To remove storm windows for cleaning, first work out which type you have, then release the tabs, clips or tracks that hold each panel and lift it out with a helper. Storm windows are glass in a light frame, so they need careful handling to avoid damage and injuries. The steps below cover the most common types.
Know Which Type of Storm Window You Have
Several types are commonly used, and each comes out differently.
Interior single-pane panels. These have vinyl or aluminum frames and are held in place with plastic or metal tabs on the inside of the window.
Exterior wood-framed panels. These have thicker single-pane glass in a wood frame. They are usually held by metal lever snaps or screws on the outside of the house.
Triple-track aluminum storm windows. These are installed over double-hung windows. They have two glass panels and a screen that slide in separate tracks, and each piece is removable.
Before You Start
Label each panel as it comes out so you know which window it belongs to when you put everything back.
Wear eye protection, long sleeves and leather gloves, and have someone help you. Check the glass carefully for chips or cracks before you remove it. If you find any, have a professional replace the glass. Be especially careful if the panels are not made of tempered glass.
For second-story storm windows, it is best to hire professional window cleaners.
How to Remove Storm Windows by Type
Interior panels
Turn the tabs that hold the panel in place. If they are too tight, use pliers or a screwdriver. Keep a hand on the panel so it does not fall out. Use a small flat screwdriver to gently lift one edge, then ease the storm window out.
Exterior panels
Outdoor storm windows come out in much the same way once the snaps or screws are released. They usually have thicker glass, so they are heavier and harder to handle.
Wood frames can warp or swell and get stuck, and the edge may have been painted over. Score the painted edge with a utility knife, then use a flat putty knife or screwdriver to pry the edges loose. On older aluminum storm windows, watch out for loose frames.
Triple-track aluminum windows
These are removed one piece at a time from the inside. Slide the lower panel open a crack, press on each side of the frame to find the spring-loaded track, and take the panel out.
Next remove the screen. Have your helper hold the upper panel in place while you do this so it does not drop. Then slide the upper panel down about an inch and remove it.
Cleaning the Panels
Lean the storm windows against a flat wall to clean them. If you are working indoors, put a towel underneath to catch the runoff.
Do not press hard. Too much pressure can make the glass bow or break. Any fog that forms while you clean should evaporate quickly. Let the panels dry, then reinstall them in reverse order using your labels.
Tired of Taking Storm Windows Down?
If removing and cleaning storm windows has become a chore, or the frames are warped and stuck, it may be time to look at the windows behind them. Vinyl replacement windows with insulated glass do the job of a window and a storm panel in one unit, so there is nothing to take down each season.
The same goes for doors. A new storm door adds weather protection at the entry without seasonal work.
Aladdin is a family-owned company in Wallingford that has worked on Connecticut homes since 1949. To talk about your windows or request an estimate, contact us today or call (203) 776-9996.