Whether you’re preparing your home for resale or looking for a way to lower your energy costs, windows are one of the first places you’ll look to remodel. While replacing your windows is usually the way to go, some homeowners may prefer a more cost-effective option like exterior storm windows.
Here’s what you need to know to decide if the storm window route is right for your home.
Exterior storm windows are separate windows mounted on the outside of your home to protect the existing internal windows. Usually constructed from thick glass or plastic, exterior storm windows make up for in protection what they lack in aesthetic appeal.
Storm windows are usually not permanently attached to your home, instead being held in place by compression or magnets. This makes them an excellent noninvasive window upgrade in lieu of replacing them with better quality windows that can quickly be removed when no longer needed.
Deciding whether exterior storm windows are the right solution for your home largely depends on how this option would compare to fully replacing your windows with newer, better-quality ones. Here’s how storm windows compare to replacement windows:
Storm windows are primarily designed to protect your actual windows against harsh weather (hence the name). When hail, branches, and debris get blown around in a storm, these windows take the hits so your actual windows and everything inside your home remain untouched and safe.
While this may sound useful no matter how old or new your windows are, replacement windows are built with sturdier stuff than older, single-pane windows and are not likely to break from intense weather. Investing in
high-quality replacement windows can protect against the elements more effectively than storm windows.
Storm windows provide an additional layer of insulation, which can be helpful if your windows are old or thin. This extra insulation layer can even reduce your energy bill by 10-30%. Despite this, replacement windows can also be extremely effective in reducing energy costs, leading to even greater savings than you can get with storm windows. Both storm and replacement windows can significantly reduce exterior noise from your neighborhood!
Storm windows have a role: protection. Because of that, they’re not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing. Exterior storm windows will cover up your more stylized windows and negatively impact the aesthetics of your home. If you’re looking for curb appeal improvements, storm windows are a good choice if you want to keep your existing windows as part of your home's vintage or aesthetic appeal.
It’s also important to note that storm windows — particularly those designed to open — can easily collect dirt and moisture between them and your permanent windows, so they have to be cleaned regularly and wiped dry to reduce the risk of water damage. Replacement windows, however, can give your home a beautiful facelift and make it look brand new! Replacing your windows can
increase the value of your home while leveling up the curb appeal, making them well worth the investment.
It should come as no surprise that basic exterior storm windows are significantly cheaper than high-quality replacement windows, but the investment makes it well worth the expense in the long run. Replacement windows are better in terms of insulation and aesthetics, and they’re just as good as storm windows at protecting your home in stormy weather. The upfront cost now means more significant savings down the road, and with Hanke Brothers’
financing options, the actual costs become much more manageable!
You don’t need storm windows in Arkansas if you have high-quality, multi-pane windows built to withstand hail and debris. In fact, exterior storm windows may do more harm than good, as they can result in more dangerous debris coming off of your house if a tornado blows through. If you have older windows, replacing them is a much more reliable and sustainable solution than a temporary, cheap fix like storm windows.
While storm windows can give you better insulation and protection than nothing at all, replacing your windows is the best choice nine times out of ten. High-quality replacement windows will serve your home better, even if you plan to sell! If you’re looking for the best quality windows for long-term functionality and aesthetic appeal, contact Hanke Brothers for a free quote.
All Rights Reserved | Hanke Brothers | Web Design by Flypaper | Privacy Policy