Updating our outdated windows comes with a number of valuable benefits. Not only does it make our homes more energy efficient, which saves us money, but it can also block much of the outside noise that interrupts our movie nights and prevents us from getting a good night’s sleep.
There are two main options in updating windows: full frame window replacements and window inserts. Each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
What is Full Frame Window Replacement?
Most people immediately assume they need all new windows when they notice their energy efficiency waning or feel drafts entering their homes. It’s understandable. Many modern products are made to be used for a short while and then disposed of. Repairing them is often difficult to impossible due to a lack of replacement parts. Replacing outdated windows with new ones is certainly an option that gives us all the benefits associated with multiple window panes and well sealed frames, but that performance comes at a cost.
If you are replacing an entire floor or all the windows in the house, the cost may make you cringe. Additionally, if you live in a historic house with beautiful vintage windows, replacing them with a modern set will have a negative impact on the historic beauty of your home. In either of these cases, window inserts are often a much better option.
What are Window Inserts?
Window inserts, sometimes called storm window inserts, are standard or custom cut panes of glass that are designed to fit seamlessly into our existing window frames. These panes are fitted with frames that create a tight seal within the window frames we already have, creating a well-sealed, double paned window without the exorbitant expense and diminishing aesthetics associated with a new set of full frame replacements.
How Window Inserts Work
Choosing window inserts over full frame replacements saves you time and money, due to the fact that they are so effective and simple to install. No big construction projects needed. Custom window inserts are designed to fit perfectly into or over your existing window sill, and provide that dead-air gap and extra pane we want for superior performance. That combination creates a thermal barrier that effectively separates warmer from cooler air.
The reason this is so effective acoustically is that each additional pane adds mass and volume to the barrier while the gaps between them decouple the surfaces, giving vibrational energy no land route to the other side. This will prevent a good deal of noise on either side from entering or exiting the room.
Installing Window Inserts
One of the big advantages to window inserts is the ease by which you can install and remove them for cleaning or storage. There are a couple different types of window inserts, and each is fitted through a set of simple installation procedures.
Magnetic Window Inserts
The most effective type of window insert is held in place with magnets. A simple metal frame with weather stripping is installed into your existing window sill, and the pane itself adheres to that frame with powerful magnets. This not only makes these window inserts installation process simple, but makes taking them out a breeze when it’s time to clean them.
Compression Fit Window Inserts
Some window inserts utilize silicone tubing at the edges that hold them in place through compression. While these inserts may provide a good initial seal, they may fail with extreme weather changes and often fall out. We do not recommend this type due to the fact that panes may break on impact with the floor, causing you to replace them sooner than you had hoped.
Benefits of Window Inserts
We mentioned the big benefits that go along with window inserts, so now it’s time to go into more depth on what they are. Some of these benefits may be more or less important to you in your specific space, but they all work together to offer an affordable way to make your home or office a more comfortable and energy efficient space.
Energy Efficiency
This is one of the biggest reasons people choose to do something about their old windows. When our old sets become inefficient, we experience unpleasant drafts and high energy bills. Neither one is fun to deal with and installing window inserts is a cost-effective way to return the energy efficiency to your legacy windows.
Noise Reduction
Another reason we choose to replace our windows is for noise reduction. An inefficient window can be one of the biggest culprits in the room when it comes to sound passage in and out of rooms, so sealing them up and adding a dead-air gap between two panes of glass can make a big difference. Not only will a good set of window inserts keep outside sounds from coming in, but they will prevent inside sounds from sneaking out as well. This is a wonderful way to increase your sense of privacy.
Cost-Effectiveness
New windows can cost thousands of dollars apiece, depending upon the type, size, and labor spent installing them. This can present a problem when replacing a single window, but may prevent a barrier to entry altogether if you need to replace the bulk of windows in your home or office. Window inserts provide incredibly cost-effective window solutions to give your old windows the performance of new ones.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance
Part of what makes window inserts so cost-effective is that you can easily install them yourself. The simple method of installation means you won’t have to hire laborers to put them in. You may even be able to afford an upgraded set with the money you save.
They are also incredibly easy to maintain. Simply pull your window inserts away from the frame for occasional cleaning and pop them back in. You can clean both sides in minutes without the need for climbing any ladders.
Keeping Your Vintage Windows
One of the big reasons people choose to go with window inserts rather than replacing their old set with all new windows is that they allow us to keep our vintage windows. Eliminating those historic windows substantially affects the appearance of our historic buildings in a negative way, so window inserts are always a better option when their performance begins to wane.
Many historical societies, including the National Park Service, regulate which window inserts may be used in their buildings, so choosing one that has been granted use like Climate Seal™ ensures you get a quality product.
Types of Window Inserts
There are different types of window inserts, and the right ones for your project will depend on what you want out of them. For instance, if your main concern is thermal insulation, window inserts designed specifically for that purpose will be your best bet. If you live on a noisy street, it may be better to go with highly rated soundproofing window inserts.
Let’s take a look at some of the most effective types, their benefits, and how you can install them yourself to save a considerable amount of money.
Thermal Insulating Window Inserts
If your main concern is energy efficiency, thermal grade window inserts are a good option. They provide a second pane of glass and a dead-air gap that effectively keeps warm and cold air separate. They also provide a tight seal against your old window sills, providing your original windows with the thermal performance of a new set.
Soundproofing Window Inserts
If eliminating sound passage through your windows is a big concern, then choosing a soundproofing or acoustic window insert is your best bet. These work the same way as thermal window inserts, but are typically thicker to add mass and volume to your window. This helps reduce sound by as much as 80% when compared to other products.
Preservation Window Inserts
Sometimes called museum grade, preservation series window inserts are designed to protect the people and furnishings inside from the dangers of overexposure to sunlight. This type of insert still delivers all the thermal and acoustical performance associated with other models, but focuses on the sun-blocking performance of the glass, effectively filtering up to 98% of harmful UV rays. They can be finished with a range of veneers and colors to provide minimal visual intrusion.
Commercial Window Inserts
If your window locations are prone to damage or wear, upgrading to a pro grade or commercial window insert may be the solution you’re looking for. These options feature a thicker pane and are often glazed to make them stronger and more durable. You can expect crystal clear visibility, along with UV light filtration and superior thermal and acoustic performance. They can also be used as residential window inserts when extra protection is required.
Choosing the Right Window Inserts
As you have seen, there are a number of window insert products to choose from. If you’re going to pull the plug on a set of inserts for a home or office, you will want to make sure to choose the right option before you begin. This will ensure you get the performance you’re after without wasting money on superfluous performance metrics.
What is your main goal?
The first consideration is the performance you are after. This is usually reflected by the reason you’re looking into window inserts in the first place. If you came here after getting an unusually large heating or cooling bill, thermal performance may be your biggest concern. The most energy efficient window inserts are going to be your best bet. If you are here to quiet a noisy window, an acoustic series insert is what you want.
Consult Your Budget
Not all windows require the same solution. If outside noise like traffic or a barking dog only comes from one side of the home or office, you may not need acoustical grade window inserts on the whole floor. The same goes with north facing windows that may not get much sunlight throughout the year. You can make your budget happy by choosing preservation series inserts on the south side while using another option on the north side.
Work with a Reputable Provider
It’s always helpful to consult with the experts when beginning a home or office improvement project. They can show you exactly what you’re up against and point you toward products that will deliver the biggest bang for your buck. A reputable provider can even give you advice on how to install and maintain these products so they last a lifetime.
