Cleaning and Installing the Storm Windows

September 29, 2017

Cleaning and Installing the Storm Windows

Early fall chores continue at my Bedford, New York farm.

To stay organized during seasonal transitions, we follow a schedule of tasks from one year to the next. Among these chores, it’s important to replace all the screen windows and doors with storm glass before the colder months arrive. My housekeeping and outdoor grounds crews try to get a good head start with this project every year because there are so many to change around the farm. It’s an easy task to ignore, but doing this every fall and changing them back every spring provides better maintenance for the windows and doors, and better energy efficiency for the entire home.

Enjoy these photos.

: Storm windows and doors have a lot of benefits – they provide added insulation and more protection to the existing windows and doors. They also offer more security for the home.

: We always clean storm windows and doors before installing them – dust can always accumulate while they are in storage during the off seasons.

: A good all-natural cleaning solution using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle will clean them well.

: After spraying the vinegar-water solution, Carlos wipes it with a soft, damp washcloth, and then dries it with another.

: Then Carlos goes over the window again with a microfiber or lint-free cloth to prevent streaks.

: Meanwhile, Fernando is on the ladder cleaning the outside of my windows at my Summer House.

: Fernando sprays a small amount of the same vinegar-water solution on each pane, being careful not to spray directly on the frames. Choose a time of day when the sun is not shining directly on the windows. The heat from the sun can cause the cleaning fluid to dry, which will result in streaks or water spots.

: Then, Fernando wipes the vinegar-water solution around the entire window with a damp washcloth, making sure to get into the corners.

: Here is a window pane before it is cleaned. Even though my windows are cleaned regularly, and often, film caused by air pollutants that hit the window can accumulate.

: Fernando follows up with a dry cloth. Always wipe the windows completely dry to avoid any more film from accumulating.

: And then he wipes the pane again with a microfiber or lint-free cloth.

: Most windows are fitted with their appropriate storm window, but once this window is cleaned, a screen window is put into place instead – sometimes during the cooler months, I like to open a window to let the fresh air inside.

: Each screen and storm window and door has several brackets to hold the inserts in place. They are controlled by brass screws.

: In this photo you can see the slit that holds the brass hardware.

: A regular screwdriver is used to turn the screw clockwise or counterclockwise to release or retract the bracket into the wooden frame of the insert.

: I like the elegant look of this bronze mesh screening, which is made of 90-percent copper and 10-percent zinc for strength and durability.

: Everything is secured – one down, and many, many more to go.

: Here, Carlos puts in a glass insert. My storm window and door frames are all made of wood. Others are made of fiberglass or aluminum, and have interchangeable glass and screen panels. Some doors use screws and brackets to hold inserts in place, while others use spring loaded clips.

: The storm windows are secured in the same fashion – with screws and brackets attached to the wooden frames. This window is in the front of my Summer House facing my Winter House.

: At the top are cut-out notches that hold brass knobs to help keep the top of the window in place.

: Here are the knobs that fit into the top notches – these windows are very heavy, and are custom-made to fit securely in place.

: Once the insert is in position, all the screws and brackets are double checked to make sure the insert is very secure. When changing inserts, it is also a good idea to clean the frames by wiping them down with a moist towel or rag.

: And be sure to label them well, so there is no confusion when it comes time to changing them again. Always store inserts in a cool dry place during the off season.

: The Summer House is now ready for the winter ahead. All the screen and storm windows and doors are stored in my basement, so they can be located easily and efficiently.