How much does it cost to install a storm window?

Storm windows ¹ offer a less expensive alternative to replacement windows for homeowners who are concerned about energy costs. Storm windows ¹ help insulate existing windows, stop airflow and energy transfer, and are most useful when installed over single-pane windows.

Storm windows ¹ come in many types, which can impact the final cost of the project. The average homeowner installing 8 double-track exterior storm windows ¹ with a vinyl ² frame spend between $1,440 and $5,200 on the project, with most homeowners spending around $2,800.

Storm window installation

Pros and cons

Storm windows ¹, sometimes simply called storms, offer homeowners several advantages. They cost less than replacement windows, so they can be a good way of saving money while lowering energy costs. They help make homes more comfortable, with fewer air gaps and cold spots near windows. They can also help insulate and reduce energy bills by stopping air transfer.

Storm windows ¹ are most effective when installed on the exterior of the home, which means that they are visible and lower the aesthetics of the house. Some exterior storm windows ¹ open and close to allow some airflow on hot days.

Interior storm windows ¹ are less visible but do not do as good a job of insulating. They also need to be put in and taken out by the season and do not allow you to open the window.

All storm windows ¹ block some light from entering your home, so the windows will seem darker. They also require regular maintenance.

Frame type

Like any window, storm windows ¹ have a few options for the frame type that you can use. Each frame affects the cost of the window and how it functions and looks.

Aluminum

Aluminum frames are inexpensive and low-maintenance but are very poor insulators. So, they do not do as good of a job stopping energy transfer as vinyl ² or wood. They do not peel, but the color can fade, requiring periodic repainting. They are lower maintenance than wood and the least expensive option. They cost between $40 and $275 per window, depending on the size and style.

Vinyl

Vinyl ² frames do not insulate as well as wood, but they insulate better than aluminum. Vinyl ² is low-maintenance and does not require any painting, but color and style choices may be more limited. It is possible to find combination vinyl/wood frames that help them insulate better while being easier to maintain. They cost between $100 and $300 per window, depending on the size and style.

Wood

Wood frames are the best insulators and often have the most attractive appearance. They work well on older homes and homes where natural materials are prominent in the design. Wood frames are more expensive, however, and require more maintenance than aluminum or vinyl ², as they need to be painted periodically. They cost between $175 and $600 per window, depending on the size and style.

Pane material

Like any window, storms have several options when it comes to the “glass” or the panes that make them up. Each material impacts the cost, looks, durability, and function of the windows.

Glass is popular for its clarity and the fact that it does not scratch. It is often available with a Low-E coating to make it more efficient, but glass can break and is usually more expensive.

Plexiglass and acrylic are also options. These are types of plastic that offer better durability and longevity for the storm windows ¹, but they scratch and are not as easy to see through as glass is. They can be slightly less expensive, depending on the type.

Track style

While an interior storm window ¹ is fixed, exterior windows may have different sections that allow you to open the window on a hot day. There are two different types of track styles - two-track and triple-track.

In a two-track style, you have two panes of glass and a screen. Farthest from the home is a fixed pane of glass at the top and a screen on the bottom but neither move. On the interior is another pane of glass, but this one you can slide up to expose the screen for ventilation. You cannot open the screen.

In a triple-track style, you have three separate tracks with two panes of glass and one screen. Each one can slide up or down individually, allowing you to customize how you open the window. You can even open it completely to pass something through if desired.

Interior vs exterior storm window

Storm windows ¹ can be installed on the exterior or interior of the window. On an exterior installation, the window is a permanent addition to the home, screwed and caulked ³ into place. An interior storm window ¹ is a single panel that can be put in and removed as needed. Usually, an interior storm window ¹ will be put in place before winter, then removed in the summer when you want to open the windows.

Exterior storm windows ¹ are more common, but if you rent or have a historic home, you may wish to use interior storms. They are easily put into place and removed by the homeowner, most using compression as a method of installation to form a tight seal. They are often just as effective for stopping energy transfer as an exterior storm window ¹.

Installation process

Installing a storm window ¹ is a fairly easy process that should only take a few minutes per window. First, the exterior of the window is measured to fit the storm, and the storm is adjusted as needed and put into place. A bead of caulk is run around the edge of the storm to seal it, and then the frame is screwed onto the exterior frame of the window. If necessary, a second bead of caulk ³ may be applied to seal any air gaps.

Labor costs

Labor for installing storm windows ¹ varies tremendously based on several factors, including the size of the window, the type of frame, whether it is on the first or second story of the home, and what condition the existing frame is in. Installation can be as low as $65 per window or as high as $300, with some companies offering a discount if you have multiple windows installed at the same time. For installing 8 two-track, vinyl-framed storm windows ¹, expect labor to be around $1,200 of the $2,800 total.

Maintenance

Storm windows ¹ require a great deal of maintenance, regardless of whether they are interior or exterior. Interior windows must be removed each summer, cleaned and stored. Depending on how they are adhered, they may need to have excess old caulk ³ scraped off prior to storing.

Exterior storm windows ¹ do not need to be removed if you do not want to because they can be opened to let air in. However, the tracks must be cleaned and lubricated yearly to make sure that they continue to function properly. Sometimes, this can only be done from the exterior of the house, which can be difficult on a two-story home. Likewise, the caulking ³ around the frame should be checked yearly and replaced as needed, and the frame itself may require painting or cleaning to help your home maintain its curb appeal.

Enhancements and improvements

Removing the old window

When replacing existing storm windows ¹ with new models, your installer may charge you an extra fee to remove the old storms. This can range from $25 - $50 a window, depending on size, location, and how difficult they are to remove.

Stabilizer bar

Stabilizer bars add additional structural strength to a storm window ¹ and may help prolong their lifespan. They cost around $20 - $40 each.

Weatherstripping

Storm windows ¹ may be more effective if you weatherstrip your existing windows first. Weatherstripping helps seal the edges around windows and doors, making them more airtight. It costs around $168 to weatherstrip an entire home.

Additional costs and considerations

• Storm windows ¹ can allow condensation to build up between the storm and the interior window. If this happens, it can cause the exterior wood on your home to rot. Make sure that your interior window is properly sealed prior to installing the storm to prevent this issue.

• Storm windows ¹ with two tracks can be partially opened to expose a screen, while triple-track storm windows ¹ can be opened completely.

• There are temporary and disposable storm windows ¹ available that you may choose to put up on the inside of your windows yourself during colder months. They may mold into place, use pieces of acrylic and fit through compression, or be plastic that is shrunk to fit the window with heat.

• When choosing a storm window ¹, make sure to look for frames that have overlapped joints ⁴ rather than mitered corners. Miters may allow air to seep through. Another thing to look for is an adjustable ventilation stop on the interior track, as well as glass and screens that can be removed for easier cleaning.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

² Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

³ Caulked: A chemical sealant used to fill in and seal gaps where two materials join, for example, the tub and tile, to create a watertight and airtight seal. The term "caulking" is also used to refer to the process of applying this type of sealant