Storm windows are

window A window is an opening in a wall, door, roof, or vehicle that allows the exchange of light and may also allow the passage of sound and sometimes air. Modern windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent ma ...

s that are mounted outside or inside of the main glass windows of a house. Storm windows exist in

North America North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere, Northern and Western Hemisphere, Western hemispheres. North America is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South Ameri ...

, but are uncommon in continental Europe, where double, triple or quadruple glazing is prevalent. Storm windows can be made of glass, rigid plastic panels, or flexible plastic sheets; and may be permanently or temporarily mounted. They function similarly to

insulated glazing Insulating glass (IG) consists of two or more glass window panes separated by a space to reduce heat transfer across a part of the building envelope. A window with insulating glass is commonly known as double glazing or a double-paned window, ...

. The term may also refer to a small openable flap found in the side window on light aircraft. In the United States, the older style of this window is often referred to as a "storm sash". On modern houses they serve on existing windows in order to improve their

thermal insulation Thermal insulation is the reduction of heat transfer (i.e., the transfer of thermal energy between objects of differing temperature) between objects in thermal contact or in range of radiative influence. Thermal insulation can be achieved with s ...

and

soundproofing Soundproofing is any means of impeding sound propagation. There are several methods employed including increasing the distance between the source and receiver, decoupling, using noise barriers to reflect or absorb the energy of the sound waves, ...

. Aside from insulation, external storm windows provide an additional measure of protection for homes against damage to costly glass panes during inclement weather such as

hail Hail is a form of solid Precipitation (meteorology), precipitation. It is distinct from ice pellets (American English "sleet"), though the two are often confused. It consists of balls or irregular lumps of ice, each of which is called a hailsto ...

. On older houses, storm windows were installed in autumn when the window screens were removed; later homes had the pieces combined in one unit. Similarly,

storm door A storm door is a type of door that is installed in front of an exterior access door to protect it from bad weather and allow ventilation. Storm doors generally have interchangeable glass panels and window screen panels to provide visibility and ...

s (also called "screen doors") allow similar energy savings for the necessarily less efficient primary doors – the screen allows for summer ventilation.

Energy upgrade

Modern storm windows are a typical energy upgrade solution for cold climates. They are mostly intended to improve the insulation value ( R-value) of existing windows, especially single-glazed units.

Advantages and disadvantages

Storm windows can be very cost effective in cold climates. They are inexpensive, and can reduce heat loss by up to 50%, increasing the building's comfort and reducing the heating costs. They also reduce exterior air infiltration significantly. Storm windows are an inexpensive add-on: even the best storm windowsthree track exterior windows with low thermal emissionwill cost a small fraction of the price of standard replacement windows. Interior storm windows can, however, produce condensation and be visually obstructive; exterior storm windows can also have a negative visual effect. These

aesthetic Aesthetics (also spelled esthetics) is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of beauty and taste, which in a broad sense incorporates the philosophy of art.Slater, B. H.Aesthetics ''Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy,'' , acces ...

issues can be minimized by single line storm sashes, the incorporation of vent holes, and a properly sealed fit.

Types of Storm Windows

Storm windows are used as an additional layer of insulation and protection for existing windows and are available in various materials and configurations.

Material and Design

* Aluminum Frames: Known for their affordability and durability with minimal maintenance required. These frames typically feature standard or low-e glass panels and often have corrosion-resistant coatings. * Wood Frames: Offer an attractive appearance and can be painted or stained to match a home's exterior but require more maintenance and are generally more expensive. * Vinyl Frames: Notable for their energy efficiency and affordability. They require low maintenance but are less durable than aluminum or wood frames.

Glass Types

Storm windows come with either glass or acrylic panes. Glass panes provide better visibility and last longer, whereas acrylic panes are less breakable but can scratch more easily. Modern storm windows often feature low-e glass, which improves energy efficiency by reflecting heat.

Configurations

* Two-Track: Featuring an outer track with a screen on the lower half and a pane of glass on the upper half, and an inside track with a half-pane of glass for ventilation. * Triple-Track: Consisting of two window panes and a half-screen on three separate tracks, allowing for adjustable ventilation. * Two-Track Sliders: Designed for horizontal opening, suitable for slider windows. * Basement Storm Windows: Typically a single fixed pane of glass covering the window.

Installation

Installing storm windows can be a DIY project, requiring tools like a screwdriver, caulk gun, and putty knife. Proper installation ensures their effectiveness and energy efficiency.

Manufacturing process and applications

There are several laminated glass manufacturing processes: The first method utilizes two or more pieces of glass bonded between one or more pieces of plasticized polyvinyl butyric resin using heat and pressure. The second method uses two or more pieces of glass and poly-carbonate, bonded together with aliphatic urethane inter-layer under heat and pressure. The third type of laminated glass is interlaid with a cured resin. Each manufacturing process may include glass layers of equal or unequal thickness.

References

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