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Location: Foothills of Maryland Blue Ridge mountains
993 posts, read 767,847 times
Reputation: 3163
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I guess I've been living under a rock when it comes to housing updates and maintenance. Here's the story:
We moved into a new home about a year ago. It is a 1950s all brick custom built rancher situated on top of the ridge of a small mountain in Maryland. The wind does whip over this mountain and storm windows are a necessity.
The house was meticulously maintained over the years but the home has old aluminum storm windows that are beginning to disintegrate and there are no screens on these storm windows. The original windows are in perfect condition. Almost like new. We are only the third owners of this house and no children have ever lived here. Guess that's why. Ha!
So yesterday I called around to a few window/glass stores about replacement storm windows and was surprised when all but one store told me they don't sell storm windows, only replacement windows.
What? When did this happen? I don't want to replace all my windows that were specially made for this home. Yes, I understand they might not be as efficient as new windows but architecturally they fit the home. And I figured new storm windows would help with the efficiency aspect.
I heard the same story from three stores. Then I called a glass shop and was told they could special order storm windows for me. They are coming out to give me an estimate next week.
What am I missing here? Should I consider new windows? That seems so wasteful and I know I won't like the look as much as the original windows. Am I getting the straight story about storm windows?
I guess I've been living under a rock when it comes to housing updates and maintenance. Here's the story:
We moved into a new home about a year ago. It is a 1950s all brick custom built rancher situated on top of the ridge of a small mountain in Maryland. The wind does whip over this mountain and storm windows are a necessity.
The house was meticulously maintained over the years but the home has old aluminum storm windows that are beginning to disintegrate and there are no screens on these storm windows. The original windows are in perfect condition. Almost like new. We are only the third owners of this house and no children have ever lived here. Guess that's why. Ha!
So yesterday I called around to a few window/glass stores about replacement storm windows and was surprised when all but one store told me they don't sell storm windows, only replacement windows.
What? When did this happen? I don't want to replace all my windows that were specially made for this home. Yes, I understand they might not be as efficient as new windows but architecturally they fit the home. And I figured new storm windows would help with the efficiency aspect.
I heard the same story from three stores. Then I called a glass shop and was told they could special order storm windows for me. They are coming out to give me an estimate next week.
What am I missing here? Should I consider new windows? That seems so wasteful and I know I won't like the look as much as the original windows. Am I getting the straight story about storm windows?
Your original windows were created and installed to go with and enhance the look of your home - please do not replace them! You will never recoup the cost of replacement windows, and will be sorely disappointed at the so-called energy savings they are supposed to provide. Good storms installed over original windows provide just as much or more insulation against winds as do "new" windows, and at much less cost. I would heartily endorse going with your local glass shop if their estimate is in line with your budget, especially as you can always repair and restore your original windows if needed. You certainly will never be able to do that if you buy vinyl or fiberglass windows, which will also not look right for your house. The biggest regret I have about my house is the PO's stupid decision to replace the original 1927 windows with vinyl pieces of crap after 77 years - I could slap them silly!
Location: Foothills of Maryland Blue Ridge mountains
993 posts, read 767,847 times
Reputation: 3163
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bungalove
Your original windows were created and installed to go with and enhance the look of your home - please do not replace them! You will never recoup the cost of replacement windows, and will be sorely disappointed at the so-called energy savings they are supposed to provide. Good storms installed over original windows provide just as much or more insulation against winds as do "new" windows, and at much less cost. I would heartily endorse going with your local glass shop if their estimate is in line with your budget, especially as you can always repair and restore your original windows if needed. You certainly will never be able to do that if you buy vinyl or fiberglass windows, which will also not look right for your house. The biggest regret I have about my house is the PO's stupid decision to replace the original 1927 windows with vinyl pieces of crap after 77 years - I could slap them silly!
Thank you for this! You're right. I will special order storm windows. I love these original mid-century windows.
You can make or buy inside "invisible" storm windows out of Lucite as well. However if your goal is to protect the glass from debris, then you need them outside.
Here's another vote for doing what's necessary to find Good storm windows vs replacing. I have a 1930 house with original wood windows and was hesitant at replacing them so I got to looking around and even the EPA has studies showing that properly fitting storm windows on functional/properly fitting normal windows is 90% as energy efficient as any "modern" window. So I build wooden storm windows (more fitting of the character).
