The Ultimate Storm Window Buyer’s Guide

Many homeowners turn to storm windows to better insulate their home and provide some extra protection for their existing windows, but you need to be careful when selecting a storm window—buying the wrong one doesn’t provide the same benefits you’d expect from a well-fitting, high-quality storm window.

This post will cover everything you need to know to ensure you get the best storm windows.

What are storm windows?

A storm window is similar to a traditional window. It consists of a frame made of wood, aluminum or vinyl and a glass or acrylic sheet glazing. These windows can be inserted in the interior or exterior frame of an existing window and are often used in older homes with single-pane windows.

As noted above, storm windows effectively insulate a home by blocking outside air from creeping in and preventing heated or cooled inside air from slipping out. When properly installed, storm windows can prevent the need for expensive total window replacement.

The different types of storm windows

You’ll soon notice that you have quite a few options when it comes to storm windows, which is what makes buying them a bit tricky. Here are your top storm window options:

• Interior storm windows: As you can guess, interior storm windows fit into the interior window frame. They’re outfitted with weatherstripping to block window drafts and are often the easiest to install. All a homeowner needs to do is pop them in place, and they’ll stay put thanks to magnets, flanges or compression.
• Exterior two-track storm windows: These storm windows have a half-fixed pane of glass and a fixed screen on the same track. A second track on the frame has a sliding glass pane that can be opened up to allow for a fresh breeze.
• Exterior two-track slider windows: A two-track storm window is similar to the type mentioned above, but the movable pane opens horizontally instead of vertically.
• Exterior triple-track slider windows: With two panes of movable glass and a screen all located on separate tracks, these storm windows allow for more ventilation and let you pass objects through the open window.
• Exterior basement storm windows: These are the simplest storm windows and are merely a single pane that must be popped out to allow for airflow throughout your home.

How much do storm windows cost?

The total cost for a storm window and installation varies depending on the type of window you buy. For example, a two-track exterior storm window with low-e (low emissivity) glass costs about $100, while an interior storm window only costs $80. Regardless of the type you buy, storm windows only cost a fraction of what you’d spend on replacing a traditional window.

Get your storm windows from us

If you’re ready to block cold air and keep your home comfortable throughout the winter, now’s the time to invest in a storm window. For the best storm windows, look no further than Custom Glass & Screen. Because all of our storm windows are custom crafted, you can trust that they’ll be a perfect fit and last for years.

Categorised in: Storm Windows

This post was written by Writer