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simon · 10-08-2007, 10:40 AM

I am looking to replace the windows in my 1968 ranch home in Wisconsin.
I have already had a salesman in my house selling some very expensive vinyl windows.
I have decided to do it myself as it will save me a ton of money.
The question I have is that while I am confident that I can easily install new pocket replacement windows, I currently have aluminum storm windows that are installed on the outside of the house. What do I do with them? Should I leave them installed or remove them?
If I remove them it looks like I will need to re-install the exterior trim around the windows. The exterior of the house is vinyl siding.
Is there any disadvantage to leaving the storm windows installed?
Thanks

redline · 10-08-2007, 12:01 PM

can you post a photo of the windows from the exterior view?

cibula11 · 10-08-2007, 02:49 PM

I had the same thing on my windows, but my storm windows were not attached to the trim, they were attached to the outer edge of the window. I had my replacements with Argon and Low E so the need for extra insulation with a storm window wasn't needed. The only down side to keeping the storms is that it would be difficult to do any work from the outside. You might be able to take them off and put them back on. A picture would help.

GMW · 10-08-2007, 06:21 PM

It is pefectly fine to leave them on, however some vinyl replacement windows have a screen channel that sticks out to far and the storm will interfere and not let the window seat properly. If you do take the storms off, it might not look great if the windows were wrapped with aluminum with the storms in place. You will have bare wood and a rough aluminum edge. Fixing the aluminum wrap is hard for the homeowner, needs special tools and skills. Each application is different, they are easy to do if you know what you are geting into. Good luck. Please post back, Most people never post again to let us know how it came out.

white29 · 10-09-2007, 02:34 AM

I had the same situation on my house. The storms were attached to the outer window stops.If you buy quality windows you will not need the storms any longer.I could'nt wait to take mine off,what an improvement in looks.All you need is to trim the stops were the storm was attached.Talk to a siding contractor.This is small busy work for them and it should'nt cost much at all for them to trim the stops for you,or even retrim the entire window.

simon · 10-09-2007, 09:52 AM

Here are some pictures of the exterior of the windows.

Ron6519 · 10-09-2007, 05:14 PM

If the storms are in good shape, leave them. When you install the new windows, remove the screens.

Ron6519 · 10-15-2007, 08:07 AM

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PKHI · 10-22-2007, 10:17 PM

You would never want to leave your storms on over a vinyl window for several reasons. First of all they look horrible and are probably so dirty that you cant see through them, in addition they generally are awkward to open and close. More importantly the heat build up that can be created between the storm window and your vinyl window can be hot enough to cause your vinyl window to distort and may even void your warranty. Finally any thermal value provided by the storm does next to nothing to improve the value of your vinyl window. I would remove the storms and have the trim re-wrapped. We charge on average $75 per window to re-wrap it with aluminum. From the pictures that your provided, The siders did a horrible job wrapping the trim as can be seen by the caulking globbed everywhere. A properly wrapped window will be done in such a way that caulking is not needed, and there are no gaps between pieces.

fhivinylwindows · 10-23-2007, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKHI

You would never want to leave your storms on over a vinyl window for several reasons. First of all they look horrible and are probably so dirty that you cant see through them, in addition they generally are awkward to open and close. More importantly the heat build up that can be created between the storm window and your vinyl window can be hot enough to cause your vinyl window to distort and may even void your warranty. Finally any thermal value provided by the storm does next to nothing to improve the value of your vinyl window. I would remove the storms and have the trim re-wrapped. We charge on average $75 per window to re-wrap it with aluminum. From the pictures that your provided, The siders did a horrible job wrapping the trim as can be seen by the caulking globbed everywhere. A properly wrapped window will be done in such a way that caulking is not needed, and there are no gaps between pieces.

Good Post!

To the OP, if you end up installing the windows on your own hire someone for the metal work. The labor rates vary, some people will do it for $25 and some for $100. I would suggest hiring someone that will spend a little time getting you started on your first window. If they are not installed properly you are just wasting you money.

white29 · 10-25-2007, 06:47 PM

I Could'nt agree more with the last two posts.Learn to properly install the new windows,attention to detail counts in squaring and shimming the openings and then insulating the space before retrimming the interior.By all means,especially after viewing your pics,get rid of those God awful storms so your nice looking new windows can be seen after you have the exterior trim rewrapped by a competent siding pro. And IMO windows with grills built in lok especially cool. Good luck.

simon · 10-29-2007, 11:59 AM

Just an update, I have ordered all new replacement windows from Home Depot, I went with the American Craftsman 9500 series windows with integrated grilles.
The storms are definitely coming off and I am going to look for a siding pro to trim out the windows while I wait for my new windows to arrive.
Thanks for all the advice!

PKHI · 10-29-2007, 06:26 PM

We replace a lot of American craftsman windows once the spiral balances rust stuck and the windows don't open or don't stay up. Not to mention they are a really ugly looking window

oldfrt · 10-29-2007, 07:12 PM

In my opinion ,anything from Home Depot is JUNK!.
They charge pretty much the same as anyone else on their supplies,but it is a lower grade.This always goes unnoticed by home owners because they don't know what to look for.They think they are getting a deal,but the quality will come back and bite you in the azz.
I've been in business for 30 years and feel I have a good finger on what quality and what's junk.
Spiral balances have always been a problem with any replacement window.The companies that still use this feature are living in the dark ages.
It seems easy to just stop by your local HD,but I've been called to replace this type of window within 10 years of installation.
Try and find a contractor that will order the windows for you .Tell him you want to install them.Do this before he comes to measure them ,because he may not offer a warranty unless he installs them.It may be a little more money,but it will be worth it.

Amber · 11-02-2007, 09:42 PM

Actually I have to disagree with you on the HD thing. I worked for a large window and door manufacturer and I can tell you that the stuff that you buy at HD is the same quality as an independant dealer. They just make the product more option fraindly for the independants. Now working as a contractor I can also say that I do not like the HD's, but I find that the customer that insists on shopping at an HD center is not one that I would want to deal with in the first place.