Storm window guide

Screens on Storm Windows: Fiberglass, Aluminum and Seasonal Use

How glass-and-screen storm windows work through the year, and how to choose between fiberglass and aluminum screen mesh.

Light curtains moving in a breeze at an open window

A good storm window works year-round: glass in the cold months and a screen when you want fresh air. This guide explains how glass-and-screen storm windows are arranged, what the screen options are, and how to choose the layout that matches the way you use each window.

Key takeaways

  • Two-track storm windows carry one glass pane and one screen
  • Triple-track storm windows add a second glass pane so you can change position by season
  • BetterVue fiberglass screen is included, with aluminum screen wire as an upgrade
  • Solar and Super Solar mesh are available on three-track models
  • Fixed picture windows have no screen because they do not open

Glass in winter, screen in summer

A two-track storm window carries one glass pane and one screen. A triple-track carries two glass panes and a screen, so you can change the combination through the seasons. In warm weather you can open a glass panel and let air through the screen; in cold weather you close the glass panels to cut drafts.

Compare two-track and triple-track

BetterVue fiberglass screen

Our storm windows include a BetterVue fiberglass screen. It is a fiberglass mesh designed to give a clearer view out and good airflow. It is the default on the product page and works well for most openings.

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Aluminum screen wire

Aluminum screen wire is available as an upgrade on the product page. It is a firmer metal mesh that some owners prefer. The upgrade is priced for the physical number of screens in your window, and the product page shows the price before you add it to the cart.

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Solar mesh on triple-track windows

Solar and Super Solar mesh options are available on three-track models. Solar mesh is designed to reduce the sun that enters through the screen. Choose it when a sunny exposure is the main concern.

See the vertical triple-track window

Half-screen and fixed styles

A half-screen window covers part of the opening and leaves the rest clear for ventilation. A fixed picture window has no screen because it does not open. Pick the layout that matches how you use the original window.

See the half-screen window

Matching the layout to the room

Kitchens, bedrooms and any room where you want fresh air on mild days benefit from an operating window with a screen. For a window you rarely open, a fixed panel is simpler. Think about how often you open the original window before you choose.

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Caring for screens

Screen material is warranted against rust and rot on exterior windows, but torn screens are not covered, so handle them with care. Brush loose dirt from the screen with a soft brush, and remove it for a deeper wash with mild soapy water.

How to clean storm windows
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Vertical storm windows

An operating exterior option for tall, double-hung openings.

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Horizontal storm windows

A side-sliding exterior option for wide openings.

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Fixed picture windows

A fixed panel for glass that does not need to open.

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FAQs

What screen comes with my storm window?

A BetterVue fiberglass screen is included by default. Aluminum screen wire is an optional upgrade, and solar mesh options are available on three-track models.

Can I leave the screen in all year?

On a triple-track window you can leave the screen in place and swap glass panels as the seasons change. Check your product page for how your style works.

Is aluminum screen wire better than fiberglass?

It is a different mesh. Aluminum is firmer; fiberglass is flexible and designed for a clear view. Choose based on preference and how the window is used.

Do fixed storm windows have screens?

No. A fixed picture storm window covers a window that does not open, so it has no screen.

What is the difference between two-track and triple-track?

A two-track window has one glass pane and one screen. A triple-track window has two glass panes and a screen, which lets you leave the screen in and swap panes through the seasons.

Can I replace a torn screen?

Yes. Contact us with your window details and we will help you find the right replacement.

Do I need solar screen mesh?

Solar mesh reduces the sun that comes through the screen. It is worth considering on a sunny exposure, and it is available on three-track models.

Do half-screen windows ventilate as well as full screens?

A half-screen covers part of the opening and leaves the rest open for airflow. Choose it when you want ventilation with a less obstructed view.

Next steps

Find the right storm window for your home

Choose your style, then configure the size and options for each opening.

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