Modern storm windows are affordable home and office additions that improve our comfort and save us money. Advances in construction and installation techniques have yielded a product that far surpasses most peoples’ expectations. In fact, if you have an old set, looking into replacement storm windows will provide more benefits than you ever thought. And for older homes, they are essential parts of keeping our vintage primary windows while improving their performance to match that of a new set.

Why Choose Storm Windows for Older Homes?

Choosing storm windows for older homes allows us to have it all. We get the benefits of new windows while keeping the vintage windows that add so much character to our historic homes.

If you’re tired of messing with storm window alternatives like window film and accordion shutters multiple times per year, read on to learn how a new set of storm windows can make your home more efficient and protect your historic windows from damage.

Benefits of Storm Windows for Older Homes

As homes age, things settle and shift, leaving them less efficient than they once were. This can lead to poor heat retention that leads to higher energy bills, as well as excess noise passage between inside and outside spaces. Here are some ways that storm windows can help.

Thermal Insulation

One of the most common reasons people choose to install storm windows is for added thermal insulation. Older windows lose their ability to keep warm and cold air apart as they age, and storm windows are an affordable and effective way to return those older windows to their previous potential.

Both internal and external windows are designed to provide a tight fit along the window’s existing frame. This provides your primary windows with a second pane of glass and an air gap that delivers much stronger insulation than a single pane of glass. All edges are sealed and the air has no open route for exchange.

Window Soundproofing

The same qualities that allow storm windows to provide effective thermal insulation also provide them with effective soundproofing ability. Windows are a prime location where sound passes in and out of homes. Creating sealed, double-paned windows with the help of storm window inserts is a wonderful way to keep indoor and outdoor sounds where they belong.

Asset Protection

Constant exposure to UV rays can have a detrimental impact on the artwork and furnishings inside the home. Some models of storm windows are designed to block those UV rays out, protecting those assets from damage.

Maintaining Historic Look

In the case of older homes, many people choose older home window inserts to provide those benefits while maintaining the classic curb appeal that they love. In fact, sometimes this is mandated by historical societies, so this option is a life saver for many owners of historic homes.

Choosing the Right Storm Windows

There are multiple storm window options to choose from, and making the right selection depends largely upon an assessment of your use case and budget. Let’s begin by examining the differences between exterior and interior storm windows, which are the two umbrellas under which your options fall. After that, we will move on to some key considerations when selecting storm windows for historic homes.

Exterior Storm Windows

Exterior storm windows are great for protecting your historic windows from the elements. Adding an extra pane of glass or acrylic outside your primary windows adds a layer of protection from weather or debris, and may even provide better insulation ability to their interior-mounted counterparts.

That said, they can take away from the exterior appearance and make it more difficult to open our windows to let the air flow in. Some pros and cons of exterior storm windows include:

Pros

• Insulation Ability – Exterior storm windows provide a more effective thermal barrier than interior storm windows.
• Weather Resistance – Exterior storm windows provide more protection against wind, rain, snow, and debris, helping to prolong the life of primary windows.
• Noise Reduction – Placing storm windows on the exterior side of primary storm windows offers a more effective sound blocking ability.
• UV Protection – Exterior storm windows are more effective at blocking UV rays than interior storm windows, protecting your furnishings from damage.
• Fewer Condensation Issues – Since external storm windows sit outside the thermal barrier of the home, they are less prone to condensation related damage.

Cons

• Installation Cost – Exterior storm windows are generally more expensive to purchase and install than interior options.
• Maintenance and Upkeep – Since exterior storm windows are exposed to more elements, they require more regular maintenance and upkeep to keep them performing as intended.
• Appearance – Altering the outside appearance with exterior storm windows can impact the curb appeal of historic homes, which is a turnoff for some.
• Access – Exterior storm windows are harder to access than interior storm windows, making it harder to clean and repair them.
• Airflow – Unlike interior storm windows, which can be easily removed to promote airflow on nice days, fixed exterior storm windows make it difficult to open windows and let air in. If this is an issue, you may be able to find combination storm windows that integrate a screen for airflow.

