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.
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.
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.
Indow has insulated more than 23,000 buildings - helping reduce carbon
emissions by nearly 200,000 tons - and creating comfort across the US &
Canada!
Excellent
4.49 Average Rating
1527 Reviews
Brian
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
These windows are great! They have improved the quality of our home with reduced thermal loss and reduced noise level! The temperature today is 93° outside, our split system is set at 73° and the inside house temperature is 74°! Before the install of these windows the inside temperature with these conditions would have been 76°! Last night I noticed an ambulance going by. Normally the first thing I recognize is the noise, but last night I didn't realize it was an ambulance until I saw the flashing light! Hannah did a wonderful job coordinating the measurements and the sale! I would recommend these windows to anyone!
Stephen W
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Excellent product, support, and very clear instructions. We look forward to installing these on all our windows.
Anonymous
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I ordered the "acoustic grade inserts" for my bedroom to reduce road noise. They work exactly as advertised. Are they soundproofing? NO. Do they reduce noise to acceptable levels? YES. Compared to other solutions on the market (replacement windows, glass inserts etc) this is much more affordable. However, if you are looking for actual soundproofing, you need to spend more money and get something else. As a bonus, the inserts are tight fitting and have reduced drafts.
Brian C
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We have single pane historic windows in our house in Newport RI. I was looking for a great solution to both temperature and noise. I decided to try the acoustic indow product.
I am thrilled with the process and the product. James from Indow was super helpful in answering questions. The laser measuring kit was easy to use and gave you confidence in your own measuring ability as it checks your work. The 4 indow products i ordered came well packaged and were easy to put in.
Finally, the indow inserts look great and work great. We can no longer hear every conversation outside and the birds don't wake us up every morning. My wife didn't even know they were there. They blend in and can't see them unless you look.
I highly recommend these. More cost effective than custom storm windows, they look better and you can easily install or remove them as you need.
Fantastic product and service.
David S
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There work perfectly and I can't even tell they are there. My windows look the same but NO noise!!!
David M
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Excellent servie and support from start to finish!
So satisfied with my first purchase, I got more indows!
Kirk L
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We installed the windows in our four seasons room We got some 85 degree days recently and the area stayed amazingly cool usually we would have the AC on it was not needed !!!
Debbie J
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Indow has established the complete breadth of custom service, from initial enquiry to being very responsive to "after-sales" questions. Ours was and out-of-the ordinary project involving casement windows in a solarium and the end result turned out quite perfectly. Access to information online, instructions arriving with the delivered windows, and answers by phone insured we "enthusiastic amateurs" completed the job to satisfaction.
Jeff i
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am very pleased with my Indow window inserts. I have a very old house and am near a busy road. I wanted to reduce the noise. I've just installed them and find a considerable reduction in traffic noise. They definitely were worth the cost. The measuring process is quite detailed but easy to follow and my inserts fit perfectly in crooked, 265 year old openings. The company representative Hannah Hendrickson
was very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. I highly recommend the Indow
company.
Heather M
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I appreciate everything about the whole Indow window process.
Scheduling and holding a consultation online was easy and seamless. I consultant with KAYA, and he provided a thorough easy-going no pressure to move forward until I was ready consultation.
Incentives were clearly outlined if I decided to move forward and order to be able to make my inserts even more affordable if I acted in a timely manner with measuring and submitting my order as well as returning the measure kit.
The Indow inserts arrived within the expected timeframe and installing them was very easy. One of my favorite parts was watching how to install video, because they used humor, and it really held my attention and put me at ease, allowing me to take in all the little details I needed to insert my Indows correctly.
Within hours, I noticed a temperature shift in the room. It was cooler and more comfortable. The next day when I worked in my office with the Indows the landscaper was across the street with the leaf blower and there was considerable reduction in noise making it a low background buzz instead of a disturbance to the work I was doing. I’ve only had them installed for three weeks and I’ve been so happy with them. It was a great investment for that room in the house that I use for my office.
David G
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great product. Excellent fit. Greatly reduced outside noise. Easy to install. Very happy!! Match your frame color to your current frame color and they disappear. So glad I got them.
Clint R
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well it all starts with customer service. 10 out of 10. Brain McCracken did a great job. The waiting period wasn’t long considering they had to make the window inserts and measuring the window units with the laser was actually fun. Worth every penny!
Barbara P
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They are working great! Very happy with the purchase.
Lyn K
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm enjoying the units, however will need to wait until next year's colder weather to get a truer feel or read on how well they work - thanks
Glenn G
5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They work very well for my 3 Bedroom windows.easy to install.
These windows are great! They have improved the quality of our home with reduced thermal loss and reduced noise level! The temperature today is 93° outside, our split system is set at 73° and the inside house temperature is 74°! Before the install of these windows the inside temperature with these conditions would have been 76°! Last night I noticed an ambulance going by. Normally the first thing I recognize is the noise, but last night I didn't realize it was an ambulance until I saw the flashing light! Hannah did a wonderful job coordinating the measurements and the sale! I would recommend these windows to anyone!