{"id":5455,"date":"2016-10-03T10:49:38","date_gmt":"2016-10-03T17:49:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/?p=5455"},"modified":"2016-12-27T13:12:43","modified_gmt":"2016-12-27T21:12:43","slug":"storm-windows-rental","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/storm-windows-rental\/","title":{"rendered":"Investment Protection: Storm Windows for Rentals"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"stormIf you own, sell or manage rental properties, you probably spend a good portion of your time and budget dealing with ongoing maintenance issues. As frustrating as that may be at times, maintaining the physical property in good working order is crucial to the long-term success of any rental investment.<\/span><\/p>\n

We all recognize the importance of completing routine maintenance chores, such as cleaning, painting, mechanical upkeep and landscaping. I want to address an equally important, but often overlooked aspect of rental-property maintenance: storm windows.<\/p>\n

Now, you may be thinking that storm windows went out with the Nixon administration, but that\u2019s not so. Even with the advent of insulated glass windows, modern storm windows can play a key role in protecting your rental property and investment.<\/p>\n

For the uninitiated, a storm window is a secondary window that\u2019s installed directly over an existing window. Its main purpose is to block out cold winter winds. Storm windows are typically installed each fall and removed each spring.<\/p>\n

A storm window consists of a perimeter frame and two operable sash, which can be raised or lowered, much like a standard double-hung window. Insect screens are also available.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a brief look at some of the many benefits of storm windows:<\/p>\n

Energy Efficient<\/b><\/p>\n

Properly installed storm windows can dramatically reduce heating costs by blocking out cold drafts and sealing in heated air. They\u2019re particularly effective on buildings with older windows, which tend to be a bit drafty. As a side benefit, the furnace won\u2019t have to work as hard to maintain a constant room temperature, so it\u2019ll likely last longer and need fewer repairs.<\/p>\n

Very Low-Maintenance<\/b><\/p>\n

Storm windows are typically made of aluminum or vinyl. Both materials are lightweight, durable and extremely weather resistant. Neither aluminum nor vinyl will rot or crack, and both can be power washed or scrubbed cleaned with no ill effects.<\/p>\n

Added Protection<\/b><\/p>\n

When a storm window is installed over an existing window, it protects that window from a myriad of destructive forces, including rain, snow, sleet, dust, dirt, birds and insects. This is particularly important if the building has painted wood windows, which are much more susceptible to exposure to the elements. Some storm windows even meet stringent hurricane protection standards.<\/p>\n

Increased Security<\/b><\/p>\n

Storm windows, when closed and locked, add an extra layer of safety and security to the building. When confronted by a storm window, most burglars will move on to a softer target rather than try to force their way past two windows.<\/p>\n

Economical<\/b><\/p>\n

The benefits of storm windows far outweigh the initial purchase price, especially when you consider that a quality-built storm window can last 20 years or more, if it\u2019s properly handled and stored. It\u2019s hard to say exactly how much a storm window costs since so much depends on the window\u2019s size, type and manufacturer, but expect to pay between $60 and $80 for a 36- by 55-inch aluminum storm window.<\/p>\n

A Replacement Alternative<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re considering replacing the windows in your rental property, storm windows might offer a quicker, more affordable option. Many of today\u2019s high-quality storm windows have technological advancements that provide similar results to new window replacement at a fraction of the cost. <\/span><\/p>\n

For example, Larson\u2019s Premium or Performance Series Storm Windows can be ordered with super energy-efficient Low-E glass, which keeps rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter. These types of high-performance storm window have proven so effective that the Department of Energy recently established an Energy Star program to recognize the benefits of Low-E storm windows. Of course, you should only consider storm windows over total replacement if the building\u2019s windows are in good working order and free of any major defects.<\/p>\n

Installation Tips<\/h3>\n

\"storm-windows\"There are two basic ways to attach a storm window: inside mount or outside mount. With an inside mount, also called a blindstop mount, the storm window fits in between the brick mold and sits flat against the main window\u2019s jambs. This type of installation looks better, but requires a very precise-fit storm window. There should be only 1\/8 inch of clearance around the perimeter of the storm window.<\/span><\/p>\n

With an outside mount, also called an overlap installation, the storm window overlaps the main window and is screwed directly to the brick mold. In this situation, the exact size of the storm window is a little less critical, as long as it fits against the brick mold. It should overlap onto the brick mold by \u00bd to \u00be inch on all sides.<\/p>\n

As mentioned earlier, storm windows are usually installed right before the weather turns cold.<\/p>\n

Here are a few other installation tips:<\/p>\n