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Old coastal homes are elegant and eye-catching, but they’re more susceptible to severe damage from inclement weather. Storm windows (or impact-resistant windows) protect your home during severe weather with window inserts inside or outside your original panes.
They also provide soundproofing, increase your energy savings, and extend the life of your original windows. We’ve researched the best window brands in the United States and provided our recommendations for the strongest, most stylish storm windows.
Top Storm Window Brands for Your Home
- Best Selection: Renewal by Andersen
- Best for Sunrooms: Champion Windows
- Best for Coastal Homes: Marvin Windows
- Best Eco-Friendly Windows: Pella
- Most Accessible Storm Windows: ProVia
- Best Storm Doors: Larson Windows
- Best Wooden Storm Windows: Coppa Woodworking, Inc.
Compare the top window brands in the table below.
Best Selection: Renewal by Andersen
Fast Facts:
- State availability: 49 (excluding Hawaii)
- Warranty options: Limited and lifetime limited warranties
- Price range: $680–$2,700
- Energy-efficient products available: Yes
Benefits and Drawbacks
Upsides | Downsides |
---|---|
Has a massive selection of window lines with storm windows |
Charges a premium price |
Is available nationwide through popular retailers such as The Home Depot |
Doesn’t provide much cost information online |
Offers various warranties including 20 years for glass items and 10 years for non-glass |
What we like: Andersen is one of the largest and most respected window manufacturers in the United States. The company offers 35 different window types, and each Andersen window has multiple operational styles, color options, frame types, and shapes. The company also has an option between interior or exterior storm windows.
All of Andersen’s window and door lines have a storm window option. For example, the customizable accent E-Series complements double-hung and casement windows while using hidden structural reinforcements that don’t sacrifice style.
Andersen’s 400 Series is a premium option with hurricane strength protection and a Perma-Shield exterior vinyl cladding to resist salt spray and sea air. This series offers Andersen’s highest-quality glass and comes in vinyl and wood. You can pick between contemporary and traditional profiles to match your home’s aesthetic.
Best for Sunrooms: Champion Windows
Fast Facts:
- State availability: 17*
- Warranty options: Limited lifetime warranty
- Price range: $400–$850
- Energy-efficient products available: Yes
*Available in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Upsides | Downsides |
---|---|
Offers various storm door series |
Can be more expensive than some competitors |
Offers in-house installation and customization |
Includes limited pricing information online and varies quotes by location |
Provides several Energy Star-certified products |
Only operates in 17 states |
What we like: Champion Windows started as a regional window manufacturer in 1953 in Cincinnati. It initially made cost-friendly aluminum storm windows, storm doors, awnings, and screen rooms. The company now has a wide selection of window lines, including various storm windows and doors.
Champion offers high-quality new and replacement windows. It installs interior and exterior storm windows for all of its window lines. Options include eco-friendly products, such as its Energy Star-certified Comfort 365 Window Glass. This glass has a specialized low-emissivity (Low-E) coating and an insulating argon gas filling that blocks roughly 94% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. These features ensure your home stays cool during the summer and warm in the winter while still letting in plenty of natural sunlight.
Champion offers completely customized sunrooms, patios, and doors with an in-depth, personalized installation process. They also handle home improvement projects such as all-season sunrooms, three-season sunrooms, and patio enclosures.
Champion’s storm doors are available in its Standard or Premium series with color-matched expanders, dual weatherstripping, and designer screw covers to conceal exterior mounting screws. Its storm doors come with the option of a retractable screen door for quick and easy ventilation.
Best for Coastal Homes: Marvin Windows
Fast Facts:
- State availability: 50
- Warranty options: Limited warranties
- Price range: $250–$900
- Energy-efficient products available: Yes
Benefits and Drawbacks
Upsides | Downsides |
---|---|
Produces durable storm windows ideal for coastal homes |
Doesn’t provide much cost information online |
Offers grilles between the glass |
Has limited warranty options compared to competitors |
Offers many custom design options, including hardware |
What we like: Based in Minnesota, Marvin Windows has more than 100 years of experience in the window industry. Its Signature Coastal line includes high-quality storm windows designed to operate in extreme storms and hurricanes.
The company can add an impact window option for its Ultimate windows and doors. These are available in various wood, stain, and paint options. Marvin sands, conditions, stains, and oven-cures each piece of wood for an added layer of luxury. This process provides a rich finish.
