Then measure the width at three points: along the bottom, middle, and top. And weep holes on aluminum models must be kept clear to prevent water damage to the windowsill.įollow these guidelines from Tom Silva to ensure storm windows will fit snugly and operate smoothly.
PRESERVE EXISTING WINDOWS: This is especially valuable to homeowners who appreciate the architectural interest that their original windows add.REDUCE ENERGY BILLS: Low-e storm windows can cut utility costs by as much as 30 percent, according to the U.S.Here are the benefits and drawbacks to consider. Storm windows are an economical choice for many homeowners.
#ACRYLIC INTERIOR STORM WINDOWS R VALUE PRO#
Expect to pay about $50 to $200 per window for a pro installation, depending on where you live and the type of storm windows involved. No special tools are needed, however-just a paint scraper, a caulk gun, and a drill/driver. Installing storm windows can be challenging for a DIYer, especially on upper floors, where the work often requires two people on extension ladders. Sometimes the glass is included if not, the company may sell an extended warranty for it. It ranges from five years to a limited lifetime warranty. The glass should last for the life of the frame. How long do they last?Įnamel-coated aluminum frames should last at least 30 to 40 years, and wood frames that are sealed or painted will last as long if maintained. Wood-framed storms are a specialty item prices start at $200 for a 30×50-inch unit. Storm windows with aluminum frames, the most common type, cost about $80 to $185 for a 30×50-inch unit, uninstalled. “Not only is the cost less than that of a replacement window, the performance is equivalent, and the life span is often longer.” Things to Know About Storm Windows What do they cost? “Storm window technology has improved substantially over the last several years,” says Quanta Technologies’ Jay Reyher, an 11-year industry veteran. When fitted with glass that has a low-e coating, they can save as much energy as new windows. Today’s storm windows are generally made of aluminum that’s enamel-coated to further resist corrosion, and come equipped with screens and sliding glass panels. Early steel models tended to rust after 1945, when manufacturers switched to rustproof aluminum, this style really took off. Those familiar “triple-tracks,” which hold one screen and two glass sashes on separate tracks, were invented in the 1930s as a weather-resistant alternative to wood-frame storm windows they allowed homeowners to swap glass for insect screens in summer, without having to remove the storms.