How Much Do Storm Windows Cost in 2024?

As their name suggests, impact-resistant or storm windows are designed to protect the existing window units from weather extremes. They can be fitted either on the interior or exterior side, ensuring ultimate wind and moisture resistance. Plus, replacement storm windows reduce heat transfer and block outside noise, improving the house's overall comfort and energy efficiency. 

Should you reside in an area known for its severe weather conditions, such as Alaska with frequent snowstorms, Florida with its hurricane season, or Oklahoma's tornado-prone environment, secondary windows will be totally worth the cost. Not only will they enhance the longevity of your primary windows, but they will also improve your home's thermal efficiency.

So the question is, what is the cost of storm windows, and how does it differ depending on frame material, track style, pane type, and other factors? The comprehensive answers to these and other questions you will get by diving into this buying guide. 

Rest assured, the information about the average storm window costs provided in this article is gathered from reliable and validated sources. We take great care in accurately representing up-to-date market prices, making this article a trustworthy reference for your financial considerations.

The National Average Storm Windows Installation Cost

Secondary impact-resistant windows are one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade older windows with poor insulation. The average cost of storm inserts falls into the range of $125 - $420, with most homeowners paying around $230 per unit, excluding installation. 

Professional mounting of a storm window costs from $35 to $85 per hour or $65 - $170 per unit, depending on the selected installation type (interior or exterior), window size, material, and accessibility. For instance, if you want to install a triple-track storm unit with features like UV blocking or active noise reduction, you should expect to spend $850 - $1,380 per material and labor. 

The brand and model of the storm window can also affect the cost. Andersen and Pella sell their impact-resistant units at a higher price, offering premium quality. If you want to shave off the total window installation cost, go for cheaper units from Marvin and Coppa Woodworking.

Here is how much storm windows cost per unit.

The Average Cost of Replacing Storm Windows

Replacing existing storm windows is generally a pricier project compared to first-time installation, as the project entails removing the old units, modifying the frames, and adjusting the tracks to ensure a perfect fit. Plus, replacing exterior storm windows requires more safety precautions, raising the total project estimate.

While storm window replacement costs can be high, many homeowners find it necessary, particularly if their current windows are shabby, severely damaged, or have poor efficiency. This update can ultimately contribute to better energy savings and lower energy spending.

Depending on your window condition, size, structure, and location, its replacement may cost you from as low as $65 to as high as $450 per unit. You can ask your contractor for a discount if you're about to replace five and more windows per project. Removing the old storm inserts costs an extra $25 - $50 per unit. 

Make sure to apply to a local window professional to understand whether you need to replace your storm windows or they can be left in place with minor repairs performed. MyHomeQuote is here to assist you with finding and hiring the best window pros in the area. 

Storm Window Cost Estimator

The estimated price of storm windows can significantly fluctuate based on their style, size, structural design, functionality, glass type, and frame material, to name a few of the cost-formation factors. For instance, compact interior storm windows with fixed tracks generally come with a less hefty price tag considering their smaller dimensions, simpler structure, and lesser materials usage. Conversely, large-scale exterior storm windows with a double- or triple-track slide require more material and installation effort, resulting in higher initial investment. Therefore, you should consider your budget, windows' dimensions, as well as functional and energy efficiency needs when deciding on suitable storm windows for your property. Read on to find out how to calculate the storm window installation cost for your project. 

The Cost of Storm Windows by Size

The size of the storm window can directly impact the installation cost. Larger windows typically require more labor for installation, increasing the overall cost. Additionally, customized sizes might need expert handling, thus increasing the initial investment.

Ensuring you've selected the correct size of a storm window is crucial. Start by accurately measuring the width and height of your existing window. Measure from jamb to jamb for the width and from the sill to the head jamb for the height. Measuring at multiple points is advisable as old windows may not be square.

Here are the average storm window installation costs depending on their size.

The Average Storm Window Price by Installation Type

Depending on your needs and budget, storm inserts might be installed on the outer or inner side of the existing windows. The exterior hurricane units are more widespread as they provide a more airtight seal, reducing the infiltration of cold and hot air. Nevertheless, they face direct exposure to weather conditions, requiring durable materials and professional installation. Thus, the exterior storm windows cost around $250 per unit for material only or $365 for material and labor.

Their interior counterparts are much cheaper and quicker to install. They are attached inside and can be removed if necessary. That is why interior inserts are popular among renters and people living in multi-story buildings. The drawback of interior storm inserts compared to exterior ones is that they cannot provide the same level of insulation and must be carefully chosen to not conflict with the operation of existing windows, especially if they open inward. The cost of interior storm windows falls into the range of $100 to $320 per unit without professional installation. 

When deciding between the two, consider factors such as the local climate, the condition of the existing windows, and the overall structural aesthetics of your home.

Here is how much storm windows cost by the type of their installation.

The Average Cost of Storm Windows by Track Style

Storm windows are also distinguished by their track style. Two-track ones have one fixed and one movable sash. The movable sash can be opened vertically while the fixed sash stays stationary. On the other hand, triple-track units consist of two movable sashes and an outer screen. Each can move independently along separate tracks, allowing flexible configurations. 

While both styles significantly improve insulation, triple-track storm windows are generally considered more convenient due to their greater flexibility in ventilation options. They also allow easy cleaning as both sashes and the screen can be tilted into the room. However, they might be slightly more expensive than two-track storm windows. Your specific ventilation needs, cleaning preferences, local climate, and budget should influence your choice.

