Storm Window Advisor
Re: Overlap installation of storms, Cliff wrote
"I'll need these Model CA0451 (2 track) sizes (edge to edge) to overlap for exterior installation."
You are suggesting an "overlap" installation. We recommend
a minimal overlap of only 1/2" on each side and at the top. Depending
on whether or not the sill projects beyond the trim boards will determine if a
1/2" is added at the sill or a conventional sill expander should be used to
sit on top of the sill. Also consider the following:
For active storms an overlap installation runs the risk of making the window too
large and the sash too wide. When sash are too wide they may be difficult
or impossible to be removed to the interior through the existing prime window
when you want to wash them. If an overlap installation is the only choice
we recommend a 3 track storm with 2 track operation. This combination will
reduce the sash size and offset some of the growth in sash size from the
addition of an overlap. For fixed storms, overlap installation is not an
issue because the sash can be removed from the outside.
Re: Storm window sizing, John wrote
Thanks for the quote. One question:
When I re-measured, the width was 28" and the height was 70 3/4".
I asked for a quote on 27 3/4 W and 70 3/4 H. Are the storms made exactly
as requested? Should I take off a qtr inch, giving me about 1/8" per
side wiggle room? Please advise. Thanks
We manufacture our windows to an exact tip to tip size (TTT). If you
order 28 x 70 3/4 that is what you get if you order 27 3/4 x 70 3/4 that is what
you get. I always advise a little wiggle room. I can always make a
window that is too small fit. A window that is too big is another problem.
My general rule for storm windows is OSM width - 1/4" and OSM Height
-1/8" where OSM is Opening Size Measurement.
Re: Low E in storm windows, Shawn wrote:
You provided me several quotes on storm windows a while back. I am looking
at the regular vs. deluxe windows. I am wondering what the real benefit of the
low e and other upgrades. My major concern is drafts. I have leaky old wooden
double hung windows that I want to keep because they look good. The storm
windows are key to insulating my house. If the deluxe windows are a
significant improvement over the standard, I would go with them.
Thanks for any additional information you can provide.
Our deluxe package addresses both drafts from air infiltration and drafts
due to convection from the interior window surface. The better weatherstrip
and sash anti bow pins that come with the Low E package do help
improve resistance to air infiltration. Low E by itself will not improve the air infiltration performance of the
storm. However, Low E definitely reduces drafts
due to the convection of air currents off a cold glass surface. A cold glass
surface cools the air near to its surface. This cold air drops and causes a
draft. These drafts are present even on a still night (no wind). Low E
also works in the summer to help reduce air conditioning cost.
The value of Low E is a judgment call. "Deluxing" these windows will add cost.
If your windows are not that large,
convection currents are not as big a deal as they would be say on a patio door.
Still if you have a lot of square footage in windows the effect is cumulative.
Energy costs will continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
Who pays the freight? - Orders are shipped freight prepaid and add.
This means
that we charge for the freight up front.
How much does freight Cost? - Freight is volume sensitive. The more that you order
the less per unit the freight will be. Typically freight on a single door
or window can be between $100 and $200 or more. Orders of multiple windows
or combinations of windows and doors adds only marginally to this cost and will minimize freight costs per unit
making it more economical to ship.
What is residential delivery? - Residential delivery adds from $60 to $100 in
freight cost because of a surcharge added by the freight company. Delivery
to a commercial address will avoid this extra cost. Since we do not make
our money on freight this savings goes directly to the purchaser.
What about damaged goods? - Typically freight damage is not a concern, but it does
happen. We take great care in packaging. We expect that the package(s) will be inspected at time
of delivery. The freight bill must be marked with an appropriate notation
if damage occurs or is suspected. Kaufmann Window and Door will be
responsible for freight damage claims as long as the receiving paper work is
marked with a notation of damage. Repairs will be shipped at no charge.
What is your lead time? - Production is generally 3 weeks for storm windows.
However this will vary at different times of the year. Our busiest season
is in the fall so expect lead times to grow then.
How do I pay? - We accept VISA and Mastercard. Our payment terms are 50%
down and 50% at time of shipment. Smaller orders may require complete
payment in advance.
Do you have stock sizes? - We custom manufacture windows to order. We
manufacture to the nearest 1/8" on the height and width. We do not have stock
window sizes. Standard sizes for storm doors are 36" x 80",
32" x 80" and 30" x 80". We can tell you if a standard
size door will work.