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Alternative to Historic Storm Windows
Indow window inserts are an attractive, easy-to-use interior storm window. Original windows are important to the architectural character of historic buildings. Unfortunately, they’re also a top source of energy loss. The drafts can make you feel uncomfortable, but also drive up energy costs. While exterior storm windows provide some energy efficiency benefits to your older home, they’re difficult to use and often unsightly. Indow window inserts are an alternative to exterior storm windows.
Read on to learn more or visit our storm windows guide to see which works best for you.
The Problem with Replacing Your Historic Windows
The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency put together a great report on why you should use storm windows for historic homes. It outlines the harm that can come to a historic home if the owner replaces the windows instead of restoring them.
Use interior storm windows for old houses because of:
- Sustainability: Tearing out old windows and putting them in landfills harms the environment.
- Aesthetics: New windows cannot mimic the look of historic windows or use same materials like old-growth wood. Indow inserts are interior storms that both look good and are barely noticeable.
- Maintenance: Many new window materials (vinyl, fiberglass, sealants) are difficult or impossible to recycle. Indow inserts come with a limited lifetime warranty and do not require any maintenance – just occasional cleaning like all windows.
- Cost: High quality replacement windows cost three times as much as restoring original windows.
- Ease: Measuring for, receiving, and installing Indow inserts can typically be done with only one person and requires around a combined time of around 15 minutes per window.
Historic storm windows are one solution to avoid doing a full replacement. Unfortunately, many storm windows require installing a track system on the window frame. This not only alters the frame, but isn’t aesthetically pleasing.
The Storm Window Alternative
Indow inserts are custom storm windows for historic homes. Indow uses proprietary measurement verification software to ensure a perfect fit – up to 1/32’’, even in out-of-square windows. The simple and elegant design makes them hardly noticeable once installed. Unlike other storm windows, Indow inserts fit without any modifications to the window frame, and are held in place with our patented silicone compression tube around the outer edge. This means your old, historic windows will perform like new windows without losing their historic value.
If your historic home needs an alternative to replacements or clunky storm windows, contact us today!
More Resources: Storm Windows for Historic Homes
Storm Window vs Replacement Window Guide
Replacement Window vs Storm Window Materials Guide
Thanks for your comment about how storm windows save energy. I didn’t know that they must be installed using a track system. My husband and I are considering switching to storm windows because they are good to use instead of fully replacing them like you said.
Hi Ashley! Yes, many exterior storms do require a track system to hold the storm in place. The good news about the interior window inserts we make is that they don’t need a track system and are edged in a compression tube made of silicone. They fit snugly into the interior of existing window frames to provide comfort and energy efficiency. Please let us know if we can answer any questions you may have!
Looking for new storm windows for a hundred year old home in a historical area
Hi Charles,
It sounds like Indow inserts would work for your situation. Our inserts don’t damage the window frame and cannot be seen from the outside so are approved by historical homeowners associations. You can talk with our window experts to go over the details: https://indowwindows.com/indow-cost/
I’m confused. Why are there no photos? And what about screens? Do you have to store the glass storms when you want to put in the screens?
Hi, Maris. The pictures of windows here have Indow inserts in place. That’s how well they blend into frame! Indow inserts provide a tight seal in the window frame, so you will need to remove them when you would like to allow outside air in your home. Removal is a quick and easy process.
Are your “indows” dual-pane with vacuum or gas between to increase energy efficiency?
Can any version of them be opened?
Can they be seasonly be removed to regain access to operable windows?
Are screens part of your system?
Indow inserts are single panel solutions made with an optical grade acrylic glaze. We currently do not offer screen solutions. Indow inserts are designed to be installed and removed a countless number of times, so you can easily access your windows whenever you would like.
It looks like these must be removed to open the window?
Your Indow insert will provide a tight seal in your window frame, so you will need to remove it in order to open your window. Removal and installation are quick and easy processes, which can be done a countless number of times. Here is a short video demonstrating how to remove your Indow inserts.
What do you recommend for exterior sidelight inserts for a not so old front door? The opening(s) measure 77 1/2 x 7 1/4 with a 1/2 recess to fit into. Do you have an exterior solution?
Hi, Ellen. Indow inserts are an interior storm window solution. If you would like to discuss compatibility and cost with your Fit Specialist, give us a call at 503-284-2260.
Can Indo window inserts be made to install from outside? Question refers to historic windows. Wouldn’t it better protect historic wood windows from harsh weather?
Hi Mike, We are afraid Indow inserts cannot be installed from the outside. While we won’t protect from outside weather, we can prevent condensation from forming on the inside, which can rot wood even faster. We just did an installation in a Frank Lloyd Wright home, specifically to block condensation. We will share details in a case study soon!