What Are Storm Windows Inside?

Storm windows, also known as window inserts, are an affordable alternative to window replacements that can improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and air costs. They are designed to fit snugly within existing window frames, creating a secondary layer of protection that significantly reduces drafts and heat loss. This extra layer of insulation helps turn your home into a more energy-efficient space.

Interior storm windows, or impact-resistant windows, are an additional layer of windows mounted either inside or outside a house’s original panes. They provide soundproofing, increase comfort, and reduce heating and cooling costs without the need for extra mounting hardware on the trim. Factory-made interior removable storm windows have a flexible silicon frame press into place to air seal and insulate the existing window. These windows offer flexibility, allowing homeowners to add an extra layer of insulation during the colder months and remove it in the summer.

Indoor storm windows, such as wood-framed storm windows, cost about $80 to $185 for a 30×50-inch unit, uninstalled. They are made from glass, vinyl, or acrylic and are surrounded by a low-e coating that reflects heat back. Making your own interior storm windows is extremely simple and requires only basic carpentry skills. Both types of storm windows help regulate air movement, improve comfort, and reduce heating and cooling costs.

How to tell if windows are storm windows?

To ensure your windows are impact-resistant, check the reflection from the glass. Impact windows feature two panes of glass, each creating its own reflection. If you see only a single reflection, you likely don’t have impact-resistant windows installed. A professional opinion from a trusted window company can help you understand your windows and determine if they meet current building code standards.

Max Guard Hurricane Windows, a reputable company specializing in hurricane impact windows, can help you determine if your existing windows adhere to these standards. Contact them if you’re interested in having hurricane impact windows installed or if you already have impact-resistant windows installed.

What is an interior storm window?

Storm windows, both interior and exterior, are essential for insulation and energy efficiency. Interior storm windows are made of glass, vinyl, or acrylic and surrounded by a frame of wood, metal, plastic, tape, or rubber. They attach to the window frame through magnets, adhesive, a track system, or compression system. Both types regulate temperature, damp noise, and protect existing windows. Understanding the differences between interior and exterior windows, such as insulation, can help determine the best fit for your home or building. Storm window materials, performance, appearance, installation, cost, and AERC certification are also important factors to consider.

Are there interior storm windows?

Interior storm windows are panels made of glass, vinyl, or acrylic surrounded by a frame of wood, metal, plastic, tape, or rubber. They help with window insulation and energy efficiency by adding a layer to regulate temperature, damp noise, and protect existing windows. Both interior and exterior windows have similarities, but understanding their differences, such as inside window insulation, is crucial for choosing the best option for your home or building. Understanding storm window materials, performance, appearance, installation, cost, and AERC certification can help you make an informed decision.

How do interior storm windows work?

Interior storm windows create an airtight seal, blocking air from entering or exiting, thereby enhancing soundproofing. Both interior and exterior storm windows contribute to insulation and energy efficiency by adding a layer to regulate temperature, dampen noise, and protect existing windows. Understanding the differences between interior and exterior windows, such as insulation, can help determine the best option for your home or building. Storm window materials, performance, appearance, installation, cost, and AERC certification are all important factors to consider when choosing the best storm window for your home or building.

Which is better, interior or exterior storm windows?

Innerglass interior storm windows have been demonstrated to offer a more effective means of insulating homes and reducing heating and cooling costs than traditional exterior storm windows. These windows are five times more effective than exterior storm windows in preventing the transfer of moisture, as they provide a vapor barrier on the warm side, thereby preventing condensation from occurring in the first place.

What is a storm on a window?

Storm windows, also known as combination windows, are a common exterior addition in older Minneapolis homes. These windows are fitted into existing frames and add an additional barrier to single-pane windows. They typically include two sliding panes of glass and a screen for easy opening. Storm windows provide a barrier against heavy rains, winds, drafts, and are cost-effective solutions to improve energy efficiency.

They are typically installed in existing frames and can be cleaned using a simple cleaning solution. The benefits of storm windows include increased energy efficiency, reduced drafts, and a more comfortable living environment.

How do I know if my windows are storm windows?

Hurricane windows may not have etching or labels on the glass, but they can still be impact-resistant. To determine if your windows are hurricane windows, check the reflection in the glass. If you see only one reflection, it likely doesn’t meet hurricane-rating standards. It’s important to note that not all hurricane windows provide the same level of protection, as they are rated for various factors, including wind pressure.

Why are they called storm windows?

A storm window is a window mounted on existing window panes to improve thermal insulation, soundproofing, and protect glass windows from hail or branches during stormy seasons. They are an alternative for homeowners who cannot replace their windows without losing aesthetic value when selling. Storm windows can be made from thick glass units or flexible plastic sheets and can be temporarily mounted for easy removal during warmer seasons or fixed for year-round benefits.

Common frame materials include wood, vinyl, and aluminum, with aluminum being strong, light, and maintenance-free but potentially low insulating. Buying a temporary storm window may be the best option until insulated replacement glass is budgeted for permanent windows.

Do interior storm windows have screens?

Storm windows are now commonly made of enamel-coated aluminum to resist corrosion and come with screens and sliding glass panels. When fitted with low-e coating glass, they can save as much energy as new windows. Storm window technology has improved significantly over the past few years, offering lower costs, equivalent performance, and longer lifespans. The most common type of storm window is aluminum frames, which cost between $80 and $185 for a 30×50-inch unit uninstalled.

Wood-framed storm windows are a specialty item, starting at $200. Enamel-coated aluminum frames should last at least 30 to 40 years, while sealed or painted wood frames can last as long as they are maintained.

What is another name for a storm window?

Storm windows, also known as storm sashes in the US, are older windows that are installed on existing windows to improve thermal insulation and soundproofing. They also provide additional protection against damage to costly glass panes during inclement weather like hail. Older windows were installed in autumn when window screens were removed, while later units combined storm and screen pieces. Modern storm windows are typically energy upgrades for cold climates, primarily aimed at improving the insulation value of existing windows, especially single-glazed units.

What is the best material for interior storm windows?

Temporary and disposable storm windows are ideal for inclement weather or cold snaps. These clear acrylic or film panels fit inside interior window frames and can be installed using heat from a hair dryer. Popular materials include vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and wood. Low-E coatings are popular for their energy efficiency and reduced heat transfer. Other glass options include standard three-quarter-inch thick glass panes, one-and-one-eighth-inch thick glass panes, laminated glass, Plexiglass, tinted glass, and tempered glass.