frame will now be in two halves. Using the mallet, tap the frame gently away from the glass on one half. Put the frame aside and repeat on the other half u…
Step 3 - Selecting New Glass
- You’ll need a new piece of glass the same size as the old one but an important factor to the job is determining whether you need single or double strength glass since one is thicker than the other and the wrong size won’t fit easily into your frame. Single strength glass will be 3/32 inch thick and double strength will be 1/8 inch thick. The difference might seem minor, but it’s very importa…
Step 4 - Fitting New Glass
- Put the glass on a table with one long side and one short side overhanging. Fit the rubber gasket tightly on those sides. With the gasket in place, take one half of the frame and place it over the glass, tapping the corner into place with the mallet. When that’s secure, tap the long side and the short side into place. Now, move the glass so the other two sides overhang the table and repeat …