Storm Windows

[TOOL FANATIK]

How huge is the importance of storm windows in regards to keeping heat in/ cold out? My educated guess would be the airspace between window and storm panes serves as a barrier, keeping inside and outside air at bay. Currently I do not have the storm windows in. Should I throw them on there? They have cosmetic issues so if you urge me to use storms, ill have to purchase some....or really work the ones I have...

 

[The Cobbler]

I think you answered your question already...

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

I'm not a pro and I've done zero research...if a pro or someone knowledgeable can validate or disprove my logic, then that will determine if I leave them out or put them in. Mind you I may have to pay for new storms; cost effectiveness is my concern.

 

[James-W]

When it comes to saving money by installing storm windows, I think to a large degree the amount of money you save will depend on how bad your regular windows are. If the regular windows are leaking air around them, then you would no doubt save quite a bit of money by installing storm windows. If the regular windows are air-tight then it may not be worthwhile to buy storm windows and install them. But if you already have the storm windows, I would certainly advise putting them on.

 

[RECox286]

The glass in a window sash, if it is not thermopane, is R1 or less.

Adding a storm window will give you an R2, and a "dead air space"

(in quotes, b/c everything depends on leakage, condition of the

mechanical seals in both appliances, wind effect, sun intrusion,

IOW: everything). Figure that if you have one pane of glass between

you and the outside, that adding more panes of glass will make a

difference...to a point. Then the question arises, how well a wind

barrier do you think the doors, walls, windows, etc. are in the first

place ? No matter how much insulation you install, be it newspaper,

batts, loose fill, foam, glass, caulk, door seals or a blanket to wrap in

to watch TV, it will always be cheaper in the long run to add combative

material, than to just burn more fuel.

OK ?

Uncle Bob

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

Ok. Thank you sir. Today I reinstalled the old storm window...tomorrow I will caulk all the way around.
This morning I.noticed condensate at the joints where pane meets vinyl, bottom sash. Not much, but enough to make me shake my head in disgust. I leaned long ago never caulk anything on inside of exterior walls or on interior side of wi.dows. the cold transfers to the caulk, thus condensate forms on the caulk, back to square one. Instead I use spray foam. Insulates and a decent air seal. I applied foam to all edges of panes...should solve the issue of cold meeting warm on glass...

Btw....if I am having this issue on a bn replacement window w Argon, there must be a defect no? A leak in the pane?