replacing all our storm windows archived

new triple track is close in price to new vinyl replacement windows without the installation cost. Triple track storm window insulation properties are next to nothing. Do one room at a time you don't need to do the whole house at once.

the newer vinyl windows are better than the older ones -- like the ones the previous owner put in our house. so i'd go with pella or andersen. And agree w/diver down -- so a room or so at a time.

But if you really want storm windows, try HG Edwards in Summit or Lifetime Aluminum in East Hanover.

Have you tested that you really need new windows?
I've used an incense stick on a breezy day. Hold smoldering stick at various points around the window to see if wind is getting in. Check where the frame meets the wall, also. Along top and bottom as well.
Are you handy? Can you make what you currently have work better?
Is the insulation adequate?
Usually, best return on investment is caulking on the outside of the house.
Lots of things to consider before a giant outlay. Good Luck.

We would like to avoid vinyl windows (although we'll probably get estimates on that too) and the storms are well over thirty years old, the metal has turned. some were replaced by the previous owners but they used very cheap materials and the frames are a mess, most worst than the older ones. We have HG Edwards coming by today for an estimate, unfortunately you have to "upgrade" for any energy efficient glass. While I am "adventurous" I don't think I could handle a second floor job.

We repaced our ugly gray metal storms with white new ones a few years ago. They look tons better than the old storms. We used Windowland in (I think) Florham Park, they did a great job.

I'm sure new windows would have been better, but I'm picky as well (wouldn't want vinyl) and no way would we have recouped that money back on our current home.

We're in the same boat and have been for a few years. Can't afford all new windows but need to do SOMETHING, argue about storm windows being a waste, and the end up doing NOTHING.

I think we may go the "one room at a time" route, since my son's room is my biggest concern. Are there such things as windows that will help block noise?? Any companies you've worked with that have been good about doing just two windows at a time?

Call Don Cleary's Lock and glass, talk to Phil the owner. Nice guy and is honest good prices. 974-743-4274.

Posted By: diver downTriple track storm window insulation properties are next to nothing.

Not true.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,476717,00.html

"High-quality storm windows may be all you need to banish leaks, at a fraction of the cost of replacement windows. "A good storm stops air infiltration about as well as most replacement windows, and the upfront costs are much lower," says This Old House general contractor Tom Silva."

However, triple track storms are a PITA to clean. I love my expensive, wood, tilt-in replacement windows. But I can't afford to do the whole house, so for now I love my new 3-track storms, too. And they came in chocolate brown, which matches my trim just fine.

ABout 8 years ago, after a fire, I replaced our wood double-hung sash windows with vinyl. As part of fighting the fire the FD broke out some of the windows and the triple track S&S. I did the job myself...cost about $135 each. Didn't replace triple track. Ins comp. allowed $300 ea. Tested wndw. as described above, while watching the trees swaying in a stiff breeze- NO prob.
Result new very tight wndws that open bottom AND top(not painted shut!!!). Tilt in for easy washing and don't have to wash windows and storms! House seems to retain heat better, less drafty. Liked the new ones so much used the $$$ left over to replace wndws that didn't need it. The only time you notice they're vinyl is when you handle them. No big deal.

DegoDiva, the cheapest way to weatherproof your windows in the winter is to use disposable caulking and that shrink-wrap plastic cover. These work well.

Yes, you can get people to do one window at a time. Our guy George has done this for us. He's an ace. If you're interested, he's at 908-436-0315. Tell him I sent you.

We had local guys C&P Black take out all our old terrible storms and replace them. They did a terrific job. Plus they are really nice guys

thanks all for your comments, we have estimates coming for both storms and windows.

Tom - where do you get the caulking and shrink wrap, is there a certain brand? Also do you need to do both or can you just do one or the other?

I got the shrink wrap at Home Despot. I'm sure you can get the caulking there, too. The wrap was something like $15, enough to do several windows. If you do it carefully, you can make it nearly invisible. It really, really works well.

Well we had the home depot estimate for 23 new windows, $611 per window installed!!! in the price is $184.00 per window for installation. There has to be a cheaper way but I'm really not sure how to research what are good windows, what a good price should be. I spoke with several neighbors in a similar replacement situation and we are going to do a collective research project. One neighbor suggested a "window" co-op, where we hire someone to teach us installation and then move from house to house, could be a new career???

$611/window for good windows would be reasonable, not for what you would get from HD, installed by a subcontractor.

If $611/window is outside your budget, listen to Tom R.

Information about energy efficient windows.

Stuff I have learned about energy efficient windows:

1. Wood windows are okay, not great (and I am talking Marvins, not the garbage in the big box stores). I was amazed that low-e with argon was an option on Marvins. Marvins can give U-ratings in the .35 range, when you should be looking for