Church Storm Windows or Window Inserts?

The congregation at McMinnville Cooperative Ministries decided that carbon reduction was an important priority for them. McMinnville-based Cellar Ridge Construction proposed a plan that included air and duct sealing, wall and ceiling insulation, an upgrade to the heating system, and installation of solar power. For insulating the church stained glass windows, Cellar Ridge recommended Indow window inserts instead of traditional church storm windows.

The church’s plan for energy efficiency was actually voted on by two entire congregations. When the leaders of both congregations presented the renovations to all members, they weren’t sure if everyone would agree that a smaller carbon footprint was that important. To their surprise, everyone welcomed the idea! This building had been a sanctuary for the rebirth and mending of many of their lives, now it was time to lovingly restore it.

The sanctuary has beautiful church stained glass windows. Cellar Ridge Energy Works recommended replacement windows for other areas of the building, but when it game to the stained glass windows, they brought in something that would upgrade their energy efficiency without hiding any of their beauty like church storm windows would. Indow inserts insulated all the church stained glass windows while letting in beautiful natural light.

The weatherization program done by Cellar Ridge helped McMinnville Cooperative Ministries reduce its carbon footprint by 80%. Plus, their sanctuary now shelters from the cold and noise. They chose Indow window inserts instead of traditional church storm windows and gained an easy installation, superior insulation, and remarkable window noise reduction.

The church restoration was extensive. The general activity around the church blasted the sanctuary with sound on all sides. Passing trucks, piercing sirens—it was a perfect storm of noise. But as each insert was installed, the sanctuary became quieter and quieter. “Once one side of the building was installed, the difference was remarkable!” said Pederson.

After insulating the stained glass windows with window inserts, they were glad they had skipped the church storm windows for something so simple and illuminating.