Minnesota winters can be brutal—and tough on your energy bills. Deciding whether to safeguard your home from the elements with replacement windows or storm windows can be tricky.
Mounting durable storm windows outside your existing windowpanes offers added protection from harsh weather extremes. Modern storm windows blend in with your house’s architecture and can be either “fixed” or operable so you can maintain the function of your current windows.
Read on to gain understanding of the value of storm windows and replacement windows, and see which may offer the best solution for your situation.
Storm Windows for Comfort and Energy Efficiency
The benefits of adding storm windows to your property are many. Here are some homeowner favorites:
1. Preserve your current windows or historic windows
If your historic house has authentic windows that function well, but you would like greater protection from the elements, storm windows may be the perfect solution.
2. Enjoy a cost-effective solution
Adding storm windows is often a more cost-effective investment than replacing your windows, plus they deliver significant protection from the elements.
3. Improve insulation
Keep your heat inside where it belongs each winter by adding storm windows to your existing windows. They lower your energy usage and decrease utility bills.
4. Extend the life of your current windows
When storm windows are secured outside your existing windows, they enhance the lifespan of your current windows, giving you the added benefit of longevity.
6. Reduce outdoor noise intrusion
When you add storm windows to your house, you provide another layer of insulation that not only keeps out extreme temperatures, but also noise intrusion. So if you are tired of hearing street noise, heavy equipment, neighborhood dogs, planes and trains inside your home, storm windows will impress you. While they do not make your interior “soundproof,” they do lower the amount of noise intrusion, offering a more pleasant indoor atmosphere where you can relax, feel rejuvenated, and enjoy life.
7. Safeguard your home from moisture intrusion
Water—the enemy of your house’s components—is best kept away from your window frames and sills so you do not suffer the consequences of its intrusion. Wood rot, deterioration, mold and mildew are just a few of the ways water damages windows and shortens their life span. Storm windows offer another layer of protection from water, dirt, debris, high winds, and anything else Minnesota weather has to throw at it.
Get Storm Windows and Window Restoration in Place of Window Replacement
When you love the look of your windows and opt to keep them rather than replace them, they may need some repairs to get them functioning properly again. If your current windows need reconditioning, contact a contractor who specializes in restoring windows (like us!), so you can retain your historic home’s windows and enjoy their authentic charm. Learn more about our Window Reconditioning and Restoration services.
Replacement Windows for Beauty and Insulation
If you decide to replace your windows, there are many advantages to new windows:
1. Get multiple panes for greater energy efficiency
Replacement windows offer double- and sometimes triple-pane glass to add layers of insulation and protection to your house. Insulating gas fillers add even more insulation to the equation, saving you on utilities throughout the year.
2. Boost your curb appeal with modern windows
Add value to your home by increasing its aesthetics inside and out with new windows. Choose from a variety of frame materials and colors to bring out the best in your property. From the authentic charm of wood windows to the streamlined look of vinyl, new windows add a design element to each room in your dwelling.
3. Increase natural light indoors
Minnesota winters can be long, and when freezing temperatures abound, people tend to stay indoors more. Every bit of natural light that comes teeming into our home is a welcome part of the atmosphere—especially if you are feeling cooped up. Replacement windows offer sleek frames that deliver more glass “real estate” so you will get more natural light indoors. And that can help boost the mood of everyone in your house!
4. Decrease dust and allergens
A convenience of modern windows is the option of between-the-glass blinds and shades. These blinds and shades stay protected from dust, so your house collects fewer s indoor allergens, and they are also easier to clean than regular blinds!.
5. Easy to use in case of an emergency
Safety is paramount when it comes to your property. Old windows tend to get stuck closed, giving you nowhere to escape if you needed to in the unlikely event of a house fire or other emergency. New windows open and close with ease, so you have an easy way to escape should you ever need to, which is an added benefit.
6. Enhance home security
Intruders are deterred when a property is fortified with secure new windows. Modern windows feature enhanced security options including up-to-date locks and security sensors, providing you with additional peace of mind.
7. Greater indoor comfort
Old windows tend to leak, allowing chilly drafts to seep into your house. Replacement windows are fitted perfectly and keep unwanted outdoor air outside where it belongs.
8. Low maintenance
Aging windows are tough to clean, particularly on a second or third floor. New ones offer tilt-in features that make cleaning a breeze.
Safeguard Your Home from the Elements with New Windows or Storm Windows
Every layer of protection you can add to shield you from the extreme weather we have in the Twin Cities is a smart addition to your house. So whether you choose to have your windows replaced with double- or triple-pane glass with insulating gas between the layers, or if you add storm windows to your existing ones, you will enjoy the benefits of greater comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.
At Beissel Window & Siding, we install premium fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum, and wood windows that will delight you, just as we have been doing for over 70 years. Learn how our storm window productss can shield your current windows and offer greater energy efficiency and protection for your home.
