Q - I can't afford new replacement windows, so I would like to make reusable storm windows myself. How can I make them inexpensively, and are indoor or outdoor storm windows better? J. L.
A - Installing inexpensive do-it-yourself storm windows can be an energy-efficient alternative to a major investment for new replacement windows.Well-made storm windows should cut your heating and air-conditioning bills and greatly improve your comfort year-round. However, if you don't design and build them carefully, you will just waste your time and money.
The width of the air gap between the windows and the airtightness are the major factors in determining the energy savings. An extremely narrow air gap does not insulate well. However, if it is extremely wide, energy robbing air currents form in between the windows.
The overall energy efficiency of outdoor storm windows can be higher than indoor ones. If you design them slightly larger to cover the entire window opening and mount on the wall surface, they block most of the air leaks.
Outdoor storm windows also offer protection for your primary windows, but you must make them strong to withstand the weather. Indoor ones needn't be as rugged, but you should finish them more carefully for an acceptable appearance. Both types of storms reduce outdoor noise transmission.
The simplest and most inexpensive storm window to make is a thin film indoor unit. You can use 1x2 lumber to make the frame. Size it slightly smaller than the window opening. This allows for clearance for weatherstripping between the frame and the window opening. You can also size it bigger and use hook and loop fasteners to attach it to the wall.
Staple any type of thin plastic film to the frame. You can use "clear"
vapor barrier material. It is strong but slightly cloudy, so you won't have a totally clear view. Heat-shrink film, like that used in temporary storm window kits, is very clear, but somewhat more expensive.
You can also make more durable storms using a wood frame and glass or rigid clear plastic sheeting. Seal the pane in the frame with caulk. Choose a caulk that has good adhesion and elasticity. Drill weep holes in the bottom of the frame to allow moisture to escape. Fit them either inside the opening or over it onto the wall surface.
The most efficient do-it-yourself storm window uses double plastic or glass panes. Make the wood frame so that there is a 1-inch air gap between the two storm panes. You can use a wooden or aluminum mullion strip between the panes to make a uniform air gap. Use a caulk with low moisture permeability to minimize fogging in between the storm panes.
You can write to me for UTILITY BILLS UPDATE No. 032 showing do-it-yourself instructions and diagrams for making several types of single and double-pane indoor and outdoor storm windows and a recommended-materials list. Write to James Dulley, The Deseret News, 6906 Royal Green Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244.
Please include $1.00 and a self-addressed business-sized envelope.
Q - You recently wrote about a do-it-yourself solar collector that uses an aluminum collector sheet. Will steel also work for collectors? F.D.
A - Aluminum is the preferred material because it is lightweight, it doesn't rust, it's easy to work with, and it conducts heat very well. However, if you have trouble finding aluminum material for a solar collector, steel is an acceptable alternative. You should paint the steel with flat black paint so it absorbs more solar heat and for corrosion resistance. You may also have to use heavier lumber to support it.