A practical buying guide

Choose the storm window that fits the way you live.

The best starting point is your existing window: where it can accept a frame, how it opens, and whether you need a screen. From there, choose the glass and finish that suit the room.

1. Choose inside or outside

Interior systems fit on the room side and preserve the original exterior appearance. Exterior systems add a weather-facing layer outside. Start by checking access, the condition of the surround, and the available mounting depth. A direct-mount fixed panel can work on either side when the attachment detail is suitable.

2. Decide how you want fresh air

Double-hung storms move vertically and suit tall sash windows. Sliders move horizontally for wider openings. Choose a screened version when the storm needs to provide insect screening. If you only need seasonal ventilation, a removable glass-and-screen model lets you store the glass while leaving the frame and screen installed.

3. Match the mounting system

Recessed interior frames use jamb fasteners and a compressible perimeter seal. Exterior frames use a mounting flange. Direct-mount panels screw to a suitable existing sash or frame over a foam seal. These systems have different allowances, so opening size and finished panel size must not be treated as the same measurement.

4. Select glass for the project

Low-E glass helps reduce radiant heat transfer. Tell us about the original window, sun exposure, and any safety-glazing requirements. Tempered or other non-standard glazing is quoted for the exact configuration. An additional glass layer and good seals can reduce outside noise, but a specific acoustic result requires tested data for the selected assembly.

5. Coordinate the finish

White and brown are available alongside custom colors. For a close architectural match, provide a color reference and confirm a sample. Screen colors are a guide, not a finish approval.

6. Compare the complete quote

Compare the same dimensions, glazing, screen configuration, and finish. Include freight to your delivery location and any site-specific installation work. Reference prices for sample sizes help with budgeting; your project quote confirms the actual configuration and delivered cost.

Compare the range

Aluminum Low-E storm window styles and operating features
StylePlacementOperationScreen
Fixed Low-EInteriorFixed panelNo screen
Double-Hung + ScreenInteriorVertical sliding sashMovable screen
Slim Double-HungInteriorVertical sliding sashNo screen
Seasonal Glass + ScreenInteriorSeasonally removable glassScreen option
Slider + ScreenInteriorHorizontal sliding sashMovable screen
Slim SliderInteriorHorizontal sliding sashNo screen
Direct-Mount Low-EInterior / ExteriorFixed screw-mounted panelNo screen
Exterior FixedExteriorFixed panelNo screen
Exterior Double Hung + ScreenExteriorVertical sliding sashRemovable screen
Exterior Seasonal PanelExteriorSeasonally removable glassRemovable screen
Exterior Slider + ScreenExteriorHorizontal sliding sashRemovable screen
Architectural Double HungExteriorVertical sliding sashRemovable screen
Architectural SliderExteriorHorizontal sliding sashRemovable screen

You do not need every answer to get started.

Send the width and height of each window, how many you need, and your shipping ZIP. We will help select the right configuration and put together a quote.

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