First calculate the dimensions of each window in your home and decide if you want a single (full-length), two-piece, or three-piece sash. The single storm sashes are the simplest to assemble but the two or three piece are sturdier. If any window is larger than 9 square feet, you will need to assemble the two or three piece sash. Depending on your budget, the least expensive storm windows are made of aluminum and can be made for much less than ready-made storm windows.

The tools that you will need:

• Hacksaw
• Small Miter Box
• Sturdy Hammer & Nails
• Small Screwdrivers (regular and Philips Head)
• Jamb Brackets & Screws
• Combination Square
• Sturdy Clear Tape

Depending on the type of sash that you are making you will need to follow the following dimensions:

• Single Sash-1/8 inch smaller than the width and height of the window
• Two-Piece-1/4 inch smaller than the width and height of the window
• Three-Piece-3/8 inch smaller than the width and height of the window

You might also be interested in placing storm windows on basement windows. If so, the storm windows can be installed on the inside and are usually ¾ inch more than the width and height of the windows. They can be secured with wood screws.

Since most home improvement stores offer free glass-cutting if you purchase the glass at their store, you will not have to worry about this. Remember to have the glass cut

1 1/16 inch smaller that the outside measurements of the aluminum frame (See Above). Single strength glass is acceptable, but double-strength can be purchased for a few pennies more and is well worth it. All you will need to concern yourself with is the aluminum sashes and corner locks and the proper tools.

If you are replacing old storm windows you can check the measurements of the aluminum prior to sizing and cutting the new aluminum. The original storm windows probably fit perfectly so using them as a guide will make your job easier.

Now remove the glazing channel before cutting the new aluminum sash. Place the channel around the perimeter of the glass, taping into place if necessary. Use the combination square to show 45° angles, and then cut the glaze from the corner and the aluminum with a hacksaw. File off any rough edges.

You are now ready to push the corner locks into place. Place the new sashes over the top and bottom on the pane, then add the sides. Make sure that the new sashes fit snugly and they are centered.

For added security, mount two jamb brackets (one on each side) to the top of the window about 1 inch from outer corner of the window casing. Now screw the counter jamb brackets to the top and 1 inch from the corner of the new aluminum sash. You may now put the new storm window into place.

Due to global warming and shifts in weather patterns storms, tornados, and hurricanes seem to hitting America more frequently and with higher intensity than ever before. Help protect your home by adding storm windows that can reduce drafts, heating and cooling costs, and help protect your home and family.

PROS

• Vinyl Siding can be a lot less expensive than brick or wood
• It is very easy to maintain and never has to be painted
• It comes in a variety of colors (mostly light) and styles (scalloped, smooth, wood grain)
• Most siding comes with a lifetime warranty
• Vinyl Siding can be easily installed over the original home material (brick, wood) allowing the material base to breathe
• It sheds water helping to alleviate mold and mildew
• It is termite and dust mite resistant
• Vinyl Siding has a beautiful, new appearance
• It won’t rot which alleviates replacement
• It can be trimmed with other materials such as wood for a less generic look
• Everybody’s doing it

CONS

• Vinyl siding can be very expensive depending on the type and grade that you are purchasing
• It may be very difficult, in case of damage or fading, to find exact duplicate replacement siding that is the exact color or style of your current siding
• It has not proven to be very weather resistant. Consider carefully because if you live in an area prone to tornados, hurricanes, or extremely bad storms, siding has not proven it’s durability or resistance to strong winds as well as brick, wood, or cement have
• A lot of vinyl siding comes with a lifetime warranty but you should read the contract very carefully to find exact replacement clauses
• The color fades over time
• It is not as noise resistant as brick or wood
• Vinyl siding will crack very easily after being exposed to extreme sunlight and inclement weather

• It is very “cookie-cutter” in appearance leaving little room for visual personality and is unoriginal
• It has proven to chalk over time
• Vinyl Siding cannot be removed unless you are willing to replace all of the removed trim, fill all the nail holes leftover from the siding, and restore the beauty of the brick or wood by treating or replacing

While any choice comes with its own set of problems it generally boils down to personal preference. Whatever you decide, be sure that to do your research and price comparisons.