Windows

Picture from 2015 showing the storm windows
 above and none below.

We have 25 windows in our home, not counting the attic and basement. They are the original windows, with the old storm windows replaced with more modern storm windows in 18 of them. Why they didn't add new storms to the other 7 is a complete mystery to me. Anyway, we like the original woodwork on the old windows and decided for the short term at least, to purchase storm windows for the remaining windows. Perhaps in the future, we'll consider replacement windows, but that's for another day.

So, last fall I went out and began to measure. I measured each window at least three times, carefully recording and adjusting my measurements. To match the current storm windows, they would need to be mounted inside the outer frame of the window, meaning that there was little room for error in the measurements. After I was as confident as I could be, I went down to Home Depot and ordered 6 custom storm windows. Did you just catch my error? Yes, that's right. Somehow, my brain short circuited (again) and I failed to order a storm window for the kitchen. More on that later.

The windows arrived about a month later in November. Very bad weather, and a busy work and home schedule arrived as well, meaning our new windows sat in the garage taking up room and getting dirty. Then. the warmest day ever in February arrived, corresponding with a break in my work schedule and a day off for Cindy, After some hesitation on my part, mainly because I was concerned about pushing my lovely bride into service as window installation specialist and ladder climber (no one person can install a window, it takes two). Added to the mix was that we were both coming off a nasty cold, Cindy especially, making going up and down the ladder a thrill, AND a particularly strong line of thunderstorms was bearing down on us as we worked.

First window in place. Little
did I know that I had made a
mistake. 

After being in the garage for for over 3 months the windows were quite dirty, as were the windows and windowsills on the house. Cleaner-in-charge Cindy rightly demanded  a complete cleaning of all new windows and the old windows before installation. So, each window was un-packaged, un-assembled and cleaned. Each window on the house was cleaned and prepped and then the storms were reassembled and installed. This was done with each of us on a ladder. I aligned the window, then Cindy held in them in place while I installed the wood screws fastening the window to the house.

In my excitement and haste, I made my one mistake of the day. I failed to open the house window before installing the storm. Last summer I repaired and painted the windows, which essentially painted the windows shut. They are relatively easy to free up from the outside, not so much from the inside. So, for the first window, I can struggle to open in from the inside, or uninstall the storm window and free it up from there. Rats. All the other windows are opening and closing properly.

Finished!

Three of my Christmas presents came into use on this project. My new multi-position ladder was needed for the install, and my rechargeable drill with clutch was very handy and kept me from stripping the screws as I put them into the soft old wood of the window frames. My new drill bits included an extender which allowed me to reach beyond the frame and tighten the screws.

Overall the project went well. We finished the last window in the rain as the thunderstorms bore down on us. Luckily, we were working on the north side of the house and the large overhang protected us from the rain. However, our prep area in the driveway was not and we found ourselves in the strange situation of cleaning windows with paper towels while it poured.

Then it rained

We have already noticed a difference in the dining room and living room. The new windows have cut down on the noise from Grand Boulevard, and the room seemed warmer on Sunday despite the cold day and gusty winds. My reaction, as usual, was "why didn't I get this done earlier?".

Before I forget, I have no earthly idea why I failed to order a window for the kitchen. It's not a big deal in that there's no special discount for ordering all at once, but it's kind of a pain and I was left trying to explain myself, again, to Cindy. I simply threw myself at the mercy of the court. She was sympathetic but a bit bewildered and possibly concerned for my mental health. I don't blame her but she should be used to it. I've always been this way.

In other news...I made good progress in the guest bedroom. The painting is done and we really like the color. We have narrowed down our choice for a ceiling fan and should have it purchased and installed soon. Then it will be time for curtains and and other final touches. Pictures and details coming soon.