Great video guys! I think this is an easy enough project for someone with beginner D.I.Y. skills and limited tools. I might suggest using 1x2's to eliminate the need for "ripping a 1x4 down". I plan on using your method to build some temporary interior storms as a get by, until I can build a more long term solution for storm windows.
I tried this some years ago. The airflow from the leaky original windows pushed the panel out. The pressure seal was not enough to hold it in place during windy times. Plus I have normal residential windows for a normal thickness of wall, that is I do not have a 12+ inch window sill as shown in the video. I have only at best 1 inch for the panel to slide in, and a windy day would just pop the panel out. I needed to screw the panels into the jamb. So one would have to figure out eventually a kind of toggle system to hold them on like the toggle on an old exterior storm. But then we have pretty interior trim moldings with curved profiles; certainly not a flat surface to make it easy. I had considered figuring out some pin system that would insert into a hole drilled into the jamb, but haven't tested that. The real problem is double sided tape was too weak and the shrink film is flimsy. Either/or would fail somehow by the next year, so it wasn't much different from the amount of effort of just putting the clear plastic and tape directly on the original window trim each season. Another problem...the taut shrink wrap would pull the wood frame into an hour glass shape (i used pine, then I later tried douglas fir, still a problem for tall windows)...so you would need extra mutins depending on the size of your window to keep the full length of the stile flush with the jamb. So you see, this interior storm window idea is nice in theory, but pulling it off to work successfully, is going to take some effort.
the real killer expense wise is the foam perimeter.... any suggestions?? home depot has stuff that is nearly a dollar per foot... and that is just way too much for me
@maxwellsmart3156 that's actually a pretty clever idea. I'm not sure if that would work or not. I ended up saving up for that good squishy foam stuff and it worked pretty well actually very well. But it was a little expensive at the time
@@brianbailey462 The video was done 9 years ago and things were probably cheaper. I'm wondering if China tariffs or shipping costs from China have something to do with it. Does everything need to be made in China. I mean it's foam, mix a couple of chemicals and there you have it. Rubber tubing might work too. Sometimes is cheaper in the long run to use the right components. If the Windows last 10+ years then maybe the upfront costs can be amortized. I'm glad you were able to get it done.
@maxwellsmart3156 yeah rubber tubing was in strong consideration. Sad we don't make very much here in the USA anymore. Ur right tho, foam is super easy to make.. hmm business idea? 🤔 Lol The 1/2" sticky backed foam was just so nice to use because it meant my frame making didn't have to be perfect . It squishes in very nicely despite the lumpy and not straight sheetrock openings. And there was very few air gaps (took a small punch of some wool I had laying around and filled in any tiny cracks) These inserts I leave in year round I guess except the 2 windows on opposite sides of the house that I open for cross ventilation when the outside weather is ideal. I'm very happy I made the inserts
@@brianbailey462 Government is willing to give some 0% loans to get manufacturing back onshore. Pick a ghost town and be a real hero. Ya never know. I'd try it but I'm from Canada and it's hard to find the younger generation with any motivation. Did you find it saved you money or you felt more comfortable?
Would a staple gun be better than double sided tape along the outer edge. Would hold better in the long term. Of course you may have to go for a thicker mil plastic to hold up to the staples.
The instructions say to make the plastic shrink wrap 6 inches longer than the frame. Does that mean it needs to be 6 inches longer on all sides of the frame?
Shrink wrap is usually not wide enough or strong enough to withstand cats or kids. I would use a heavier clear plastic. Also, small pieces of wood tend to split when you put in a large screw, you should drill a pilot hole first.
Russel Rowe Please stop trying to look smart. The shrink wrap they used is *specifically* designed for this kind of application. What do you mean "it's usually not wide enough"? *Ask where they sourced it* They have the apporiate sized plastic in the fucking video. Otherwise, there would be no video! You can't just use heavier plastic sheeting either. You can't see through it! You need the shrinking property to ensure glass-like transparency. Why not cover the goddam window with plywood? Why can't you nitpicking bastards just hit the thumbs up button and move along? Especially when your criticism is *incorrect*
Why can't you use the plastic sheeting...I did. I built the frame, reduced the measurements by 1/4" to allow for the double layer overlap of the clear plastic and stapled that to my frame. Seems to work okay. Granted, this was on a bedroom patio door and stationary window but it seems to be okay. Sure it's not a super clear film but it lets in the light and visibility is tolerable...even with a few wrinkles but for a bedroom view of the garden and lake it's not a big deal. I am going to try the shrink film on windows that actually have a view that I enjoy all day however. Thanks for the video.
Hi! Love the video, live locally and looking to do this in my house. Your link to the cut list on your website is not actually a link. Can this be updated? My biggest question is how much smaller do you make the window compared to the opening to allow for the foam weather stripping?
