A storm panel attached to a single-pane window reduces loss of heat in winter by almost 50%. Panel storm window is also very economical when compared to double-glazed windows. You can add panel storm windows to the inside or outside of the windows. In the exterior panel storm window, there are two types: single and combination. Single storm panels are made from glass, plastic sheeting or rigid plastic. You can fix them in the fall and take down during spring. A combination panel is made of two windowpanes and a screen over the window. It is a permanent fixture. During summer, you can move one of the panes up and the screen down for aeration. The interior panel storm windows are made of flexible plastic like polyethylene or rigid plastic. Rigid plastic panel storm window is normally fixed with Velcro, snap-in seals. It is easy to install the flexible model window frames with snap-in seals or two faced tape. Though they are easy to install, the flexible panels are not as clear as the rigid ones. They may also form wrinkles or sag.





Heat-shrink film, a specific type of flexible film, sticks tightly against the seal and doesn’t shrink as a hair dryer is used to heat it. Interior panel storm windows have to be fixed prior to the heating season and should be brought down before the cooling season begins. The interior panel storm windows are very useful for windows with awnings or for those that grind out, where it is not easy to use an exterior panel storm window. It is not necessary for the interior panel storm window to be custom-built as it is the case with exterior panels. Hence, the interior panels are less expensive and they are available in hardware stores. There are some firms that make custom-fit interior panels also, for those who want them custom-built. The benefits of adding panel storm windows to homes are many. The first things that come to the notice of people about a home are the windows and if they look great, they add to the beauty of your home. Panel storm windows offer protection from inclement weather. They keep cold air from permeating into the home. This saves heating costs and reduces then wear and tear on the main window, adding to its life. Apart from conserving heat, panel storm windows can protect homes from burglaries as homes with two layers of glass make anyone less inclined to break in.





Installing panel storm windows is easy and you can save money in the long run by doing it yourself. When the old panel storm windows wear out, people generally choose to install combination storm windows. They fit directly into the existing window opening and come in many sizes. You require tools and material like drill, caulk or panel adhesive, screws and tape measure along with the replacement window. There area few precautions that you need to take before you start installing the new panel storm window. Repair the damage caused to the main window, replace the cracked glass, mend and paint the wood around the frame. This way, you prevent greater damage to the window.