Marvin also produces windows with wood, fiberglass, and extruded aluminum materials in three signature collections.
Best Eco-Friendly Windows: Pella
Fast Facts:
- State availability: 50
- Warranty options: Limited warranties
- Price range: $450–$2,000
- Energy-efficient products available: Yes
Benefits and Drawbacks
Upsides | Downsides |
---|---|
Has nationwide availability, including at Lowe’s and The Home Depot |
Doesn’t offer a lifetime warranty |
Offers cost-effective yet stylish options |
Doesn’t provide cost information online |
Provides a variety of storm and impact windows |
What we like: Pella is one of the largest window manufacturers in the United States and can be found at popular retailers such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s. The company uses sustainable sources and works with wood vendors who use responsible practices. Most of its windows and doors meet Energy Star performance guidelines and have a Low-E insulating coat. The EPA recognized Pella for its efforts in pollution prevention with an Energy Star Award in 2009.
Pella offers many window lines, including storm and impact options. Its Defender Series is the most cost-effective. Pella engineers these vinyl windows to withstand hurricanes, endure the coastal environment, improve noise reduction, and secure your home from intruders. The company’s Hurricane Shield Series is a similar vinyl window line, but it comes in more window types, such as casement, sliding, awning, and single-hung.
Pella also offers high-quality, detailed wooden windows in its Architect and Lifestyle series. These windows have a traditional, timeless design with finely detailed sash and grille profiles to add architectural interest.
Most Accessible Storm Windows: ProVia
Fast Facts:
- State availability: 50
- Warranty options: Transferable lifetime warranties
- Price range: $450–$800
- Energy-efficient products available: Yes
Benefits and Drawbacks
Upsides | Downsides |
---|---|
Has 16 color options for storm windows |
Availability varies by ZIP code |
Includes an expander to fit nonstandard window sizes |
Only offers aluminum storm windows |
Offers storm windows in architectural shapes |
What we like: ProVia manufactures durable, energy-efficient, and secure windows and doors. The company also provides customized storm windows and quality customer service. Window and Door magazine awarded ProVia the Crystal Achievement Award for Most Innovative Manufacturing Process and Best Industry Website in 2016.
ProVia’s storm windows are made from heavy-duty extruded aluminum measured to your home’s specifications. The company uses a unique, adjustable 1-inch bottom expander for simple installation and more secure drainage. However, ProVia only offers its storm windows in picture and double-hung options.
Best Storm Doors: Larson Windows
Fast Facts:
- State availability: 50
- Warranty options: Limited warranties
- Price range: $135–$1,099
- Energy-efficient products available: Yes
Benefits and Drawbacks
Upsides | Downsides |
---|---|
Offers a Low-E glass option for all of its windows |
Doesn’t offer installation services |
Provides a simple DIY installation |
Has limited offerings compared to some competitors |
Uses an additional insulating layer to reduce drafts |
What we like: Larson began providing cost-effective, high-quality windows in 1962. Though the company doesn’t have multiple window lines to choose from, it offers popular window types, such as sliding and single-hung. Its storm windows are designed for optimum durability and energy efficiency.
Larson’s ComfortSEAL windows include the option between clear glass and Low-E glass as well as three color options: white linen, pebblestone, and woodland. Larson also provides high-quality storm doors and pet-friendly options with built-in pet doors.
Best Wooden Storm Windows: Coppa Woodworking, Inc
Fast Facts:
- State availability: 50
- Warranty options: Limited warranties
- Price range: $28–$1,054
- Energy-efficient products available: Yes
Benefits and Drawbacks
Upsides | Downsides |
---|---|
Customizes storm windows and doors upon request |
Offers no additional window services |
Offers elegant, high-quality wooden storm windows |
Only offers single-pane glass |
Provides comprehensive services for storm doors and porches |
Ony works wth predetermined sizes |
What we like: Coppa Woodworking may be a great option for craftsman, Victorian, or colonial homes that require wooden storm windows. The company provides elegant, high-quality wooden storm windows instead of the standard vinyl and aluminum ones. It primarily uses Douglas fir but can use other wood types to match your home’s aesthetic.
Coppa Woodworking makes all of its windows to order but only creates them in eighth-inch increments. Although the company has limited service options, it offers gorgeous exterior wood storm windows.
