Storm windows are a smart, low-cost way to reduce drafts, insulate rooms, and increase your existing window’s energy efficiency. But they aren’t as common as they used to be, and you can struggle to find reliable pricing information.
The good news is, we’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve analyzed storm window costs across the country, and below we detail our findings, giving you everything to know about storm windows and their various price points.
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How Much Do Storm Windows Cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $90 to more than $600 per storm window, with the national average cost landing between $150 to $400 per window. Yes, it’s a wide range in price. That’s because companies manufacture so many kinds of storm windows of varying degrees of quality, materials, and extras.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the price ranges for storm windows, including their materials, labor, and total project costs.
| Price Range | Labor | Materials | Total Per Window | Project Total for an eight-window house. |
| Low-end | $14.25–$17.25 | $80.75–$97.75 | $95–$115 | $760–$920 |
| National Average | $21.75–$65.25 | $123.25–$369.75 | $145–$435 | $1,160–$3,480 |
| High-end | $71.25–$97.50 | $403.75–$552.50 | $475–$650+ | $3,800–$5,200 |
We retrieved cost data from RSMeans, a project estimator for contractors and home improvement experts. The average costs listed in this article include materials and labor fees.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Storm Windows?
Like regular replacement windows, storm windows come in multiple designs with different material options. While this level of customization is great for picking the perfect storm windows to accent your home, it comes with a broad price range.
Cost of Storm Windows by Type
You’ll find three primary types of storm windows: interior, exterior, and temporary. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three and how they affect your installation cost.
| Window Type | Base Cost |
| Interior storm window | $200–$400 |
| Exterior storm window | $500+ |
| Temporary storm window | $90–$120 |
- Interior storm windows: These are the most common form of storm windows. You can leave them on indefinitely or install them (and remove them) for specific seasons. They’re priced in the middle of the market, less expensive than exterior windows but pricier than disposable windows. They cost between $200 to $400 per window.
- Exterior storm windows: These storm windows fit over the entire exterior of an existing window, covering the frame. They offer more protection, insulation, and weather resistance than interior windows. However, they’re more difficult to install, usually requiring a professional to do it. Exterior storm windows are on the expensive end, costing $500 or more per window.
- Temporary storm windows: These windows are the most cost-efficient but the least impressive. They’re single-pane, insertable windows that fit inside the existing pane. They add protection to the pane and increase UV resistance and energy efficiency. They’re designed to be installed for a single season, then removed and thrown away. They cost between $90 to $120.
Cost of Storm Windows by Material
In addition to type, materials determine a big part of a storm window’s cost. You usually find storm windows in three types of materials: wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Here is a quick look at their prices, plus a few details.
| Material Type | Base Cost |
| Vinyl | $125–$300 |
| Aluminum | $90–$250 |
| Wood | $277–$400+ |
- Vinyl frames: More people buy vinyl windows because they’re easy to install and come in so many colors. They look good installed indoors or outdoors, and many homeowners do their own installation.
- Aluminum frames: Aluminum windows are the most cost-efficient type, are lightweight and heat resistant but less durable. Homeowners usually use them for interior windows.
- Wood frames: Wood represents the premium option in storm windows. Wood frames are the heaviest and longest-lasting, and they’re the most elegant. You’ll mostly find wood on exterior storm windows. With this style, a professional handles the installation. You might also want to see the top wood choices for storm windows.
Additional Costs of Storm Windows
The last big factor in the cost of storm windows is the number of tracks they have. A track, or sash, is a small raceway on which window panes slide up and down. The more tracks a window has, the more screens or panes it has. More tracks mean more layers of protection and insulation, increasing the window’s energy efficiency and price.
- Two-track windows: These have two layers of movable glass. A double-track option can add $50 to $100 to the cost of any storm window.
- Triple-track: Considered luxury storm windows, these function like two-track windows, with a third outermost track holding a screen. They cost $200 to $400 more than standard models.
- Fixed track (single-hung) and casement windows: These are the two least-expensive storm windows. Single hung has a single movable track, and casement windows open outward instead of upward.
Additional Parts
If you install a storm window by yourself, you’ll need specific materials for the job. The most important (and expensive) of the materials are weatherstripping and waterproof caulk. Together, they cost between $200 to $300 for an entire project.
