Need advice on storm windows

[wok]

I recently picked up some storm windows from Lowes to use on my TTT I'm building. The windows are about 2x3' and designed to be hung in the portrait orientation. However, they would work much better for me turn onto their side, to be hung in the landscape orientation. I know I will need to make new drain holes. Also, I am going to mount them semi recessed, so that I can have plywood shutters that will lift up, but be able to swing down and protect the windows for security, as well as wind on the highway. All of that being said. Is there going to be any problem with my hanging these windows on their side as I described? Has anyone tried it?

[wolfix]

Good question..... I was in the replacement window business for over 20 years and handled many aluminum storm windows when removing them........
I do think many of them are built to handle rain better if installed the way they were intended. I'm trying in my head to picture how the ones at Lowes would be...... Most of the lower grade storms were 2 track..meaning the top o/s sash of glass would be sitting on the screen.... the inside sash of glass would then slide......
Then as you flipped them, they should stay stationary as long as you didn't play with the finger lifts.......
The drain hole you already have figured out.
Thinking about it, I think they would work if they are built as the ones in my head currently are......

Maybe a better solution would look into the sliding storms sold as inexpensive garage windows.

[wok]

The garage windows sounds good, where would I find those? The only reason I went for these is that I couldnt seem to find anything small and cheap enough around here. I still have the reciept and would love to return them for something more suited to my purpose though.

[wolfix]

I would think Lowes, Menards, or Home Depot would carry them.......Maybe the industry has all gone to vinyl......

[gerry boucher]

Hi Wok,
I was at HD and Lowes over the weekend looking at the windows for trailer applications.
I found 35" wide by 15",17" and 19" in white vinyl. Some said they were basement windows. the casings were roughly 2" thick. They looked like a nice updated front and back of the trailer type window. On the display one it was butted up against some trim, and with some weatherstripping looked like it could be watertight. Probably inside it would have to be trimmed out and that would stick in a little bit. A definate possibility.

I also have an Anderson Awning type window in a cottage I own. It is
15"x 15" and the casing doesn't look to thick, haven't been able to measure yet. That also in a series of 3 would make a nice front window
and use 1 for each side. I checked website but no info. Got this one at local window place.
I keep looking and thinking but I'm in no rush.
Gerry

[wolfix]

The basement windows should work,IF they are the sliding kind. The ones that open to the inside will be a headache..... the casing depth should be 2.25 inches.......

The thing I do not like about casement windows in certain applications is when they are open, they are easy to walk into......
The good thing about casements is they have a vented area twice as large as any other type, and they can be left open in the rain........
The Anderson should have a wall depth of 3.5.... Unless it has been cut down..

[wok]

Hmmm I wanna go to your HD!!! I went to two in my area, and at both, I was met with looks of confusion when I asked for something smaller than a 2x3. Those basement ones sound good, except I think I will run into the same problem I have been with other house windows, and that is the depth as you guys mentioned. I think I have decided to go with making my own from acrylic (is that plexi glass?) They will be hinged at the top, and then swing open. This will also make it easier to have them open in the rain. I ordered 7 peices of this stuff.. http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=21314&product%5Fid=10477 in a variety of sizes, for $30+$8 for shipping. My original plan was to make my own, but I couldnt think of a good way to open them from the inside while having screens, but have that figured out now too. I have a pile of spare 2x2's for framing them, and Lowes gave me a huge pile of "damaged" (only one was broken) window screens for $10, that will be more than plenty for all my windows. Thank for all the good info!! ( there is a good chance I will regret making my own!!)