Weather, between the sun, rain, storms, and the seasons, can do a number on your windows. Regular windows on their own may not be able to stand up to the elements for long, and you might have to pay for window replacement sooner rather than later. Storm windows bring another layer of protection to your home. They’re installed over regular windows and can reduce noise, improve insulation, boost energy efficiency, and protect your home from the elements.
Here’s a look at what you need to know about regular windows vs. storm windows to help you determine if you need storm windows for your home.
What’s a Regular Window?
A regular window refers to the everyday windows you find in your home. There are several different types of windows available, including double-hung, single-hung, casement, awning, and more. There are also various materials used for frames. The type you get depends on your decor, the window opening, your budget, and other factors. There are even a few regular windows that are extremely durable and can stand up to the elements. For example, fiberglass and aluminum windows are heavy-duty options.
What’s a Storm Window?
A storm window, or impact-resistant window, is an installation placed over an existing regular window. You can attach storm windows yourself or have them professionally installed. In either case, storm windows are typically cheaper than a full window replacement. They serve several important functions, including:
- Adding protection to existing windows, increasing resistance to dirt, debris, high winds, and water
- Reducing noise from outside
- Improving insulation, keeping heat inside in winter and outside in summer
- Extending the life of a home’s windows
There are three primary types of storm windows: indoor, outdoor, and temporary. Each type comes in various styles, with different materials and costs.
For more details read our article on the cost of storm windows.
Indoor Storm Windows
Indoor storm windows fit within the inside-facing part of the window opening. These are typically the most cost-efficient storm window model and the easiest to install. These models also allow you to reap the insulating benefits of storm windows while maintaining the look and curb appeal of your original panes.
As a result, these windows are a popular option for DIY-minded homeowners and those with older homes that have a unique look. The downside of this storm window type is that it doesn’t protect the original window and frame from weather and debris.
Outdoor Storm Windows
Outdoor storm windows provide the most protection, keeping your windows safe from harsh weather conditions, dust, debris, and water. While more expensive and difficult to install (especially on the second story of homes), these windows are preferred for their superior levels of protection and better insulation.
Unlike interior storm windows, exterior models fit over the entire window frame, protecting the frame from the elements. Exterior storm windows also come with weep holes, which allow moisture to evaporate, reducing the chance of mold and mildew buildup.
While these windows provide excellent protective benefits, many dislike their look on the outside of a home. When placed over window frames, they can appear bulky and out of place, depending on the design of your home. The appearance of added clunkiness applies especially to older three-track storm windows, which are larger than more-modern two-track models.
Temporary Storm Windows
Temporary storm windows are narrow, single-pane windows that fit inside the window frame. As their name suggests, these models are designed to be temporarily inserted into your current windows to help with energy efficiency and temperature control. These window inserts can help reduce the heat from the summer sun and provide an extra temperature barrier holding warmth inside during winter.
Read also: In-depth analysis of Great Lakes Windows
What Are Storm Windows Made From?
Each kind of storm window has several options for materials. The material choice affects their look, condition, life span, and cost.
- Interior storm window: Interior window models are composed of a single glass, acrylic, or vinyl pane. Their frames can be made from wood, plastic, rubber, fiberglass, or metal. The storm window is attached to the surrounding window frame by an adhesive strip, track system, caulk, magnets, or a compression seal.
- Exterior storm window: The exterior models are connected directly to the frame via screws, hinge systems, or swivel pins (these allow for easy removal later on). The panes are made of glass, and the frames from wood, plastic, or aluminum.
- Temporary storm window: Temporary models are single, thin sheets applied directly over the interior of the window panel. These sheets are normally made from plastic polymers or film and are held in place with an adhesive seal, Velcro strip, or snapping mechanism.
Read also: Most-preferred woods for storm windows
What Are Tracks in Storm Window Frames?
When looking to purchase storm windows, you’ll come across two-track, triple-track, slider-track, and fixed configurations. A track is a small raceway in which windows slide up and down. The more tracks a window has, the more screens or panes it has. Older storm windows have three tracks, with one outer screen and two movable panes. This system made them extremely bulky and unappealing. Modern storm windows typically have two tracks, although you can still purchase three-track windows.
Here’s a quick look at the different track options for storm windows and how they function:
- Two-track windows: These are the standard, modern configuration that fits over most double-hung windows. They have two tracks, with the exterior fitted with a pane of glass on the top and a screen on the bottom. The interior track has a single pane that slides up and down, allowing you to open the window by raising the internal pane above the external screen.
