Storm Window Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

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Exterior products are often selected over interior if a customer wants to preserve and protect the exterior of the existing windows. For example, the installation of a custom color exterior window will reduce maintenance and extend the life of a newly painted, repaired or glazed prime window. Interior products offer the benefit of being nearly indistinguishable from the existing window on both the interior and exterior of the building; this can be particularly important for historic structures. Most commercial buildings utilize an interior product, whereas residential properties currently specify exterior over interior for about two thirds of the applications.

This of course varies, based on the size of the home (or building), the number of floors, the height and access to (externally or internally) the existing windows. A good rule of thumb might be about $100.00 per window for installation. For larger projects, economies of scale may reduce this; for smaller projects it may be higher.

Both interior and exterior products offer exceptional performance in terms of energy savings, comfort enhancement, and noise reduction. When installing a storm window (secondary sash system), it is necessary to ensure that the inner most sash system has the tightest seal. In this regard, the patented QUANTAPANEL 600 series might have slightly better performance over a comparable styled exterior. The AERC Performance rating is an excellent way to make a direct comparison between two comparable windows, as this value is indicative of the thermal performance achieved for both heating and cooling by installing a QUANTAPANEL low-e storm window on an existing window.

There are rebates currently being offered by several utility companies, and this list is growing. Utility companies are required by law to invest in energy-saving technology within their service territory. Several states now offer, and other states are in the process of providing, incentives for the purchase and installation of ENERGY STAR low-e storm windows. The ENERGY STAR website provides a list of current rebates by zip code.

Interior products are slightly more expensive than exterior, but the difference in price is rather small. A customer could request a quote for the same size window in an exterior and interior system for a direct comparison.

The materials of construction (aluminum, pyrolytically coated glass, vinyl-coated aluminum screen, cast zinc hardware, AAMA 2604 paint system) are best-in-class in terms of durability and functionality.

Within each product series, the QUANTAPANEL 500 Series for exterior, and the QUANTAPANEL 600 Series for interior, the individual models (e.g., 502, 504, 506) are chosen based on the configuration of the existing prime window. For example, if the existing window is a fixed window, the QUANTAPANEL 502-PW IGS (fixed) would be the ideal choice. If the existing window is a double hung, the QUANTAPANEL 504-DH IGS would be the ideal choice. Within each product series, models exist to accommodate most standard window configurations found on both residential and commercial buildings.

Yes, multifamily and commercial buildings have specified and installed our products. Our technology is perfect for historic properties, for either window performance enhancement, or as part of a historic restoration project where the goal is to retain the original windows and repurpose the building for a new use. The interior products are often specified for these applications, particularly in high rise buildings. Some large cities are now requiring buildings to achieve certain improvements in energy use and carbon footprint. Interior low-e storm windows are an excellent way to improve the building envelope, resulting in energy savings, improved comfort, and lowering operating cost. In some cases, this is done coincident with the purchase and installation of a new heating and cooling system, and the improved building envelope (from a thermal standpoint) allows for specification of a better sized and more efficient heating and cooling system.

If your existing windows are in reasonably good shape, but you need to improve the window performance in terms of energy savings, comfort, or noise transmission (exterior noise entering the building through the window), then modern, low-e storm windows may be the right choice for you. This is particularly the case, if your existing windows are architecturally consistent with the exterior or interior façade of the building. For example, consider a residential single-family home which has the original windows that have been in service for 50+ years. These windows most definitely do not have state-of-the-art window technology. However, they may have the original divided lite design (architecturally consistent with the home), they may be painted in a unique trim color distinctive to the home, and there may be a considerable number of windows on the property. To replace these windows with a comparable wood window would be prohibitively expensive. To replace these windows with a vinyl replacement window would likely be unattractive and may detract from the curb appeal of the property and even the valuation of the property. Equally important, and not often considered, replacement windows utilize a technology known as an IGU (Insulated Glass Unit). This is a seal system that allows two panes of glass to be installed in a relatively thin configuration. The average life span for an IGU is 15 – 20 years, after which time it fails. The failure allows air and moisture to get trapped in between the two panes of glass because it is not designed to vent; this creates a fogging on the window. When it fails, it’s time to buy another replacement window. A modern low-e storm window, with state-of-the-art technology provides the same level of performance, allows one to retain the original windows (architecturally desirable), and should have a significantly longer lifespan.

The best way to answer this question would be to have a brief design consultation with one of our experts. You can send an email to designcenter@quantapanel.com. Provide your contact information, and a brief description of your project. We will contact you to discuss the benefits for your building in your region.