Hi! Thank you for bringing our attention to this. We just got a brand new website, so lots of our links need replacing. I think you'll find the links in the description work now. I also believe the answer to your question is in the instructions pdf. let me know if you have any trouble!
In the list of materials, you include a 20" x 3,500' Shrink Film Roll. But most windows would be wider than 20 inches. I'm pretty sure that the storm window you're building in this video is wider than 20", so what film did you actually use? What do you recommend for windows 40+ inches wide?
I think most shrink film is folded in half before being wrapped around the roll during manufacturing, based on what I've seen. It's called "centerfold" -- it's made like this so it takes up less space and can be easily used for wrapping and sealing products. If you notice, they unfold the film before putting it on the window. So 20" film can actually cover 40" (or close to it)
No, when it comes to noise reduction the difference will be imperceptible. What isolates noise is mass (heavy, compact dense materials), so your better option to reduce noise is glass rather than plexiglass, and the thicker the better. This applies as well to the weather stripping: choose rubber not foam and if you can place it on the face of your screen frame (not the edges like here) to go against the window retainer; you might have to add a bottom rail on the window ledge to receive it or just put your rubber strip on the edge just for the bottom section. Hope this helps.
Thanks for notifying! It's a security alert based on consumer protection. You should be able to dismiss the alert, and proceed to the website. Nothing to worry about since our website doesn't ask you for any personal info!
Sorry to be blunt, but these are a piss poor design!! I fought with these for years, before finally deciding that they are too much trouble to deal with. Placing the foam around the outside edge is aggravating at best. It is very difficult to size the frames properly, simply because of the inconsistency of the foam itself, they either fit too loose to be effective, or they end up being so tight, that the foam rolls out as you are trying to install them. Installing an inner casing that you can screw the storm window frame to is much more user friendly. Just place the foam around the outer perimeter of the face of the frame, instead of the outside edge. Sooo much easier to deal with!!!!
Three things that suggest people should move on to a different video. Packing tape disintegrates in the sun. Two layers of plastic does not help with insulation and will trap moisture when the adhesive even slightly fails. The large stagnant air gap between the window and insert will provide plenty of insulation. The Green color looks like ass.
It is a poor choice to play background in an instructional video. Why, you may ask ? 1) It is a distraction. As the population curve moves on the scale the target pool groups will retain less on certain presentations because of distracting interest and confusion. It makes the information harder to grasp and/or retain for some people. 2) The choice of a music title is highly Subjective. Ua... that means while some people may like the selected title, others will hate it, they will try to delete your post and/or destroy there computer to make it stop. 3) It's stupid. that means it goes against common sense. Erc, etc...
That's a legitimate concern. However, these inserts do not violate any codes, and also they are made of a thin enough plastic that they'd be very unlikely to deter escape or inconvenience fire fighters.
This is not a legitimate concern. It's heat shrink plastic film, not bulletproof glass. Is it a UA-cam requirement to have a naysaying know-it-all embarrass themselves in the comments section of home improvement videos? Stop trying to seem smarter than everyone. You've failed. *Excellent work on these storm windows fellas. They look great & are a solid solution.*
One of the hidden gems of the internet. Thanks for the great information and laughs.
The music makes this top notch 👌🏻
I actually watched the whole thing even with my UA-cam adhd
I keep planning to make these! Next winter. For sure
Great video guys! I think this is an easy enough project for someone with beginner D.I.Y. skills and limited tools. I might suggest using 1x2's to eliminate the need for "ripping a 1x4 down". I plan on using your method to build some temporary interior storms as a get by, until I can build a more long term solution for storm windows.
'''
Love this. Well done. Particularly love the 80s rock and the dorky guy with the tie.
Thanks Strongbad! Glad you liked the video. I'll have you know, Brooks might be an energy efficiency nerd, but he is no dork!
That was amazing!
Awsome , great idea. My next project.
Quick question. When you repeat the steps for the second side, you're going to apply another round of double-sided tape on top of the first one?
I tried this some years ago. The airflow from the leaky original windows pushed the panel out. The pressure seal was not enough to hold it in place during windy times. Plus I have normal residential windows for a normal thickness of wall, that is I do not have a 12+ inch window sill as shown in the video. I have only at best 1 inch for the panel to slide in, and a windy day would just pop the panel out. I needed to screw the panels into the jamb. So one would have to figure out eventually a kind of toggle system to hold them on like the toggle on an old exterior storm. But then we have pretty interior trim moldings with curved profiles; certainly not a flat surface to make it easy. I had considered figuring out some pin system that would insert into a hole drilled into the jamb, but haven't tested that. The real problem is double sided tape was too weak and the shrink film is flimsy. Either/or would fail somehow by the next year, so it wasn't much different from the amount of effort of just putting the clear plastic and tape directly on the original window trim each season. Another problem...the taut shrink wrap would pull the wood frame into an hour glass shape (i used pine, then I later tried douglas fir, still a problem for tall windows)...so you would need extra mutins depending on the size of your window to keep the full length of the stile flush with the jamb. So you see, this interior storm window idea is nice in theory, but pulling it off to work successfully, is going to take some effort.
