I am interested in anyone's experience and/or advice regarding interior storm windows. I have researched this and am aware of most of the options available. The Larson interior storms are not available for most of our windows due to their size limitations. Other types I have seen consisting of the double mylar layer seem a little pricey for a somewhat "temporary" solution, etc.
Here is my idea - using 1/8" or 3/16" thick plexiglass - for our large picture windows (56 x 62) - set the plexiglass in a bead of clear silicone (?) around all 4 sides between the interior white vinyl frame of the window; then face the outside edge with a wood trim painted to match the jamb and casing.
Some of my questions are - how much to allow for contraction/expansion of the plexiglass (MOST of my windows face south)? Is this a good use of 100% silicone? What is the best thickness of plexiglass when it gets to 56 x 62? (The cost increases exponentially with the thicker product.)
These will be a "permanent" for the most part.
My understanding of plexiglass is that it has a much lower transfer of both cold and heat when used on the interior, so "feels" less cold than glass and far less condensation.
For the operating sides of the pictures - I'm thinking of "framing" the plexiglass by using wood trim on both sides, using 1/2" on the back, and maybe screen moulding on the front. (This will give me a total of a 1" air space between the glass and the plexiglass.) Then face the edge of the frame with some type of compression strip for a removable "pressure-mount", and fitting this into the same opening as the screen uses.
What would work best for this? (I would like this to be white, but longevity and an effective seal are more important.)
I think this would also work for double hung windows.
I am willing to try several prototypes to get this right. To complete this project I will need to make these for 11 double hung, 12 casements, 16 large picture, 3 large slider, and 7 medium slider windows.
I appreciate any expertise and advise!:boat:
Here is my idea - using 1/8" or 3/16" thick plexiglass - for our large picture windows (56 x 62) - set the plexiglass in a bead of clear silicone (?) around all 4 sides between the interior white vinyl frame of the window; then face the outside edge with a wood trim painted to match the jamb and casing.
Some of my questions are - how much to allow for contraction/expansion of the plexiglass (MOST of my windows face south)? Is this a good use of 100% silicone? What is the best thickness of plexiglass when it gets to 56 x 62? (The cost increases exponentially with the thicker product.)
These will be a "permanent" for the most part.
My understanding of plexiglass is that it has a much lower transfer of both cold and heat when used on the interior, so "feels" less cold than glass and far less condensation.
For the operating sides of the pictures - I'm thinking of "framing" the plexiglass by using wood trim on both sides, using 1/2" on the back, and maybe screen moulding on the front. (This will give me a total of a 1" air space between the glass and the plexiglass.) Then face the edge of the frame with some type of compression strip for a removable "pressure-mount", and fitting this into the same opening as the screen uses.
What would work best for this? (I would like this to be white, but longevity and an effective seal are more important.)
I think this would also work for double hung windows.
I am willing to try several prototypes to get this right. To complete this project I will need to make these for 11 double hung, 12 casements, 16 large picture, 3 large slider, and 7 medium slider windows.
I appreciate any expertise and advise!:boat: