5 Best Storm Window Companies

Name: Champion
Brand: Champion

Written by Jessica Wimmer Updated 04/17/2024

Storm windows can go a long way to protect your home from high-force windows and flying debris during inclement weather. The extra insulation they provide also increases your window’s energy efficiency. Our top choice for best storm windows is Renewal by Andersen, a brand with a full storm collection approved for Florida’s hurricane zones and made with highly durable Fibrex material and impact-resistant glass.
We evaluated storm window options across the industry’s best window replacement companies to see how their product selection, performance, warranty, cost, and customer reviews compare. Our review includes which brands offer not just storm windows but hurricane-approved options.

How Do Storm Window Companies Compare?

Get a quick look at how the providers on our list compare and which of their product lines include storm windows.

Brand	Storm Collections	Link
Renewal by Andersen	Coastal Impact	Visit Site
Champion	Standard, Premium	Visit Site
Marvin	Coastline, Elevate, Ultimate	Visit Site
Pella	Hurricane Shield, Defender	Visit Site
Jeld-Wen	Premium Atlantic Vinyl	Visit Site

Renewal

Champion

Marvin

Pella

Jeld-Wen

Renewal by Andersen
Logo
Star Rating
Storm Collections	Coastal Impact

Visit Site

Champion
Logo
Star Rating
Storm Collections	Standard, Premium

Visit Site

Marvin
Logo
Star Rating
Storm Collections	Coastline, Elevate, Ultimate

Visit Site

Pella
Logo
Star Rating
Storm Collections	Hurricane Shield, Defender

Visit Site

Jeld-Wen
Logo
Star Rating
Storm Collections	Premium Atlantic Vinyl

Visit Site

Providers

Star Rating

Best For

Price Range

Visit Site

Most Hands-Free Install

$500–$3,000

Visit Site

Best Financing

$350–$800

Visit Site

Most Innovative Windows

$250–$1,000

Visit Site

Best Energy Efficiency

$400–$2,000

Visit Site

Best Support

not specified

Who Are the Best Storm Window Brands?

We looked at 15 of the most reputable and well-rated window brands on the market to determine which offers window buyers the most. The following brands came out on top when scored against our methodology, which evaluates product selection and performance, customer service, warranty coverage, customer reviews, and more.

Renewal by Andersen: Most Hands-Free Install

Champion: Best Financing and Discounts

Marvin: Most Innovative Windows

Pella: Best Energy Efficiency

Jeld-Wen: Best Support

Renewal by Andersen

Most Hands-Free Install

4.7

Price range: $500–$3,000

Overview

Renewal by Andersen’s storm window line is called Coastal Impact. Windows in this line are made from the brand’s proprietary Fibrex composite material that it claims is twice as strong as vinyl and impact-resistance glass. The line is certified through the Florida Product Approval program for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) and is made to defend against high winds, heavy rain, and flying debris.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a 20-year transferable warranty on glass and 10-year coverage on nonglass materials Has an in-house installation team certified to install its windows Offers an augmented reality tool that lets you visualize windows in your home Cons Has higher pricing than most competitors Handles financing through a third party that may charge hidden fees Has long installation wait times, according to customer reviews

Warranty

Renewal by Andersen backs its windows with a transferable limited warranty.

Glass warranty: 20 years for glass and Fibrex materials.
Hardware warranty: 10 years for hardware and other nonglass components
Labor warranty: 2 years for workmanship

Champion

Best Financing

4.3

Price range: $350–$800

Overview

Champion’s Standard and Premium lines include storm windows and storm doors made with color-matched expanders, dual weatherstripping, and designer screw covers to conceal exterior mounting screws. The brand puts its storm products through weather and pressure testing for strength, durability, and weatherization. All Champion windows meet or exceed third-party testing and are certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA).

Pros and Cons

Pros Is a full-service installer, so you won’t need to hire an outside contractor Has a 0% financing option Frequently offers generous discounts Cons Has some customer reviews that mention slow timelines and poor communication Varies pricing by location Isn’t sold nationwide

Warranty

Champion covers its windows with a limited lifetime warranty that includes:

Broken glass
Materials
Necessary labor, parts, and repairs
Screen repair
Seal failure
Waste removal

Marvin

Most Innovative Windows

4.4

Price range: $250–$1,000

Overview

You’ll find most of Marvin’s windows in its Coastline collection, though it does have options in its Ultimate and Elevate lines as well. The Coastline series combines extruded aluminum framing and impact-resistant glass made to hold up against strong winds and debris. Products in this line are HVHZ-approved and meet stringent Miami-Dade County and State of Florida code requirements. Storm windows in the Ultimate and Elevate collections are made with impact-resistant glass but do not meet HVHZ requirements.

Pros and Cons

Pros Sells storm windows in aluminum, fiberglass, and wood Manufactures storm windows with two laminated layers and an interlayer to stop impact Offers a sleek, modern design style Cons Has high pricing for fiberglass and wood windows compared to competitors Varies warranty coverage by product line Isn’t a full-service company, so no in-house installation

Warranty

Marvin varies its warranty coverage by product line.

