COPYRIGHT 2016 JAMES DULLEY ( www.dulley.com/sea/ ) - February 2016 - (graphics ref. No. 391 at www.dulley.com/sea/column/2016-feb.htm )

“Make your own inexpensive storm windows or buy new ones”

Dear Jim: I have double-pane windows, so will adding storm windows make sense? If so, I plan to make them myself. Are interior or exterior storm windows best and how can I build them? - Sarah T.

Dear Sarah: They can save energy, reduce fading and quiet road noise. Since you already have double-pane windows, do-it-yourself storm windows are the most cost effective option. Professionally installed storm windows may take a long time to pay back their higher cost.

In mild climates, such as Texas, Carolinas, etc. inexpensive interior storm windows are best. They increase the insulating value of the entire window opening by more than 50 percent and are easily removed for natural ventilation. Using the proper materials, they also block the sun's fading rays.

In colder northern climates, where winter heating is the primary expense, exterior storms provide more savings. They provide the same insulation improvement as interior one, but they also block the convection losses from the cold winter winds.

The drawback to exterior storms is they must be stronger to resist the outdoor weather. Inexpensive interior storms are easier to make yourself. There also are do-it-yourself indoor kits to simplify making them.

Storm windows save by creating a dead air space and reducing air leakage. A narrow air gap between the window glass and the storm is better. Some people install interior storms just to block the sun's UV fading rays. For this, rigid clear acrylic sheets are best.

The simplest design uses polyolefin shrink film from a do-it-yourself storm window kit. Make your own frame made from 3/4 by 1-1/2 inch wood. It can be removed and reused for years. This looks better than just sticking the double-sided tape from the kit on the existing window frame.

Make the rectangular storm frame one-quarter inch smaller (space for vinyl weatherstripping around the edge) than the inside dimensions of the window opening. Paint both sides of the wood frame so the tape sticks better. Cut a piece of the shrink film to size and stick it to the frame with the tape.

Place another strip of tape over the film. Make narrow wood strips and staple or nail them to the back side of the frame over this second strip of tape. This holds the shrink film tighter when you shrink it with a blow dryer. With just a single piece of tape, the film may come loose and leak air.

Red Devil "Snap N Seal" kit uses an adhesive-backed, plastic frame material. Cut the frame pieces to fit the existing window. Cut a sheet of clear acrylic sheet to fit. The indoor edge of the frame snaps open and closed so the acrylic sheet can be removed and reused year after year.

Another removable option, Indow window, is a custom-sized frameless acrylic storm window with molded silicone weatherstripping around the edge. It is pushed deep into the window opening to create the small efficient air gap.

Dear Jim: I plan to reside an old farm house and add wall insulation. I like the appearance of real cedar lap siding. What is the best method to nail it up over the insulation and sheathing? - Ken S.

Dear Ken: Using ring shank nails works well because they grip tightly and should not pop over time. Use galvanized steel or aluminum nails to eliminate rust stains. Drive the nail head in flush with the siding surface.

Locate the nails just above the edge of the piece of siding below so you never end up with nails through two pieces of siding. If you drive the nails up too far on the siding, it has a tendency to split.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Publication Name, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.