Storm windows provide extra protection to homes located in inclement climates. Their extra glass pane adds durability and helps cut down on heating and cooling costs, providing energy savings.
Most storm windows go over existing windows and are easy to install yourself, though there are some permanent options. This guide breaks down all the information homeowners need to know, such as storm window brands and pricing, plus recommendations for the best window replacement companies.
Top 6 Storm Window Brands
Here are our top recommendations for storm windows based on our research:
- Renewal by Andersen: Most Hands-Free Install
- Champion Windows: Best Financing and Discounts
- Larson Windows: Best Impact Products
- Marvin: Most Innovative Windows
- Simonton Windows: Best Ongoing Maintenance
- Pella: Best Energy Efficiency
Compare Storm Window Companies
Our tool below helps you understand our top picks for storm window companies at a glance.
Renewal by Andersen
Champion Windows
Larson Windows
Marvin
Simonton Windows
Pella
Factors to Consider When Choosing Storm Windows
Storm windows are simpler and more affordable than standard replacement windows. Below are the main factors to consider when choosing storm windows for your home.
Types of Storm Windows
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 and uses a fixed 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 cheap 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 Materials
Storm window frames come in vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and wood. Storm windows also have many glass options. Glass with a Low-E coating is popular because it reduces heat transfer and is more energy-efficient. Below are other standard glass options for storm windows:
- One-and-one-eighth-inch thick glass pane
- Laminated glass
- Plexiglass
- Three-quarter-inch thick glass pane
- Tinted glass
- Tempered glass
Warranties
Window manufacturers include warranties on their products to protect your investment. Many warranties cover installation and workmanship, but this isn’t standard for storm windows because they’re so easy to install.
Many companies do include a manufacturer’s warranty, though. The length and stipulations of these warranties vary by product. High-end options, such as wooden windows, typically come with comprehensive warranties, while vinyl windows may have warranties as short as one to two years.
Lifetime warranties are not standard in the windows industry, so finding an installer that offers one on its windows or doors is a secure investment.
Finding 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.
Our Conclusion
Larson provides some of the best and most accessible storm windows and impact products. However, you can receive more robust and well-rounded window services through some other providers. Champion Windows provides high-quality storm windows and doors and comprehensive window installation services. It also offers services to make your patio or sunroom storm-ready. We recommend Renewal by Andersen for more specialized storm windows plus white-glove service. Coastal homeowners should look into Marvin’s Signature Coastline collection for hurricane-resistant windows.
We suggest requesting at least three quotes from different window installers before choosing an installer. Use our tool below to get free quotes from our top-recommended companies and compare your quotes to average window costs to make an informed decision.
FAQ About Storm Windows
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs 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.