There are Vastly different quality tiers when it comes to the aluminum storm windows so do your homework.
the EPA has studies showing that properly fitting storm windows on functional/properly fitting normal windows is 90% as energy efficient as any "modern" window. So I build wooden storm windows (more fitting of the character).
That depends. First the old windows have to be in good repair. If they are worn and ill fitting, have missing glazing compound, or are broken, then they will not work well even with storms.
Then on the other side it depends ont he age of the "new" windows, especially those with gas between the panes. New windows lose their insulating properties over time.
Of course that does not address the look of the windows, or the fact that old paned glass windows are repairable while most modern windows simply get replaced if damaged or the glass is broken.
That is the other beauty of storm windows. IN a severe storm with flying debris, the storm window gets broken (unless it is lucite) and you just take it to a shop and have it repaired for a few dollars. With new windows, you have a major removal project in most cases.
Location: Foothills of Maryland Blue Ridge mountains
993 posts, read 767,847 times
Reputation: 3163
Quote:
Originally Posted by Coldjensens
That depends. First the old windows have to be in good repair. If they are worn and ill fitting, have missing glazing compound, or are broken, then they will not work well even with storms.
Then on the other side it depends ont he age of the "new" windows, especially those with gas between the panes. New windows lose their insulating properties over time.
Of course that does not address the look of the windows, or the fact that old paned glass windows are repairable while most modern windows simply get replaced if damaged or the glass is broken.
That is the other beauty of storm windows. IN a severe storm with flying debris, the storm window gets broken (unless it is lucite) and you just take it to a shop and have it repaired for a few dollars. With new windows, you have a major removal project in most cases.
These are good points. Especially about the flying debris. Hadn't thought of that. Thanks.
I went through this too. But in the end, I replaced mine. The storm windows were a hassle to put up and take down every year. Today's windows are worlds ahead of what was available in the 50's. Back then no one cared about energy costs. Energy was cheap. Today it isn't.
My house was in Minnesota on the Mississippi River. A beautiful MCM stone rambler. My heating costs were over $600 per month. Mostly because of the old windows. After I finally gave in and replaced them, my heating costs dropped 40%. And I had literally walls of windows overlooking the river so it was very expensive. But replacing them also made the house much more comfortable and less drafty. It was worth it.
I made sure the windows I bought were replaceable. I did lose one widow to damage from straight line winds and it took a couple weeks but they were able to just replace it with no construction type work.
The wind does whip over this mountain and storm windows are a necessity.
I don't see this as a reason for storm windows- that was not the intention of "storm windows", regardless of the "name". If the windows in the house are sealing well and not allowing air to get around them then they're good. If you want to increase the insulating quality of the window from winter weather, adding storm windows can help.
The main reason you see a lack of storm window options is because they're a pain in the ass for most people. The overwhelming majority want as low maintenance as possible- so going with an IG window is the most sensible solution.
There are window manufacturers that can replicate period windows yet have the most up to date energy efficiency. And there are other companies that can take your existing windows and just replace the glazing with IG glazing units- you maintain the original window with more energy efficiency.
Location: Foothills of Maryland Blue Ridge mountains
993 posts, read 767,847 times
Reputation: 3163
Quote:
Originally Posted by yellowsnow
I went through this too. But in the end, I replaced mine. The storm windows were a hassle to put up and take down every year. Today's windows are worlds ahead of what was available in the 50's. Back then no one cared about energy costs. Energy was cheap. Today it isn't.
My house was in Minnesota on the Mississippi River. A beautiful MCM stone rambler. My heating costs were over $600 per month. Mostly because of the old windows. After I finally gave in and replaced them, my heating costs dropped 40%. And I had literally walls of windows overlooking the river so it was very expensive. But replacing them also made the house much more comfortable and less drafty. It was worth it.
I made sure the windows I bought were replaceable. I did lose one widow to damage from straight line winds and it took a couple weeks but they were able to just replace it with no construction type work.
Wow. Sounds like a beautiful home. I would love a river view....along with the mountain view.
The storm windows we are looking at stay in place year round. They have two large panes of glass as well as a screen on a double track. They slide up and down.
Good to know about the replaceable window option on replacement windows. One more question to ask.
We have an all electric home and we've been pleasantly surprised....shocked actually...by how low our energy bill is. It's been about $200 a month all winter. This is our first winter here. With the finished, walk out basement and the main living level we have about 2900 sq. ft. But it's been a warm winter.
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