Installing storm windows: Why and how?

Anyone caught in the full swing of winter will be familiar with the sight of the damp layer of condensed moisture on their windows. While it might be fun to draw faces and write messages on fogged up windows, excessive condensation can stain woodwork or cause damage to the plaster or wallpaper.

Not only that, but moisture from even the most benign condensation can seep into cracks, hurting the stability of window panels, and create mildew in the wall sections around the window. 

Weather the storm

If you're thinking of renovating the bathroom, living room, bedroom or any other areas of the house that have problems with condensation, then installing storm windows may be the way to go. They're less costly than other energy efficient windows, and they're relatively easy to install. And at the end of the day, your power bills will come back lower, too. 

Here's how: 

Step 1. 

Make sure that the window and the surfaces around it are dry. You don't want to defeat the purpose of this whole installation by trapping moisture or installing the window onto a damaged surface. If there's any rot, water leaks or other damage, be sure to fix this before proceeding any further. 

Step 2. 

Place the window into the opening to check that it fits. If your measurements are right, take out the window and caulk the head and jambs of the frame. Don't caulk the sill at the bottom though - you'll need this to ensure the window drains properly. 

Step 3. 

Position the window again, ensuring the top is fitted tightly against the top of the opening. Screw two installation screws into the top corners to secure it for the time being. 

Step 4. 

Adjust the window expander so it evenly connects with the sill at the bottom. The expander will let the bottom of the window expand by approximately a couple of centimetres to make the contact with the angled sill.

Step 5. 

Square up the window and screw in the rest of the installation screws. Ensure there's an even gap between the window and each side of the frame. Around 1.5mm is perfect.