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Closing Storm Windows

18 years ago

Here's a bit of an "old house" question, and I hope someone knows the answer - what's the correct way to close storm windows? I have triple track storm windows and am not sure whether the outermost sash should be at the bottom or if the innermost sash should be lowest. I assume there's a "correct" way that weatherproofs better, but maybe I'm wrong.

Any advice is appreciated, and if this isn't the right forum, please move my question to the appropriate location.

Thanks in advance.

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Comments (5)

housekeeping
18 years ago
The outer one is up and the inner one is down. That way the upper one overhangs the intersection slightly. There is also often a metal flange on the back of the bottom one along the top on the outside that interlocks with a similar one on the inner, bottom rail of the upper. If you close them so the flanges fit together it's a better seal. You can tell if they've met and mated by pulling on the upper rail of the inner sash when it's fully down. Pull gently, but you should see the bottom of the outer sash deflect very slightly inwards when you pull.

Clean your tracks out first of any debris which would interfere with good seating.

I always take my screens out when I close up the windows for the winter. Why look through it if you don't have to? Good time to wash and store them for that first warmish day in April ....... (seems so loooong from now!)

Molly~
bus_driver
18 years ago
To re-emphasize the previous post, the outermost pane is at the top. Doing it any other way just funnels driven rain water into the inside of the storm window. As I drive by houses, I often notice the storm windows improperly closed- or not at all. I wonder what, or if, they are thinking.
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kemahaff
3 years ago
I just noticed this was 15 years ago and I've had the same question. thanks.
Stax
3 years ago
Same answer now. Why post after 15 years? lol
chris_chicago
3 years ago
I can't get my outer storm to the top so the inner is above it. Is this going to lead to disaster?

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