Aluminum, wood and vinyl storm windows

There are many types of storm windows, meeting different goals (seasonal, permanent...) and involving different features and materials (glass and plastic panes; aluminum, vinyl, wood frame storm windows...).

Different storm window features

More expensive storm windows involve special glasses and features that increase their effectiveness and the comfort they can provide: operable sashes, screens, ventilation features…

Be aware anyway. Some features are too expensive, which may make replacement windows a better option.

Stationary vs. double and three track storm windows

Some storm windows are inexpensive plastic sheets for just one or a few seasons. But most storm windows aren't so simple, and tend to come in three main options:

1) Stationary (picture) storm windows;
2) Double track storm windows and...
3) Three track storm windows.

Stationary (Picture) storm windows

Stationary storm windows (also called picture, or basement storm windows) have just one pane, which is hold in place by screws, thumb latches or other mechanical attachment.

Some of these storm windows include a screen into the inside of the frame to keep insects out, whenever the pane is removed for ventilation.

Main measures: 32 1/16'' x 14 1/16'' or 18 1/16'' or 22 1/16''.

Stationary storm windows are a very simple and cheap design.

Double track and three track storm windows

Storm Window: two and three track Double and three track storm windows involve two panels, which can be removed or adjusted.

In most two-track storm windows the inside pane rests in its own track and can be raised to get fresh air and natural ventilation.

Triple-track storm windows are also two-pane windows, but each pane has its own individual track to allow the homeowner to move both glass panes to the bottom of the window for better ventilation.

Glass or plastic panes

Plastic storm windows are very economical, but they are more damageable and more prone to scratch, yellowing and degradation over time.

Glass panes offer better visibility and longer life, but they are more expensive, fragile and heavy, which can collide with simple seasonal goals.

See: Types of window glass

Storm windows frames

Wood, aluminum, and vinyl are the most common storm window frame materials. All have advantages and disadvantages.

Wood-frame storm windows

Wood-frame storm windows are relatively expensive and pose more maintenance problems than other frames.

Vinyl-frame storm windows

Vinyl frames have some advantages over wood: less maintenance, lighter structures, cheaper units… But they are prone to warp in extreme conditions, and to fade over time… Besides, vinyl is an environmentally-unfriendly material.

Aluminum frame storm windows

Aluminum-frame storm windows has most of the advantages of vinyl, and it is a strong and light material. But it also has a huge disadvantage: its conductivity, which makes it into a very poor insulating material. To overcome it, choose aluminum-frame storm windows with thermal breaks.