Thank for that information I'm gonna think of other added ways to make it more secure regarding the things you highlighted
@@carmel-wayfinder5401 Any wisdom to share?
Great idea exactly what is in mind but I would stick it to the outer frame with velcro
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the video. Great information and I loved the humour! Best DIY video out there - Thank you!!
Once you apply wrap on one side, should you shrink it before applying the other side or does it matter?
Would 2x1x8 furring strips work?
If you wrap one side with the poly film wouldn't you have to re-tape with the double sided tape to wrap the other side ?
2
Right,!.!.? Did you use two layers of double sided tape?
Nicely done
the real killer expense wise is the foam perimeter.... any suggestions?? home depot has stuff that is nearly a dollar per foot... and that is just way too much for me
Bubble Wrap, maybe
@maxwellsmart3156 that's actually a pretty clever idea. I'm not sure if that would work or not.
I ended up saving up for that good squishy foam stuff and it worked pretty well actually very well. But it was a little expensive at the time
@@brianbailey462 The video was done 9 years ago and things were probably cheaper. I'm wondering if China tariffs or shipping costs from China have something to do with it. Does everything need to be made in China. I mean it's foam, mix a couple of chemicals and there you have it. Rubber tubing might work too. Sometimes is cheaper in the long run to use the right components. If the Windows last 10+ years then maybe the upfront costs can be amortized. I'm glad you were able to get it done.
@maxwellsmart3156 yeah rubber tubing was in strong consideration.
Sad we don't make very much here in the USA anymore. Ur right tho, foam is super easy to make.. hmm business idea? 🤔 Lol
The 1/2" sticky backed foam was just so nice to use because it meant my frame making didn't have to be perfect . It squishes in very nicely despite the lumpy and not straight sheetrock openings. And there was very few air gaps (took a small punch of some wool I had laying around and filled in any tiny cracks)
These inserts I leave in year round I guess except the 2 windows on opposite sides of the house that I open for cross ventilation when the outside weather is ideal.
I'm very happy I made the inserts
@@brianbailey462 Government is willing to give some 0% loans to get manufacturing back onshore. Pick a ghost town and be a real hero. Ya never know. I'd try it but I'm from Canada and it's hard to find the younger generation with any motivation.
Did you find it saved you money or you felt more comfortable?
Would a staple gun be better than double sided tape along the outer edge. Would hold better in the long term. Of course you may have to go for a thicker mil plastic to hold up to the staples.
The instructions say to make the plastic shrink wrap 6 inches longer than the frame. Does that mean it needs to be 6 inches longer on all sides of the frame?
Shrink wrap is usually not wide enough or strong enough to withstand cats or kids. I would use a heavier clear plastic. Also, small pieces of wood tend to split when you put in a large screw, you should drill a pilot hole first.
Russel Rowe
Please stop trying to look smart. The shrink wrap they used is *specifically* designed for this kind of application. What do you mean "it's usually not wide enough"? *Ask where they sourced it* They have the apporiate sized plastic in the fucking video. Otherwise, there would be no video! You can't just use heavier plastic sheeting either. You can't see through it! You need the shrinking property to ensure glass-like transparency. Why not cover the goddam window with plywood? Why can't you nitpicking bastards just hit the thumbs up button and move along? Especially when your criticism is *incorrect*
Why can't you use the plastic sheeting...I did. I built the frame, reduced the measurements by 1/4" to allow for the double layer overlap of the clear plastic and stapled that to my frame. Seems to work okay. Granted, this was on a bedroom patio door and stationary window but it seems to be okay. Sure it's not a super clear film but it lets in the light and visibility is tolerable...even with a few wrinkles but for a bedroom view of the garden and lake it's not a big deal. I am going to try the shrink film on windows that actually have a view that I enjoy all day however. Thanks for the video.
Hi! Love the video, live locally and looking to do this in my house. Your link to the cut list on your website is not actually a link. Can this be updated? My biggest question is how much smaller do you make the window compared to the opening to allow for the foam weather stripping?
Hi! Thank you for bringing our attention to this. We just got a brand new website, so lots of our links need replacing. I think you'll find the links in the description work now. I also believe the answer to your question is in the instructions pdf. let me know if you have any trouble!