- Three-track windows: This variation is similar to the two-track option but allows for airflow at the bottom or top of the window. The outermost track has a screen that covers the entire window. The two inner tracks have a single, movable pane that slides up or down.
- Slider-track: These windows can vary depending on the manufacturer, but they typically function similarly to two-track variations, except they slide horizontally instead of vertically. These windows are usually only used on windows that slide horizontally, like those going into basements.
- Fixed: These windows have a single, inoperable glass pane that fits over the entire outside of the window frame.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Storm Windows?
Deciding whether or add storm windows to your regular windows can come down to the environment you live in. In some parts of the United States, they can be necessary, especially if you don’t currently have multi-pane, durable windows installed. Before you go out to make the purchase, though, keep these pros and cons in mind.
Pros of Storm Windows
Storm windows bring more benefits to the table than just protecting your windows and home from storms. Here’s a look at some of their advantages:
- Improved insulation and energy savings: Storm windows provide an additional layer of insulation from the wind, making drafty windows secure again. Some windows, like the Low-Emissivity (Low-E) glass storm window, also protect from ultraviolet (UV) rays, helping reduce energy bills by up to 30%, according to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.
- Protection of existing frames: Exterior storm windows can protect existing windows, frames, and weatherstripping from dust, debris, high winds, and hail.
- Noise reduction: Storm windows provide an extra layer of sound-insulating air and glass, reducing outside noise like barking dogs, leaf blowers, mowers, and traffic.
- Water protection: Storm windows are water resistant, adding an extra layer of protection for existing windows and their seals. You might also want to check out our guide on window seal repair.
- DIY Installation: Many models of storm windows are easy to install, making them ideal DIY projects. However, I recommend hiring a professional when installing outdoor models on second-story-or-higher windows.
- Low cost: Storm windows are more cost efficient than window repair or replacement, costing up to 50% less than new windows.
Cons of Storm Windows
Storm windows aren’t going to work for every home and homeowner, however. These disadvantages may have you just sticking with your regular windows:
- Reduced curb appeal: Even the most unobtrusive storm windows are visible from the street, with older models being extremely bulky. Many homeowners and would-be buyers dislike the appearance of storm windows, resulting in reduced curb appeal.
- Restricted in some areas: If you live in a strict Homeowners Association (HOA) or a historic home, you may not be allowed to install storm windows.
- Necessary upkeep: Exterior storm windows require occasional maintenance and upkeep. Some models need repainting or resealing to maintain integrity. Those with weep holes must be kept clear of debris or clogs so moisture between the frame and windowsill can dry.
- Opening and closing difficulties: Most storm windows can open and close, but some models can’t. Another major downside to these windows is that you must remove them once the season ends.
Which Should I Choose? Regular Windows vs. Storm Windows
Storm windows are an effective additional layer of protection you can add to your original home windows. They can save you money in the long run, reducing utility costs by providing more effective insulation. They also bring secondary benefits like noise and UV reduction.
However, storm windows have their drawbacks. They can be difficult to install, need consistent maintenance, and can reduce curb appeal. Plus, they can be unnecessary for some homes. If you already have multi-pane, durable regular windows installed, you likely won’t reap the benefits of standard storm windows. Most new replacement windows are already designed with energy efficiency and durability in mind, but there are some Low-E storm windows and ENERGY STAR options that bring added energy efficiency.
Whether you install storm windows with your regular windows comes down to your environment and the types of windows you already have. If your windows are older or you live in an area where there’s harsh weather, storm windows can deliver increased energy efficiency and added protection. If you have newer windows, you should consider your location, the windows’ energy efficiency rating, and other factors before making the purchase.
Overall, storm windows can be a good investment for homeowners. They can help you reduce energy costs while protecting your windows from extreme weather.
Frequently Asked Questions on Regular Windows and Storm Windows
The price of storm windows can vary depending on their size, materials, glazing, and type. Lighter materials such as plastic and aluminum will be cheaper, while wood frames are typically custom-built and much more expensive. For standard-size storm windows, you can expect to pay between $90 and $600. Custom sizes will cost more.
On average, the lifetime of a storm window is between 10 and 40 years, with most needing to be replaced after 20. They tend to last longer when properly maintained.
Certain types of storm windows, including Low-E and interior storm windows, can help homeowners save 10% to 30% on heating and cooling costs, especially if energy-efficient windows are already installed.
