Vinyl windows and storm windows

15 years ago

We live in an old house -- over 100 years old -- which has been worked on by previous owners. I'm certain none of the windows are original and positive that all of them leak air badly. Some windows look fine, but we can feel the air rushing through and in some cases hear it whistling through. Others have parts of the wood rotting and have gaps where the glass does not fit against the wood any more. The windows need replacing.

We will replace them with vinyl windows which I know is not as pleasing to look at on an old house as wood, but there is no way we can afford new wooden windows, nor can we afford to rework the exisiting ones. The windows we will get will not be top of the line, but if they shut off the wind, they will be a huge improvement!

My question is about storm windows over the vinyl. We already have the storm windows and I have the intention of keeping them, thinking they will help cut down the wind as well as helping to protect the window casings from all sorts of weather. My SIL says well fitting windows will not need this help. I also have read before that storm windows will help with insulation, but it seems some folks do not agree.

I would really appreciate any advice from people who have had experience with this situation.

Featured Answer

theporchguy

15 years ago

norar il,
From your description above, it is obvious you need new replacement windows installed, storm windows removed and discarded and the outside area around the window opening needs to be capped in aluminum and fully caulked. This will greatly help with air infiltration.
I think a 100 year old home looks beautiful with new vinyl replacement windows. And they'll save you money on heating and cooling bills.
Remember when looking at vinyl replacement windows, make sure the aluminum capping is part of the job. It is here in Northern NJ, not an extra.
It is definitely not practical to keep your old storm windows in place. First of all, how would you clean them?
The new insulated glass caratridges that come with the new windows have better values. The storms are really in the way of a good installation.
Lastly, I believe your house may need insulation. Consider blown in cellulous. It runs about 1.15 per SF of wall area.
It's a small investment with real big savings.

Food for thought,

The PorchGuy

Here is a link that might be useful: My Album

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Comments (6)

kec01
15 years ago
Please post your question on the forums at oldhouseweb.com. I think you'll get pros and cons and the reasons for both with what you are considering. I'm in the camp that think a 100 yr old home looks awful with vinyl windows. I live in a town of old homes and those with vinyl windows stick out like a very sore thumb. It'll be cheaper to repair/replace/weather proof what you can and then go from there. Plus, vinyl windows, particularly middle of the road vinyl, doesn't have anywhere near as long a life as wood windows.
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skydawggy
15 years ago
Avoid reusing the storm windows with new vinyl windows. They will really provide no additional value. There is a good chance the heat build up between the storm window and the vinyl window will cause the vinyl to warp or the IG unit seal to fail. Using storm windows during the warmer months will actually reduce the energy efficiency of Low E treated double pane glass.

Purchasing a good quality window and combining it with a quality inatallation will deliver the greatest benefits.
norar_il
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you so much. You have addressed a couple of things I was concerned about -- the being able to clean the storm windows and the heat build up especially. And you have eased my mind about leaving them off.

The house is insulated -- that we did when we moved in and had to re-do the walls. I am a little concerned about the spaces where the old weights are now. Can I just stuff insulation into the spaces?

Like I said, I know a purist would not put in vinyl windows and I know wood will last longer and look better, but we have to do what we can afford -- maybe the next owners can replace with wooden windows when we're gone. The installers are going to cap off the outside with aluminum so I guess that will protect the windows.

Looks like the son-in-law is right!
john7447
15 years ago
You should remove old storm windows,they will trap moisture
and you can never get them clean,the dirt is ground into the old sheet glass.The new replacement windows will let more light in.

Here is a link that might be useful: alside windows
heywindowguy
15 years ago
Have you thought about sash replacement? If you have painted woodwork vinyl does not look so bad. With wood sash replacement you can stain inside and stay with ext. color. You may have to supplement weatherstrip at head and sill if jamb is out of square. Side jamb with new jamblines will give a good seal. If you have storm and screen combos you can keep them. A sash opening of 2-8 x 4-6 list for about $266.00, for Low E, so a net of $210.00 is a fair price depending on your location. Install would be about the same as vinyl. However they would need to be stained and painted.

Vinyl windows and storm windows

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