If your existing vinyl windows use clear glass (single or double pane), then you would achieve comparable performance benefits to that of an application on a wood window. Some consideration may need to be given the method of attachment, depending on the design of your existing vinyl window.

The best way to answer this question would be to have a brief design consultation with one of our experts. You can send an email to designcenter@quantapanel.com. Provide your contact information, and a brief description of your project. We will contact you to discuss the benefits for your building in your region.

Compare performance. Modern low-e storm windows that incorporate the same technology as modern replacement windows are typically ENERGY STAR rated and can be AERC (Attachment Energy Rating Council) rated. The AERC label identifies the attainable performance that can be achieved by installing a specific model with an existing prime window. For residential products, the underlying prime window is assumed to be a non-metallic frame, double-glazed window. The AERC certification for commercial windows depicts performance on metallic frame windows (often used in commercial buildings). If noise reduction is a key consideration, ask to see the manufacturer’s STC rating (Sound Transmission Class, an ASTM test method that measures the reduction of noise transmission through the window).
Compare the design. In most cases, homeowners, designers and architects prefer a storm window that integrates with the existing window. In other words, a product that give you performance with little to no disruption in the visual presentation of your window (interior and exterior) and/or the visibility through the window from the interior. This is accomplished by critical design criteria utilized by the manufacturer in developing their products. A host of factors are relevant to the storm window design, and the degree to which it integrates with the existing windows; these include: frame size, depth, ratio of frame-to-glass, color options, attachment methods, recommended installation approach, etc.

Built to last. A key advantage of a modern low-e storm window is that it will outlast the comparable replacement window (due to seal failure in the replacement window IGU). One should carefully consider quality of manufacture and materials of construction. Aluminum frame and sash components are a must; aluminum is strong and light weight. Vinyl frame and sash systems do not have the structural integrity of aluminum. Hardware should be cast zinc; avoid plastic parts that can fail with continued use. Seals should be constructed of stabilized elastomer. Perhaps most importantly, durable, pyrolytically low-e or solar-e coated glass should be used. The low-e coating on the glass is a critical component of achieving comparable, and sustainable, performance to replacement windows. Some manufacturers produce plastic glazing (typically polymethylmethacrylate or acrylic sheet); this type of product does not have low-e coating and does not have the durability of glass. Finally, the type of coating used on frame and sash components is a key consideration. Highly weatherable (durable) powder coatings that meet or exceed the AAMA 2604 standard are best. This will ensure the quality of the finish lasts as long as your low-e storm window.

Utility companies offer rebates in certain U.S. cities for commercial buildings. Improvement in energy use will also contribute to cost savings, as well as avoidance of any future surcharge being applied by local jurisdictions (e.g., New York City) that require buildings of a certain size to reduce their energy use.

Are the products performance rated by independent agencies (i.e., ENERGY STAR, AERC)? Does the manufacturer have STC (Sound Transmission Class) data? What are the materials of construction, and what is the durability of the product? What warranty is offered by the manufacturer? How difficult is installation? How does the manufacturer produce a window based on the field measurements (is it made-to-order)?

Our interior products have been specified and used in multiple high-rise buildings.

ENERGY STAR is a universally known, and well recognized brand for appliances, lighting, electronics, home improvements and building products. By design, the ENERGY STAR brand is awarded to those manufacturers who produce and market best-in-class performance in terms of energy savings in a given category of product. Moreover, the assessment of energy savings is conducted and verified by third part certification. In effect, the ENERGY STAR label on a low-e storm window, like any other appliance or building product, attests to the fact that the product has been certified as best-in-class for energy performance by a rigorous testing protocol. Equally important, the ENERGY STAR label is region specific, and differentiates products ideally suited for the northern region as compared to the southern region, based on the differences in climate in the specific region. This can help customers choose the best product for their region or climate.

Learn more at ENERGY STAR: https://www.energystar.gov/products/storm_windows_0

To a large extent this depends on the size of the building or home, the number and type of existing windows, the degree of air infiltration present in the existing windows, the type of heating and cooling system, etc. The EPA estimates annual savings of at least 10% of the annual energy bill when installing low-e storm windows over existing single-pane clear glass windows. This is a conservative estimate and does not take into consideration the air leakage which is typically a factor in existing older windows.

In comparing the installed cost of low-e storm windows vs. replacement windows, low-e storm windows are typically one half or less the cost of basic replacement windows.

For residential installations, QUANTA provides a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty for structural members and component mechanical parts, and a 10-year warranty for painted aluminum components. For commercial installations, QUANTA provides a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty for structural, mechanical and painted aluminum parts. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship; certain limitations and exclusions do apply.