How much does Storm window installation & replacement cost?

When the air gets colder and winds grow stronger, you may consider installing storm windows in your home. They’re a simple way to reduce home heating costs, and help protect against harsh climates, drafts, and noise.

Storm windows are installed as an add-on to existing windows—providing two layers of protection and extra insulation from the air pocket in between. They can be custom-ordered to fit into your windows’ existing frames, and are available in various styles, materials, and track configurations. 

There are the two basic types:

Adding any kind of storm windows will reduce heat loss in a typical home, according to the US Department of Energy. But there’s now an even more efficient option: Low-emissivity (low-E) storm windows. At $75–250 each, low-E storm windows are more affordable (and provide about the same energy savings) as replacing existing windows with energy-efficient models that cost $300–800 each.

Here’s what you’re likely to pay for a new storm window (including installation):

The exact cost of installing storm windows in your home will depend on a variety of factors, including type, labor rates, and whether you install them yourself or hire a professional.

While there are numerous options on the market, exterior storm window panes are most commonly made from plexiglass, glass, or energy-efficient treated glass. In addition to the type of window, its size will affect the price.

Plexiglass: This flexible plastic material is durable, affordable, and easy to handle. But it can scratch easily and may degrade over time.

Glass: A standard pane of glass tends to look better and last longer than plexiglass, and doesn’t cost that much more. But it can break more easily.

Low-E treated glass: Low-emissivity windows, which have a microscopic coating that vastly improves thermal efficiency, are the best energy savers.

The most common frame materials for storm windows are aluminum, wood, and vinyl.

Aluminum: Aluminum storm windows are the least expensive and require almost no maintenance, but they’re also the least effective at providing insulation.

Vinyl: These plastic frames also require less maintenance than wood—and are more affordable—but don’t insulate as well.

Wood: You’ll get the best insulation with wood frames, and many homeowners think they look better. But they’re the most expensive, and they need to be painted periodically.

Storm window installation should be a relatively fast and straightforward process. The following are costs by exterior and interior windows.

Exterior storm windows could potentially be installed by handy homeowners as a DIY project, but accessing those areas is often difficult—especially if they’re up high or in hard-to-reach places. So most people will prefer to have this done by a professional. 

The installer will start by measuring the existing window’s exterior to match the size of the storm window. When the storm window is put into place, they’ll apply caulk around its edge to create a seal. Then they’ll screw the frame onto the existing window’s exterior. (Sometimes, a second line of caulk will be added to seal out any extra air gaps.)

Labor cost will depend on window size and type, the window’s location, and whether the removal of any materials is necessary. Some installers offer a full-project cost discount for multiple storm windows installed at the same time. You’ll likely pay $30-70 per hour for the installer’s time.

Accessing windows from the inside is usually safe and convenient, so many homeowners choose to install interior storm windows as a DIY home-improvement project instead of hiring a professional. Interior storm windows attach to the existing window’s frame casing—usually held in place by a magnetic or compression seal, without the need for any additional hardware. But if your windows are up high, difficult to access, or you prefer not to do this task yourself, you can still hire a professional installer.

Depending on the kind you install, storm windows may require regular care:

A number of issues can affect the cost of purchasing and installing storm windows:

How much does it cost to install a storm window?

The average cost to install an exterior storm window is $50–100. The average cost to install an interior storm window is $20–40.

Are storm windows easy to install?

For a handy homeowner, storm windows are quick and simple to install, as long as you have easy access to the windows. This is more likely with interior storm windows; for installation of exterior storm windows, you may need to hire a professional.

Do people still install storm windows?

Storm windows are an effective and affordable option to insulate your home, save on energy costs, reduce noise, and protect existing windows from harsh weather. 

Are storm windows worth the money?

Storm windows can provide protection, insulation, noise reduction, and energy savings, at a significantly lower cost than replacing existing windows with energy-efficient models.

Find a storm window installation pro in your area.