Magnetic Storm Windows: Pros and Cons
Historic homes are both a privilege and a pleasure to own and inhabit. Homeowners take great pride in preserving these magnificent landmarks, caring for their structures and aesthetics in ways that respect the buildings’ storied histories.
Historic homeowners have options when updating their building: restore to a specific era, rehabilitate and update as needed, or preserve as is. However, when maintaining an old home for habitability, homeowners often prefer to keep the home’s character in mind, including its original single-pane windows.
Whether interior or exterior, storm windows are popular additions because they keep the home’s overall aesthetic and original windows intact while improving energy efficiency and blocking outside noise. Magnetic storm windows are among the several styles to explore when deciding what storm windows will work best for your home.
What Are Magnetic Storm Windows?
Magnetic storm windows are a type of storm window with a metal frame installed around the window stop, after which the magnetic storm window is placed on the metal frame and held there by a strong magnetic field, creating a heavy-duty seal. This specific type of storm window has its own set of positives and negatives to consider.
Pros of Magnetic Storm Windows
- Affordable price. Magnetic storm windows are one of the least expensive options available compared to other types of storm windows or replacing windows entirely.
- Lightweight. It is easy to move and handle magnetic storm windows since they are durable but not heavy, making them accessible and manageable for anyone.
- Ease of placement and removal. Interior magnetic storm windows are easy to place and takedown without the need for tools, thanks to their magnetic seal design. Removable magnetic window insulation is an excellent choice if you still want to be able to open your windows occasionally in the winter.
- Removes condensation. Accumulating ice and condensation on windows is a common problem during the winter. The strong seal of magnetic storm windows all but eliminates this issue.
- Noise reduction. Magnetic acrylic soundproof storm windows can block out up to 70% of outside noise when applied to a single-pane original window and up to 50% with a double-pane window (compared to replacement windows, which only reduce outside noise by approximately 25% and cost more). They are an excellent option for homes in busy neighborhoods or near busy roads. They also reduce sound exiting the house, enhancing privacy.
- Energy-efficient. The strong seal of interior magnetic storm windows increases the original window’s performance, acting as a barrier to cold drafts and helping the home retain heat in the winter. Additionally, interior magnetic storm windows are often treated with an acrylic coating, which protects the home against ultra-violet ray damage.
- Cost Saving. In addition to being less expensive to purchase and install than replacement windows, magnetic storm windows often quickly pay for themselves through lower energy bills.
Cons of Magnetic Storm Windows
- Seal deterioration. Although it will take several years, the magnetic seal can weaken with time, reducing the window’s efficiency.
- Aesthetic issues. Even applied on the interior, magnetic storm windows affect the home’s aesthetic. The metal bracket that holds magnetic windows in place is permanently attached to the window frame, remaining visible even when the magnetic windows are not in use. This is an especially problematic issue for homeowners who want to maintain the historic nature of their home.
- Single-direction seal. Magnets attract in one direction; therefore, magnetic windows only protect against airflow one way rather than fully from every direction around the window frame.
- Changing temperatures can cause failure. Most magnetic window inserts use acrylic that expands and contracts based on the temperature, while the metal bracket frame does not. The magnetic seal can break, and the whole panel can pop off the bracket when the window insert and magnets expand or contract.
- Lengthy installation process and possible damage. Magnetic storm windows often require a cumbersome installation that includes permanent adhesive, drilling, and extra hardware that needs to be measured and assembled upon arrival, not ahead of time. It can take several hours and alter the quality of your home. Due to the lengthy and complicated installation process, it is also challenging to uninstall entirely and may leave permanent damage to your window frames.
- Permanently damages window frame. Magnetic storm windows require permanent attachment of metal tracking to your window frame. When the panel is removed, the tracking remains. Even when if you remove the tracking, the adhesive and holes drilled into your window frame are difficult to remove and repair. This is a huge issue for historic, old-growth wood window frames, which are irreplaceable.
An Alternative to Magnetic Storm Windows
Another option to consider when searching for the right storm windows for your home is compression seal inserts.
Indow uses its patented silicone compression tube to keep window inserts in place instead of hardware like tracking. This saves your window frames from damage, keeping them beautiful for years to come.
Built from silicone tubing that provides a seal from all directions, Indow compression seal inserts are stronger than magnetic storm windows. The inserts are resistant to changing temperatures that can cause failure in track-based systems. They absorb the expansion and contraction that comes with temperature shifts and provide excellent resistance to unwanted drafts and noise.
