Storm windows made by companies like A-1 Glass Co Inc are mounted over your traditional windows to offer additional protection against the elements of winter. But strong winds during snowstorms can leave some of the white stuff wedged between your window units. You can sometimes allow the snow to simply melt and drain out on its own. But that isn't practical during long months of nasty weather, during which backing up snow can allow moisture to seep into your exterior walls.
Here are three ways you can remove that snow from your storm windows before any damage can happen.
Remove and Clean
If you have a lull in the bad weather, simply remove the storm windows and clean the snow off both sets of windows. You can simply use a clean, dry sponge to get off most of the moisture. You can then dry the surface with a dry towel. If any ice has accumulated, use a scraper made for car windows. The scraper will remove the ice without risking any damage to the glass. Reattach the storm windows after the cleaning is complete.
Make sure you know the weather forecast before beginning this project. A sudden wind-and-snow storm can put you at risk, damage your exposed windows, and allow moisture into the house through any potential cracks around the exposed windows.
Use a Hair Dryer
Most households own at least one hair dryer. If the weather outside is still frightful, you can speed up the melting process of the stuck snow by pointing a hair dryer at the interior window. This allows you to stand inside where it's warm, leaves the storm windows in place, and requires relatively little work.
Set the hair dryer to a medium setting and point the nozzle about an inch away from the interior window. Hold the dryer in place until you see the snow begin to melt, then work in circular motions until all of the snow is melted. If the snow isn't melting, try turning the dryer up to high heat. If that still doesn't work, your windows are likely too thick and you will need to try another method.
Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
This option again requires you to be outside, but you don't have to be out there for long. Depending on the amount of trapped snow, you might be able to point the wet and dry vacuum nozzle up into the bottom draining gap on the storm window. This will suck up lightly trapped snow without having to remove the window.
If the trapped snow is more dense, you will have to remove the storm windows. But the cleaning process will be a lot faster than the sponge method.
Share