In the list of materials, you include a 20" x 3,500' Shrink Film Roll. But most windows would be wider than 20 inches. I'm pretty sure that the storm window you're building in this video is wider than 20", so what film did you actually use? What do you recommend for windows 40+ inches wide?
I think most shrink film is folded in half before being wrapped around the roll during manufacturing, based on what I've seen. It's called "centerfold" -- it's made like this so it takes up less space and can be easily used for wrapping and sealing products. If you notice, they unfold the film before putting it on the window. So 20" film can actually cover 40" (or close to it)
where are the detailed instruction? your link is broken. thanks
Hi Pete. Thanks for the notification. Check the video description for updated links.
Looks like the cold 🥶 is coming out from the sides
Ok great idea but I have a turn handle on the bottom of my window. Do you have any idea how to help me ??
Perhaps there is space within the frame - inside from where the handle is located?
the turn handle on some windows can easily be removed with a set screw for the winter
Thanks so much✌🏼
Hi there, great job! I was wondering if this kind of window will help reduce the street noice. What do you think?
Yes, but AFAIK the thicker the plastic/glass and the bigger the gaps between panes, the better.
No, when it comes to noise reduction the difference will be imperceptible. What isolates noise is mass (heavy, compact dense materials), so your better option to reduce noise is glass rather than plexiglass, and the thicker the better. This applies as well to the weather stripping: choose rubber not foam and if you can place it on the face of your screen frame (not the edges like here) to go against the window retainer; you might have to add a bottom rail on the window ledge to receive it or just put your rubber strip on the edge just for the bottom section. Hope this helps.
My windows are not at all square, help???
Measure each side individually (top, bottom, left, right) and the diagonals.
Wait what!
Al Doorland?
Is he related to Al Borland?😅
Good stuff...but...there's a problem accessing your website. I get a fraud alert!!!
Thanks for notifying! It's a security alert based on consumer protection. You should be able to dismiss the alert, and proceed to the website. Nothing to worry about since our website doesn't ask you for any personal info!
Sorry to be blunt, but these are a piss poor design!! I fought with these for years, before finally deciding that they are too much trouble to deal with. Placing the foam around the outside edge is aggravating at best. It is very difficult to size the frames properly, simply because of the inconsistency of the foam itself, they either fit too loose to be effective, or they end up being so tight, that the foam rolls out as you are trying to install them. Installing an inner casing that you can screw the storm window frame to is much more user friendly. Just place the foam around the outer perimeter of the face of the frame, instead of the outside edge. Sooo much easier to deal with!!!!
Even though I like the music, it is totally distracting. Don't do that again.
Three things that suggest people should move on to a different video. Packing tape disintegrates in the sun. Two layers of plastic does not help with insulation and will trap moisture when the adhesive even slightly fails. The large stagnant air gap between the window and insert will provide plenty of insulation. The Green color looks like ass.
Will it be better that I use one plastic sheeting instead with insulation tape?
If this were true, triple paned windows would not perform better than double paned windows. But they do.
Is ANY of the plastic sheeting perfectly clear?
It is a poor choice to play background in an instructional video. Why, you may ask ?
1) It is a distraction. As the population curve moves on the scale the target pool groups will retain less on certain presentations because of distracting interest and confusion.
It makes the information harder to grasp and/or retain for some people.
2) The choice of a music title is highly Subjective. Ua... that means while some people may like the selected title, others will hate it, they will try to delete your post and/or destroy there computer to make it stop.
3) It's stupid. that means it goes against common sense.
Erc, etc...
Calm down, they turned it down during the actual instructional part.
Best part was the music. Salty man
Perhaps you could show us one of your perfect instructional videos. Please share the link . . . .
@@brainfreeze1925 While I'm ambivalent about the original post, your point relies on a false dichotomy.
I agree. i find background music distracting but then I'm a simple mind ... with a Master's degree.
Tools are not materials
Great. Build your own firetrap.These impede bedroom emergency egress imo.
That's a legitimate concern. However, these inserts do not violate any codes, and also they are made of a thin enough plastic that they'd be very unlikely to deter escape or inconvenience fire fighters.
you can't escape from a fire because of saran wrap ?
This is not a legitimate concern. It's heat shrink plastic film, not bulletproof glass. Is it a UA-cam requirement to have a naysaying know-it-all embarrass themselves in the comments section of home improvement videos? Stop trying to seem smarter than everyone. You've failed.
*Excellent work on these storm windows fellas. They look great & are a solid solution.*
I've used similar shrink material before . . . my dog's nose and my kids fingers easily punched holes in the shrink wrap.
@@peterzappe6197 if I wasn't already taken, this comment would warrants a marriage proposal. Thank you, kind sir.