Information About Storm Windows
What is a Storm Window?
Ask 10 people and you will likely get 10 different definitions for a storm window. Most descriptions include “cheap” and “flimsy”. Our definition of a storm window is a second window installed over the first window and is designed to insulate and reduce drafts, creating favorable energy savings.A Soundproof Window is MORE than a Storm Window
By the above definition, it is a custom storm window but offers many additional benefits. A Soundproof Window can be considered to be a custom storm window, but is designed for reducing noise. In the process, there are other benefits not found in a storm window. Laminated glass, tighter seals and stronger construction combined with a small frame size improve almost all the benefits of a normal storm window. It is not cheap or flimsy, but rather a well made high quality window costing about as much as a replacement window.Most people want a storm window because:
- Insulation values are higher in storm windows
- Storm windows are lower priced than replacement windows
- Drafts are reduced with storm windows
- Historical homes do not (or should not) use replacement windows*
- Do not want to replace existing windows for many various reasons
- Noise reduction levels much higher than storm windows
- Better sealing windows, reducing drafts and cold spots even more
- Cuts out 99.9% of the unhealthy and color-fading ultraviolet light
- A better overall value than storm windows for the money invested (but higher initial cost)
- Quality - windows that will be in good shape 50 years from now
- A "custom storm window" fitting your existing windows better than regular storm windows
Soundproof Windows Vs. Storm Windows
Here is a chart to compare installing a Soundproof Window vs. installing storm windows.| Storm Windows | Soundproof Windows | |
| % Noise Reduction | 10% to 35% | 75% to 95% |
| Reduces Draftiness | good | excellent |
| Reduces Hot/Cold Spots | good | excellent |
| Historical Preservation | good | excellent |
| Insulation Values | good | good |
| Air Infiltration | good | excellent |
| % Harmful UV Light Blocked | 0% to 65% | 99.9% |
| Cost | $250 to $700 typical | $400 to $900 typical |
| Installed to the Outside | almost always | seldom |
| Installed to the Inside | seldom | almost always |
| Can be Installed Inside or Outside | normally outside only | installs easily either way |
| Stops Condensation | very good | very good |
| Uses Dual Pane Glass | sometimes | never |
| Dual Pane Seal Life | 15 to 20 years | n/a |
| Home Owner Association: | ||
| Window Approval Process | difficult | easy |
* Historical
homes
almost always prefer our Soundproof Windows to
storm windows since they do not change
the outside appearance when the storm windows are
mounted to the inside. On the inside, these "custom
storm windows" virtually
disappear since they have such a small footprint
(frame structure).
Also, most historic homes are now near population
centers and are very noisy, therefore needing
the extra noise reduction provided by the Soundproof
Windows not given by storm windows.
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