Here is how the cost of storm inserts may vary depending on their track style.

The Average Storm Windows Cost by Frame Material

The material from which the storm insert is made serves as one of the key cost determinants. Wood, vinyl, and aluminum are the three major frame options you can come across searching through storm windows for your home. Not only do they vary by appearance but also by durability, weather resistance, energy efficiency, and price. Thus, you will spend around $750 on a custom-made storm window made of natural wood and only $250 on a prefab aluminum unit. 

Wood Storm Windows

Wood storms are a classic choice, often complementing older or historic homes with existing wood windows. They are typically custom-made to match the design specifications of your home and can be painted or stained to fit your desired look. Storm windows with wood frames are excellent insulators that help to skimp on heating and cooling bills. Nevertheless, these units are vulnerable to rapid temperature drops and can be damaged by regular expansion and contractions. That is why you should consider your local weather before picking wood as the frame material for your exterior storm windows. 

The wood storm windows cost varies from $350 to $1,150 per custom-made unit or $250 to $450 per prefab unit. Before making your final purchasing decision, consider the additional costs you will have to spend on ongoing maintenance of your wood storm inserts.

Vinyl Storm Windows

Storm inserts made of PVC are popular due to their durability, energy efficiency, and affordability. They are robust and resistant to weathering, rusting, and corrosion. Plus, they offer significant thermal insulation, helping to reduce energy usage by limiting heat transfer. Compared to their wood counterparts, they require minimal maintenance - you will only need to clean them with soap and water from time to time. 

The cost of vinyl storm windows varies depending on the size, thickness, and number of panes, but on average, homeowners can expect to pay between $250 and $750 per custom unit and from $150 to $300 for prefab ones.

Aluminum Storm Windows

Strom inserts with aluminum frames are widely appreciated for their strength, durability, and relatively low price. Made from lightweight but robust aluminum, they resist corrosion and perform well in all weather conditions. Nevertheless, aluminum is considered a poor insulator compared to wood and vinyl. That is why many aluminum storm windows are designed with thermal breaks - insulating plastic pieces within the frame that enhance their thermal performance. 

The average aluminum storm window prices range from $100 to $250 for prefab units and $180 - $320 for custom ones, excluding installation or replacement services. Aluminum windows with thermal breaks may cost up to $400 per unit. 

See the table below to find out how the frame material may affect the total cost of installing storm windows.

The Cost of Storm Windows by Pane Type

Hurricane windows, both inner and outer, come with a range of glass options. Depending on your budget and functioning and aesthetic requirements, you can go for cheap plexiglass panes, standard not-treated panes, or premium low-E panes. Each glass comes with its own set of features and maintenance requirements that are worth knowing before making a purchase. Read on to discover the bare minimum you should know about common pane types and their costs. 

Standard Panes

Opting for a standard storm window glass is an affordable choice, with the cost per unit typically ranging between $100 and $300. This pane undergoes no special treatment, tinting, or modifications, making it straightforward and unpretentious. While it may lack some of the advanced features seen in premium glass options, it possesses its own set of advantages, like resistance to scratching and discoloration. Standard glass provides a clear, unobstructed view year after year, requiring little to no maintenance.

Low-E Panes

Low-emissivity glass for storm windows offers enhanced energy efficiency by managing heat transfer. A thin layer of metallic oxide applied to the pane effectively reflects heat, keeping the home from overheating and overcooling and maximizing energy saving. On top of that, low-E coatings also block a significant amount of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, preventing fading or damage to interior furnishings while still permitting ample natural light to enter the space. If you want to get this type of glass for your storm window, you should expect to spend from $130 5o $450 per pane, excluding installation.  

Tinted Panes

Tinted glass is treated with a special coating that alters the transparency, resulting in a distinct tint or coloration. This not only imparts an appealing aesthetic to the storm windows but also delivers practical advantages by enhancing privacy and reducing the amount of transferable solar heat. Some options of tinted glass can completely block UV rays, thus keeping your cooling and heating costs low and protecting your interior from fading. Nevertheless, this type of glass is prone to scratches and may alter the color of natural light entering through it. The price range for tinted panes typically falls between $125 and $400 per window for material only. 

Laminated Panes

Laminated glass is created by bonding two or more layers of glass with a protective interlayer. It offers enhanced safety, sound reduction, and protection against harsh weather conditions and UV rays, making it a reliable pane option for exterior storm windows. The average cost range for this premium glass option ranges from $150 to $450, excluding professional installation. While laminated glass tends to be more expensive than standard or tempered glass due to its additional features and benefits, the enhanced safety and noise reduction features could make it a worthy investment.

Tempered Panes

This type of glass undergoes a process of intense heating and rapid cooling, which increases its strength up to four to five times that of regular glass. It is almost impossible to shatter, and in case it still happens, glass won't break into sharp shards but rather into dull-edged granules that are almost impossible to injure with. Aside from safety, tempered glass has superior thermal resistance, resulting in improved energy efficiency. While it doesn't inherently block UV rays or reduce noise like laminated glass, it can be modified with coatings or glazes to enhance these properties. The average cost of a tempered pane goes from $165 to $420 per unit. 

See the table below for the average cost of glass options commonly used for storm windows.