Every Indow compression seal insert is custom made to each window’s specifications. This makes them particularly well suited for historic homes where each window will have a slightly different size due to the homes settling over the years.
Find out more about the Indow compression system, and then get a free consultation and estimate here.
Customer Reviews
4.49 Average 1491 Reviews
Juli E
We are thrilled with our Indow window inserts! I'd been on the lookout for a more permanent solution to leaky windows in our third floor living space. I discovered Indow on social media but since then have learned of friends who'd had Indow recommended to them by their rennovation contractor. The entire process went smoothly with friendly reps at hand to talk through questions during measuring, etc. They fit perfectly and help us to maintain the beautiful design of the windows on our 100 year old home! Highly recommend!!
Jen F
Worth the money!
Elizabeth H
For townhouse living, this solved my problem with noise from my neighbor's with my kitchen window. A considerable decrease of noise indeed! Measurements were a bit frustrating so I recommend using a laser measurement device and following directions to use a string for the diagonal. They look great and were easy to push into place. I highly recommend as an alternative to buying a new window.
Anonymous
Easy to install, and instantly stopped drafts and dampened outside noises very effectively!
Robert C
The process could've been smoother with the sending of the measuring kit. There was a delay with weather in Oregon but then it felt like my kit was still delayed due to other reasons. Most new homes (like mine) have textured paint and it can also be inside your window frames. I measured everything out but I still have little tiny gaps due to the texturing. Not indows problem but just be aware you made need to sand or fill in those gaps yourself to get a perfect seal. I did the acoustic grade inserts and they have reduced some noise but they will not completely block or significantly reduce road noise. This is most apparent with deep or lower frequencies like truck exhausts or modified street racing cars that are quite popular these days. Taking the inserts out to open your windows isn't an easy task. The little metal hook they provide needs to be either bigger or you can attach something to it as a way to leverage yourself. Overall the process was average. I think they're definitely a good option for weatherproofing and some sound reduction depending on the type of windows you have. I would purchase again.
Shelley C
The process for ordering and installing the Indow Widnow inserts was so easy. They sent the measuring information and it had great instructions. The inserts were delivered by UPS was crushed on one corner, but the company had packed them well, so there was no damage. We installed them the same day. It works best if you have two people completing the installation. We felt the results immediately and are glad we spent the money to make our home just a little more efficient.
Barry B
The insert fits like a glove and insulates the window! No more frost and condensation on the interior of the window! Thank you for an easy, effective and attractive fix!
Susan A
The support during the entire process was wonderful, thank you so much for the extra quiet space!
Volodymyr R
Very good good quality. Overall very satisfied with this product and service. Thanks
Jane H
Our home was built in 1913 and has beautiful old wavy glass single-paned windows. I’m so glad we were told about Indows and didn’t have to replace the original windows. We live in Canada but had no difficulty placing the order and were very impressed by how accurately the company met its deadlines, including cross border delivery. The Indows inserts blend in perfectly with our home and the existing window frames. You don’t see them unless you’re actually looking for them. But what we did notice was how much warmer the rooms feel the minute the inserts were installed! I can’t speak to any heating bill savings because they just went in this week, but our home feels much, much cozier. Our contractor who took all the measurements and installed the Indows says: “Excellent instructional videos: clear and informative. Very impressed with the design and the product. Overall, the ease of installation is quite impressive. Working with all the staff at the company was great – everyone was very helpful.” I’m already recommending this company to any of my friends who live in drafty older homes and want to reduce their heating/cooling bills and do some good for the environment.
Anonymous
Don't be afraid of buying an older home with single pane windows. This company has you covered. Their inserts are super high quality and fit well thanks to the laser measuring kit they send. Highly recommended!
Katie M
We purchased three Indows to reduce drafts and noise in our bedroom, which faces the street. The improvement was immediate. Our house was built in 1958 and although we have exterior storm windows we didn't want to replace the windows outright due to cost and architectural consistency. These were an excellent solution.
Matthew L
Indow inserts were easy to measure, order and install. They've provided great insulation for old single-pane and stained glass windows in an antique home. We can significantly feel how much better the home holds heat.
Ellis W
I ordered two Indow inserts for my home. They are doing a great job, entirely happy with them and the ordering process.
Elizabeth W
I can't say enough good things about this product and company. Our house is 101 years old and the sidelites next to our front door are single pane ancient wavy glass which means when it gets very cold (Chicago temps) we can have an inch of frost covering the INSIDE of our windows. I was desperately searching for a solution so our front vestibule was not so cold and a friend recommended Indow. The process could not have been simpler and the temperature difference it has made is off the charts.