Interior Storm Windows

Interior storm windows provide an affordable option for improving a home’s energy efficiency and blocking sound passage between indoor and the outdoor spaces. That said they are a little less effective at both, but offer the ability to open up windows and air out the house on nice days. Some pros and cons of interior storm windows include:

Pros

• Installation Cost – Interior storm windows cost less to purchase than exterior windows, and in most cases, can be installed without hiring professional help. This makes them a much more cost-effective option.
• Appearance – Since these windows are mounted on the inside of the primary windows, they will not affect the appearance of the home from the outside.
• Ability to Open Windows – While interior storm windows are effective at eliminating drafts and quieting noise when installed, the ease with which they can be removed to let air in is a big bonus for lovers of fresh air.
• Access – Since interior storm windows are mounted inside, they are much easier to access for cleaning and repairs than exterior storm windows.

Cons

• Insulation Ability – Depending on model choice, interior storm windows may not provide the same thermal insulating ability as fixed exterior models.
• Noise Reduction – Likewise, noise reduction often takes a small hit when choosing interior storm windows over fixed exterior models.
• Possible Condensation Issues – Since interior storm windows are mounted inside the thermal barrier, there is a higher risk of condensation forming between the primary windows and storm windows. This can lead to mold issues if not addressed.
• Reduced Weather Protection – Interior storm windows will not protect your primary windows against outside elements like rain, snow, wind, and debris.
• Reduced UV Protection – Interior storm windows do not provide the same level of UV protection that exterior storm windows do.

Key Considerations for Older Homes

Older homes present a unique set of needs, and as such, require us to examine a different set of considerations than modern homes do. Here are some of the criteria to look at when choosing storm windows for older homes.

Window Style

The type of windows you have can impact your decision to go with interior or exterior storm windows for old houses. They can also dictate whether or not you can go with standard options or if you need to source custom storm windows for old homes.

Historic Preservation

If your home falls under the jurisdiction of a local historical preservation society or homeowner’s association (HOA), this is another thing that must be taken into account. In order to protect the look of your historic home, they may suggest or require that you go with a certain type over others.

Material

Material is another choice we need to make. The material you choose will dictate both the look and performance specs, so be sure you are realistic about your needs before making a decision. Here is a brief overview of what a few popular options offer.

Aluminum Storm Windows

Aluminum is a very durable and low maintenance material, making for upkeep and resistance to warping, rotting, and pests. The lightweight construction also makes them easy to handle and install. However, aluminum doesn’t provide the same aesthetic benefits as other options. It is also very conductive to heat, which can allow more heat or cold transfer and lead to condensation issues.

Acrylic Storm Windows

Acrylic is another lightweight option that makes installation easy. They are impact resistant, provide solid insulating ability, and can be treated to effectively block UV rays. However, they provide less aesthetic appeal, and may expand or contract over time due to inclement weather, affecting their fit.

Wooden Storm Windows

If you’re looking for storm windows with a traditional, warm look for your historic home, choosing wood-framed storm windows is a great option. They insulate well and can be finished to match the home’s exterior, minimizing the visual impact on the home’s exterior. It doesn’t matter if you need naturally stained or black storm windows. You can have whatever you need with wood. Keep in mind, however, that they will cost a little more and require more regular maintenance than other options.

Installation

Whether you’re looking to replace storm windows or install a whole new set, the installation process is highly dependent on the type you choose. Some models will simply snap into channels magnetically, while others may require more advanced installation methods.

When it comes to storm windows for older homes, getting it right can make or break the historic look. That’s why it’s helpful to work with a company that has decades of experience working with both interior and exterior models on historic homes. If you would like to learn more about your options and find a solution that meets your needs and fits within your budget, reach out for a consultation.