Building wooden storm windows

[MWeber]

I want to build some wooden storm windows to replace aluminum triple tracks. I'm a pretty fair woodworker and don't think the actual construction will be too difficult. However, I want to be able to remove the lower glass panel at temperate times of the year. I envision an upper half with glass on the outer side of the frame and the bottom half with a screen on the outer side (a one lite over one lite?). A removable glass panel will be mounted on the bottom half on the inside for easy removal/replacement. I've spent a couple of days thinking about ways to build the window so the lower glass panel looks acceptable from the inside, is not obvious from the outside, is affective at sealing, and easy to remove. I've come up with a few options but I'm wondering if anyone has done this or had it done. If so, how does your system work and are you happy with it? Also, anyone with ideas on a good way to do this, please chime in. Thanks.

[James]

Sounds like a great idea. Want to build 14 of them for me when you're done?

[MWeber]

Sounds like a great idea. Want to build 14 of them for me when you're done?

LOL Sure, as soon as I finish mine. Just send me your 50% deposit

[Texas_Ranger]

A classic way would be using the actual storm window as a frame for an outwards opening casement. Then you could open it whenever you want and completely take it off the hinges in summer. I've seen that done with large casements that had a small separately opening casement added. Shouldn't be too obtrusive.

[ChrisF]

I built a couple storms last year for some attic windows. Not possible to install them from the outside, so I made a frame that permanently installed in the opening, then a removable window panel that installs from the INSIDE.

You could do the same for your storms. I just used a half-lap joint between the inside of the frame and outside of the panel, with some EPDM weatherstripping inbetween for a weather seal. Used some turn buckles to "lock" the panel in place. Doing it this way will still allow you to install screening on the outside of the storm.

[Sombreuil_Mongrel]

To build in all these features, use 1 1/8" material and good joinery so they withstand the test of time. And don't waste your labor with inferior home-center lumber; use hardwood; tropical hardwood like mahogany or Spanish Cedar.
The storm panel can be 1/4" plexiglass held in with small turn-buttons.
http://www.wgsonline.com/mm5/merchant.m ... ore_Code=1

I second the EPDM rubber weather seal idea.
Casey

[MWeber]

Some great ideas, thanks. Texas_Ranger, casements are an intriguing idea, never thought about that. The only problem is I need to be able to open them from the inside and not sure how that would work with screens attached. I guess I could make the windows with a removable lower screen inside instead of a removable lower glass panel. Hummmm.

ChrisF, that's exactly what I was thinking of, just not sure of the details. Don't happen to have a picture showing how you did it do you? I was worried about getting enough "frame" around the removable glass panel so it would be rigid enough. Thanks.

Sombreuil_Mongrel, yes I am well aware of the reputation of home center wood and plywood products being a member of several woodworking forums. I probably won't use as exotic wood as mahogany or Spanish Cedar, but will use a good quality straight grain, kiln dried hardwood or cypress. Also, thanks for the link to those turnbuckles.

All the windows are fairly large. About 5 1/2 feet tall by 4 feet wide, typical 8 lite over 1. All quite well painted shut, but that's another issue.

[Sombreuil_Mongrel]

Mahogany is not all that expensive compared to the other suitable woods. Clear white pine is higher. If you have a good source for heart cypress (caution: do not use anything with the white sapwood, it rots so fast!) at a competitive price, use it. But it has become very hard to find in my region in the last 12 years; a lot of sapwood was showing up, and nobody wants that, so they stopped carrying it.
Walnut and white oak may also be satisfactory.
Casey

[ivanho]

I have wooden storms to build as well and hope to get to it later this Summer. Don't know how I'm going to do it, but interested in any solutions you come up with.

[Texas_Ranger]

The only problem is I need to be able to open them from the inside and not sure how that would work with screens attached.

My basic idea was taking the storms off in summer and replacing them with screens, either hinged screens or held in place with turn-buttons.