The outer one is up and the inner one is down. That way the upper one overhangs the intersection slightly. There is also often a metal flange on the back of the bottom one along the top on the outside that interlocks with a similar one on the inner, bottom rail of the upper. If you close them so the flanges fit together it's a better seal. You can tell if they've met and mated by pulling on the upper rail of the inner sash when it's fully down. Pull gently, but you should see the bottom of the outer sash deflect very slightly inwards when you pull.

Clean your tracks out first of any debris which would interfere with good seating.

I always take my screens out when I close up the windows for the winter. Why look through it if you don't have to? Good time to wash and store them for that first warmish day in April ....... (seems so loooong from now!)

Molly~

To re-emphasize the previous post, the outermost pane is at the top. Doing it any other way just funnels driven rain water into the inside of the storm window. As I drive by houses, I often notice the storm windows improperly closed- or not at all. I wonder what, or if, they are thinking.

I just noticed this was 15 years ago and I've had the same question. thanks.

Same answer now. Why post after 15 years? lol

I can't get my outer storm to the top so the inner is above it. Is this going to lead to disaster?