Storm Windows - an update

[Photomike]

Well it has been a couple years since I made my storm windows and thought I would bring an update.

Here is the original thread

So my thoughts - VERY much worth it. Cuts down on the drafts and makes the TC feel a lot warmer.

Upgrades - If I did it again

• Wrap the edges of the plastic with a black duct tape (we just used a military grade - not sure if this makes any difference) to stop any cracking and will help to seal up a little better (bend the tape around the edge to make a thin gasket). I just did that to my old ones as using the screws I had a few cracks in the plastic. Now with the tape they look as good as new and I hope the cracking is in check. Does look professional as well :B
  
  
• Different way to mount, the screws work GREAT but it is a hassle and does / can cause cracking. Travelnutz uses a mirror mount which would be a great idea but I cut mine to fit inside the track and that idea will not work on mine. This year for two storms I used electrical tape to secure and is working good, Cannot see it against the black tape on the window and the window frame is black and it blends into this, makes it draft proof and is quick to remove in the spring. I still have one to do and I would like it removable so I can photograph out of the window so still working out how to do this.
  
  
• Thickness of the plexi, I like the thickness that I am using but have been told that a thicker piece would work better (less chance to crack and bend). If my widows were bigger then a thicker piece would be nice.
  
  
• Thermal windows. If I was buying new I would have thermal windows, no thinking on that one. Storing the storms is a pain and having thermals would also help in the heat.

Cost - well it cost more to make than other ideas but now going into the 3rd winter they are paying for themselves over the shrink wrap or other plastic ideas so I am happy with this.

[travelnutz]

Photomike,

Let me make it a little clearer. travelnutz only uses mirror clamps where they are the best to use and with stainless steel screws in the existing holes like on the entrance door plastic storm windows because they are outside and below flush with the door and being clear, you can hardly see them. Most to nearly all storms are held (clamped) in with screw thru plastic screen finger turn clamps or feet. The larger heavy storms are held on with appropriate sized stainless steel fender washers with a stainless steel screw into the existing OEM mounting /frame hole thus creating a clamping action. These storms are simply too heavy to be held on with the little plastic turn clamps because of the jerking and bouncing that occurs when driving. I always use the .220 Lexan etc except for the very small less than 8' X8' storms. Only need a few washer clamps with the .220 and the storm will be secure and stay flat. Need twice as many+ clamps with the .100 because it bows between the clamps and leaks air if too far apart. Way too flexible! Also looks wavy and not professional.

The only hole thru my plastic storms is the hole for the crankout window shaft for the lower window portion on sme windows. The hole for the crank serves as a bearing for the crank as it's about .010" (about 2-3 hair thicknesses) larger than the crank barrel. No pressure at all on the storm from the crankshaft barrel. I've never had a storm crack in any one of the storms I've made yet and over the many I've made in the last more than 20 years and 5 RV's. Using clamps, I can install or remove any storm is seconds.

Storing the storms we take off in summer is so easy. clean the windows and put a single sheet of newspaper between each and an old blanket draped over the vertical standing stack and put them against a wall in the back of a quiet seldom used closet in the house or in the basement or the garage. They'll still be there for nesxt year's installing and scratch free. You'll scratch them a lot more just cleaning them. Don't ever use any dry paper or a dry rag to clean them. It will scratch and swirl mark them. A damp old clean tee shirt works great and so does a clean terrycloth if not rubbed hard. Very soft papertowel with a little windex spray will work too.

Photomike, look closely at the pics I emailed you and enlarge them if you need more detail. if you need more to clearify just tell me. The pics are from several different RV windows. That's why you see some little differences. I wanted to give you several examples.

[Tamnative]

When choosing a material, polycarbonate would work better than the acrylic plastics as it will last longer and is not prone to cracking like the acrylic. It is also much easier (and I think)safer to cut and machine. There it a product called Makrolon® polycarbonate that has a "treatment" on the surface that prevents scratching that works very well. If you have a brake it can also be bent without the use of heat.I have made many things from bent covers to air dams for my camper and they have held up really well.

[btggraphix]

Always thought that was a great project Mike - glad to see it's been working well. I might get to it someday 🙂

[kohldad]

I followed you advice and did the about the same thing. The only thing I did different is the mounting.

Did not drill any holes. Plan was to use turn clips, but have found a few pieces of blue painters tape works well. I change them out about twice during their use to make sure they don't stick to well. Just put it over the crack to the window frame, not the wall as the tape could peel off the coating.

Definitely worth the effort. Not only does it cut down on the cold draft, but it also greatly reduces any condensation on the windows.

[Rolling_Condo]

Great idea. I made mine using 1/8" acrylic. Bordered the window frames beside the beds with Velcro strips to hold in place.