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How Does the Cost of Storm Windows Compare to Other Window Types?
Storm window installations run significantly cheaper than typical window installation. The national average replacement cost for a single double-pane window is $700, with some options going as high as $1,700. On average, your standard storm window will be half that price or less. Even the most expensive storm window costs less than the average price for a full window replacement.
Is DIY Worth the Cost Savings of Installing Storm Windows?
You can install most storm windows DIY style, and most homeowners prefer installing interior and temporary variants without the help of a pro.
Unlike garden windows that require professional installation, a normal homeowner, like yourself, can attempt to install these on your own.
However, exterior storm windows must be installed directly over the entire frame of an existing window. This is a difficult job, and an improper installation can lead to water damage, drafts, mold, and other problems. So while you may be able to save on labor costs by going DIY, you need a professional installer for these storm windows.
Hire a pro if you’re adding storm windows a second story or higher. Even the lighter material storm windows, like vinyl or aluminum, are too bulky and difficult to manage by yourself on a ladder or a rooftop. Heavier windows, like wood, are even more difficult to manage.
Read Also: Analysis of Regular Windows vs. Storm Windows
Quick Tips When Looking for a Good Storm Window
A bad window lets in moisture and air, costing you money on your energy bill. This is the reason to pick the right window before contacting an installer. Here are some of the most important things to consider when picking out your next set of storm windows.
- Check window frame material: Not all windows are built the same, and some materials are better suited to certain climates.
- Wood storm windows are more durable but don’t withstand moisture.
- Vinyl storm windows are inexpensive but are damaged by extreme heat.
- Aluminum resists temperature extremes but gets easily damaged by impacts and wind.
- Glass type: A window’s glass is a key factor in its energy efficiency and U-factor rating. While many types of glass can come on storm windows, you’ll want to go with a window with Low-E coating for the highest energy efficiency.
- Warranty: Storm windows can come with two kinds of warranties, product (manufacturer) and labor. Product warranties cover any faults inherent to the manufacturer, such as faulty parts. Window installation companies offer labor warranties, and these cover any installation failures. Storm window warranties typically last from five years to a lifetime. Most companies have 15-year warranties.
- Real customer testimonials and history: If you hire a professional to install your storm windows, ensure the company is worth your money. Because most window companies operate out of branch locations, check the company’s customer reviews and history before ordering windows and giving a deposit.
Read also: Reliable hurricane impact windows in South Florida
Are Storm Windows Worth It for Your Home?
Storm windows work as a cost-effective alternative to home window replacements. Homes in sunny and weather-stricken climates often benefit from the additional protection storm windows provide. But homeowners in Northern, less sunny states may not find storm windows as worthwhile.
While storm windows have declined in popularity over the years, many homeowners still find their ability to lower energy costs worth the investment.
Now that you know how much storm windows cost, you can better assess whether they’re a fit for your home and budget. To find window installation companies near you, enter your information into the following form.
FAQs: Cost of Storm Window
Are storm windows worth the cost?
Storm windows are typically worth the cost, especially for homeowners who live in climates with high amounts of sun, rain, wind, or other extreme weather. Storm windows can improve energy savings, especially those with Low-E glass and an ENERGY STAR certification. They’re most effective for older, single-pane windows. Because storm windows often go on historic homes, homeowners often choose to install storm windows over standard window replacement since they keep the original frames intact.
Do storm windows increase your home value?
Higher-end storm windows, especially exterior ones, increase the value of your home and raise curb appeal. Unfortunately, the increase in value doesn’t usually exceed the cost of the windows. Some estimates state that you recoup about 80% of the window cost, but that savings depends on the window type, the home, and the local housing market.
Are storm windows less common anymore?
Storm windows have decreased in popularity. Many homeowners find them cumbersome and unsightly, making them unpopular outside regions where they’re a major financial benefit. In fact, most major retailers don’t carry storm windows, requiring homeowners to go directly to suppliers or manufacturers.
What is the life span of new storm windows?
The life span of storm windows depends on the materials they’re made of and the climate where they get installed. Aluminum storm windows last between 30 to 40 years, while wood frame storm windows can last up to 50 years. Acrylic- or vinyl-framed windows typically last about 20 years. But extreme temperatures, hot or cold, shorten their life span. While storm windows are low maintenance, good upkeep will help them last longer.