Types of Storm Windows
Though storm windows come in various sizes, materials, and designs, companies offer them in three main categories. Learn about each type of storm window below.
Interior Storm Windows
Interior storm windows fit within an existing window and are often inexpensive. These storm windows use a single pane of glass and a lightweight casing, such as vinyl or fiberglass.
Interior storm windows are more customizable to unique window shapes and don’t detract from your home’s curb appeal, as they’re barely noticeable from the inside and outside of your home. They’re an easy do-it-yourself (DIY) option, making them ideal for apartments, condos, or multistory homes.
Exterior Storm Windows
Exterior storm windows enhance the performance and function of standard windows. They often come in vinyl, aluminum, and wood frames.
They also come in four primary configurations, typically with a screen. Two-track storm windows work for double-hung windows and use a fixed half-pane of glass and a fixed screen on the same track. Triple-track configurations function similarly but add greater ease of motion and better ventilation. There are also two-track storm windows for sliding windows, which open horizontally instead of vertically. Finally, basement storm windows use a single window pane held by thumb latches.
Temporary and Disposable Storm Windows
If you expect a season of inclement weather or a cold snap, temporary and disposable storm windows are great options. These are typically clear acrylic or film panels that fit inside your interior window frames. They can be easily installed using heat from a hair dryer to create an airtight seal.
Storm Window Materials
Storm windows come in various materials, such as vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and wood. Though storm windows have many glass options, Low-E coatings are popular because they reduce heat transfer and are more energy-efficient. Here are some other common glass options:
- A standard three-quarter-inch thick glass pane
- A standard one-and-one-eighth-inch thick glass pane
- Laminated glass
- Plexiglass
- Tinted glass
- Tempered glass
How To Find a Local Window Installer
You may want to hire a local window installation contractor to put in your storm windows. Here are a few steps to find a reputable provider.
- Check for certification: Many window manufacturers recommend finding an installer trained and certified for their products. Using a certified contractor helps you avoid bureaucratic headaches, as manufacturers are more willing to help resolve problems with a certified contractor. We recommend visiting a local showroom of the brand you’re interested in to connect with local certified installers. Double-check for certification on the American Window and Door Institute’s website.
- Read customer reviews: Read reviews on sites such as Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to get a sense of previous homeowners’ experiences. Pay attention to their comments about scheduling, warranty options, and workmanship.
- Pay attention to the quote process: There may be some red flags during the quote process. A reputable installer should measure each replacement window, explain their installation process, and estimate how long the job will take. You want an installer who will replace each window one at a time, rather than removing all the old ones and installing new ones. If an installer seems too quick to start the job or tries to avoid your concerns and questions, look for another local installer.
Our Recommendation
The best storm windows depend on your window type, style, and preferred installation method. If you have a coastal home, you may want exterior storm windows for extra protection against severe weather like hurricanes. Interior storm windows may be a better fit for a historic home that’s drafty and requires better insulation.
Many window installers can put in storm windows. We recommend Champion Windows for its completely customized approach. It’s also one of the few providers that offers comprehensive services, such as storm-proofing a sunroom.
Andersen is an excellent option if style is your primary concern, while Marvin is a great choice if you want to increase the safety and durability of your beach house or condo.
Use our tool below to get matched to local window installers quickly.
Storm Windows FAQ
What is the average cost of storm windows?
Storm windows cost $100–$200 per window on average. This figure includes materials and installation.
How long do storm windows last?
Storm windows’ life spans depend on their material. Aluminum storm windows have the greatest longevity, lasting 15 to 20 years without maintenance and 30 to 40 years with it.
What color should storm windows be?
For the best aesthetic result, your storm windows should match the color of your existing windows.
What maintenance do storm windows require?
To get the most out of your storm windows, remove the internal and exterior glass panes once a year and clean them with glass cleaner. While the panes are out of the frame, you should vacuum any debris accumulated in the sills and wipe the window down.
How We Chose the Top Window Brands
We researched and analyzed dozens of window manufacturers. We then crafted a rating system based on each brand’s standard and energy-efficient product offerings.
We spoke directly to representatives at each company to learn how the installation process works and determine how each brand personalizes its windows for each home. We also closely analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and labor guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
Finally, we assessed the manufacturer’s years of experience and customer reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.