Storm windows play an important part in keeping a home dry. They act as a barrier for your window casing by shielding it from precipitation during storms. Excess moisture in your windows can seep into your walls and into the home’s interior; not good. If you have a damaged or aging storm window here are the steps to fix the problem.
First, take no notice of the problem until you spot a sizable water stain on the ceiling. Hopefully you’ve just poured yourself a nice, hot, cup of coffee. Preferably in the morning, and if possible, the morning after a fun evening out at the pub with friends; the worse the hangover the better in this situation.
Make sure to take note of the issue, but don’t act. Enjoy that cup of coffee. Still plenty of time in the day to get that work done, even if it is Mother’s Day.
Forget all about it.
At 9pm remember the problem and go investigate the source. Find the second story window above the leak and notice the storm windows aren’t set in the correct position. This is most likely the cause if there is cracked or missing caulk in the casing, especially if it is a fresh stain and there was recent storm activity.
Fiddle with the storm windows for far too long and curse the name of the maker while doing everything in your power to get the 50 year-old piece of scrap to move anywhere near the correct position. Push too hard. Push so hard that the last remaining screw on the right side of the storm casement lets loose from the rotted window frame and the entire assembly swings wide like its screen door cousin, screeching just the same.
Regain Composure. It’s just a storm window and there’s only a 20 foot fall. Don’t let that dented hunk of low-rent aluminum get the best of you. Move the storm window back into position and vow to pickup the required materials to fix it tomorrow.
After work the next day justify your laziness toward the “situation” because it’s your birthday. Swear to yourself and your lover that you will “deal with it tomorrow”. Cite the good weather.
Don’t check the weather forecast.
On the morning of the third day, put on your raincoat, grab a few plastic bags and head out into the torrent to pick up the glass shards and mangled aluminum strewn about your lawn. Tell yourself, “There’s no time like the present”.
Pay someone to install a new storm window.
Ah yes, the wonders of owning an old home. I feel your pain brother, truly I do.