Exterior finish: 20 years for Ultimate collection, 10 years for Essential and Elevate collections
Glass: 10 years for all collections
Hardware and other nonglass components: 10 years for all collections
Interior finish: 5 years for Ultimate and Elevate collections
Insulating glass seal: 20 years for all collections

Pella

Best Energy Efficiency

Price range: $400–$2,000

Overview

Pella’s Defender series is its most cost-effective storm window option. Its vinyl windows are made to withstand hurricanes and intense storms, reduce noise, and add a layer of security to your home, but it only comes in a single-hung window style. The company’s Hurricane Shield series is a similar vinyl window line, but it comes in more window types, such as casement, sliding, and awning and is tested to meet or exceed Florida Building Code’s strictest HVHZ requirements, including Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Pros and Cons

Pros Is available at local retailers Thoroughly tests its products for performance Can integrate with smart-home technology Cons Varies warranty coverage by material Is among higher-priced window brands Doesn’t have an in-house installation team

Warranty

Pella offers a limited warranty for its storm collections. Coverage includes:

Nonglass materials and workmanship: 10 years
Nonlaminated glass: 20 years
Laminated glass: 10 years
Exterior surround made with AZEK trim: 25 years
Laminate exterior color: 10 years

Jeld-Wen

Best Support

3.8

Price range: $150–$900

Overview

Jeld-Wen’s Premium Atlantic Vinyl line is designed to meet the severe weather conditions of Florida and the Gulf Coast. The line includes seven window styles, including rare octagon shapes. The company’s storm line is made with heavy-duty ImpactGard glass but is still reasonably priced because of its vinyl framing.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has several types of storm window designs to choose from Is made to be low-maintenance Uses heavy-duty, impact-resistant glass Cons Makes only vinyl storm windows Doesn’t have a sample warranty policy on its site Doesn’t have an in-house installation team

Warranty

Jeld-Wen’s site says its Premium Atlantic Vinyl products come with a limited lifetime warranty, but unlike other brands, it doesn’t provide coverage specifics or link its sample policy online.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Storm Windows?

Storm windows come with fewer options than general replacement windows, but there are still a few factors to consider. One of the biggest decisions is whether you want interior or exterior storm windows, so we’ll start there.

Types of Storm Windows

Storm Window Materials

Warranties

Manufacturers create storm windows in three main styles:

Exterior storm windows: Exterior storm windows help improve existing windows’ performance and energy efficiency. They come in vinyl, aluminum, and wooden frames. A two-track storm window fits in a double-hung window, using a half-pane of glass and a fixed screen on the same track. Triple-track configurations add greater ease of motion and ventilation. A two-track storm window is used for sliding windows, which open horizontally. Basement storm windows use a single window pane with thumb latches.

Interior storm windows: Interior storm windows fit inside your existing window. These storm windows are typically cheaper and use a single pane of glass and a lightweight casing, such as vinyl or fiberglass. Interior storm windows are easy to install yourself.

Temporary storm windows: These are clear acrylic or film panels that fit inside your interior window frames. You can easily install them using heat from a hair dryer to create an airtight seal. Unfortunately, they only last for roughly one season.

Storm window frames come in vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and wood. Aluminum is the cheapest, though it’s prone to rust and corrosion, so it’s not recommended for coastal areas. Vinyl is also budget-friendly while being more durable and low-maintenance than aluminum. It’s a popular choice among homeowners due to its balance of performance and affordability.

Wood and fiberglass are more expensive material options. Like aluminum, wood doesn’t hold up as well as vinyl and fiberglass in damp, humid areas. Though it looks great, it can rot and warp if you live in a humid coastal climate. Fiberglass is often the most expensive material option. It offers great energy efficiency and is long-lasting.

Common window warranty types include:

Lifetime warranties: A lifetime warranty covers all window parts and materials for the product’s lifetime.

Double lifetime warranties: This warranty type is rare, but as the name suggests, you’re covered by your warranty for double the expected lifetime of your window.

Limited lifetime warranties: Limited lifetime warranties only cover certain window parts for the designated lifetime of the product.

Transferable warranties: These are helpful if you ever plan to sell your home because you can transfer the warranty to the new homeowner, which can be attractive for prospective buyers.

Labor warranties: Labor warranties cover installation workmanship. Most range 2–10 years.

How Much Do Storm Windows Cost?

Fixr reports that an average prefabricated storm window costs $100–$400, while a custom window can range $150–$1,000 depending on type and material. According to the Department of Energy, installing storm windows with a low-e coating costs about one-third the price of a full window replacement while saving you 10%–30% on heating and cooling costs.

How to Find a Local Window Installer

Though storm windows are typically designed for DIY installation, using a reputable window installer can provide a more stress-free experience. Many companies offer window replacement and installation, but you’ll need to find a certified installer for the specific window brand you want.

Use our tool below to find reputable, certified window installers that service your ZIP code.

What Are the Best Windows for Storms?

We most recommend Renewal by Andersen for storm windows. It uses durable materials, has comprehensive warranty coverage, and impact-resistant glass. The brand has a long history of satisfied customers and also manufactures storm doors.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option and don’t require HVHZ certification, Champion has affordable options with an Energy Star label. Marvin is a more midlevel option for price and sells more architectural, modern styles if curb appeal is a priority for you.

If you live in an area that requires HVHZ window certification, check out our guide on how much hurricane-resistant windows cost.

FAQs About Storm Windows

Are storm windows worth the money?

Storm windows are an investment, but having them could save you much money and hassle if a serious storm impacts your home. Weatherized windows with impact-resistant glass, strong materials, and extra insulation protect your home from winds and flying debris while making windows more energy-efficient.

Are interior or exterior storm windows better?

Exterior storm windows offer more protection from impact. Interior storm windows are less expensive and are usually easier to install yourself.

Are storm windows as good as double-pane windows?

Storm windows are made to be more impact-resistant than standard double-pane windows. They’re made with more durable materials, including heavy-duty glass, and are tested for storm performance.

How long do storm windows last?

Enamel-coated aluminum storm windows should last 30–40 years if well-maintained, and wood storm windows can last as long or longer.

Our Rating Methodology

We back up our window ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, browsing product selections, analyzing window line specifications, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for window variety, value, trustworthiness and transparency, window features, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.