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Replacing Glass in a Metal Storm Window

This story shows you how to replace glass in a metal storm window.

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Slip pane into frame groove Enlarge Image

Screen and Storm Window Repairs

Metal storm and screen windows are frequent troublemakers, partly because they are often of poor quality and may have been hastily installed. You can sometimes -- but not always -- purchase replacement parts; manufacturers are often regional and may be out of business. For a tighter seal consider installing better-quality storms.

Prestart Checklist

Time
1 or 2 hours to make most repairs

Tools
Hammer, tape measure, putty knife, spline roller

Skills
General carpentry skills

Prep
Remove and inspect storm sashes. Contact manufacturers for parts as needed.

Materials
Screening and glass as needed, exterior wood glue or polyurethane glue, dowels, finish nails

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Storm window parts Enlarge Image

Fragile parts

Storm windows have a number of small plastic and metal parts that are easily broken. In addition to corner keys, you may need to replace sliding locks, sash hangers, and pull tabs. The weatherstripping often compresses or comes out; use a spline roller to replace it with new weatherstripping. If the sash is bent and you need to make a new one, see Making a New Metal Screen Sash.

Disassemble frame to remove glass Enlarge Image
Replacing glass in a metal storm window: Step 1

If the broken pane has large pieces that will not pull out easily, disassemble the frame in order to remove the glass. Unscrew the retaining screws and remove at least one piece of framing.

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Slip gasket into edges of pane Enlarge Image
Replacing glass in a metal storm window: Step 2

Order a new pane the same size and thickness as the old. Unless the rubber gasket is in great shape, buy new gasket material as well. Slip the gasket onto the edges of the pane. At the corners, make a cut in the gasket so it wraps the glass without stretching or bulging.

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Slip pane into frame groove Enlarge Image
Replacing glass in a metal storm window: Step 3

Slip the pane and gasket into the frame's groove; make sure it seats firmly at all points. Push on the frame piece that you removed, check that all the corners are tight, and drive the retaining screws.

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Comments (4)
6402048796
goldsurprize wrote:

I can't find the latch that I need to replace in my storm window, looked at swisco.com they were pretty useless, didn't even respond and they sent me the wrong parts

9/24/2012 09:12:57 PM Report Abuse
menjo4 wrote:

need materials to make 4 new sliding glass storm window frames, can you help?

8/28/2012 02:47:57 PM Report Abuse
pkhansen3 wrote:

Yes, there are no screws in the corners of my storm window frame, either.

5/10/2012 12:20:37 PM Report Abuse
georgewshirley wrote:

their are no screws in corners

1/23/2011 11:43:47 AM Report Abuse
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