By creating a tight seal on the window's interior, interior storm windows minimize air and heat moving through the glass, lowering your energy consumption. Used in combination with existing windows, interior storm windows are an easy and cost-effective option. They offer insulation boosts and utility savings that are similar to what the more expensive multi-pane windows can offer. Read on to learn more about interior storm windows.
Why Interior Storm Windows?
One of the greatest advantages of interior storm windows is that they're vastly more convenient than exterior storm windows. Easier to install and remove, interior storm windows tend to last far longer than their exterior counterparts since they are unaffected by outside elements. Additionally, the tight seal that interior storm windows provide is more efficient at minimizing heat transfer.
Interior storm windows' ease of use makes them an ideal option for situations such as multi-floor houses, apartments, or even historic homes where it is difficult or impossible to replace the original windows with more modern, insulated windows. Additionally, homeowners who live in particularly snowy or harsh climates extra can benefit greatly from interior storm windows.
Interior storm windows are cheaper and easier to use than exterior storm windows. | @ fotolia.com / nexusseven
Common Materials for Interior Storm Windows
For homeowners who want to maintain views of the outside, interior storm windows made of glass are ideal. However, glass panes tend to be both heavy and fragile. Plastic interior storm windows are a cheap and easy-to-install alternative to glass interior storm windows. While more durable than glass, they are also susceptible to damage.
Typically aluminum, wood, and vinyl are the most popular choices for interior storm window frames. Aluminum interior storm windows tend to be less frequently used because of this material's poor insulating qualities. Vinyl frames made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and UV stabilizers to protect against ultraviolet rays can minimize sun damage to your home. Finally, frames made from traditional wood will offer good insulation, but will weather with age and thus require the most maintenance. For those homeowners who are determined to buy wood frames, vinyl-clad wood frames are an efficient option.
Costs for Interior Storm Windows
Unlike exterior storm windows, interior storm windows don't need to be custom-made to fit your windows, though custom versions are available from some window suppliers. Therefore, interior storm windows cost less. Expect to pay about $250 for interior panels for a standard double-hung window. Homeowners can purchase interior storm window panel kits from building suppliers or hardware stores.
Additionally, interior storm windows will save you money on energy bills. During the long winter months, interior storm windows are an excellent way to keep your home much more snug and reduce heating bills. During the summer, interior storm windows can also reduce cooling costs.
Interior Storm Windows: Effective and Easy
Interior storm windows help to insulate your home during the coldest months of the year and keep your home cooler when it's hot. Less expensive than multi-paned windows with insulating coatings or glass, interior storm windows may be just the addition you need for your home.
