Tony Carrick | posted March 28, 2021 at 10:44 AM

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In the cold and hot seasons, houses with older windows and poor insulation may face huge energy bills. Although replacing windows is an option, this route can be expensive. A more cost-effective way to improve home energy efficiency is to install windshields.

The best windshields add an extra piece of glass to the existing windows, which improves energy efficiency and reduces heating and cooling costs by a third. The storm window is also easy for DIY enthusiasts to install by themselves, saving expensive installation costs. Storm windows are available in multi-functional two-track and three-track types for traditional windows, as well as sliding window models that open horizontally.

This guide will examine the important factors to consider when buying a windshield and review some of the best windshield options on the market.

Although it is important to purchase a windshield that fits the size of the existing window, other factors are also important, including frame and panel materials, safety features, and internal or external windows.

It is essential to buy the right windshield. To accurately measure the windshield, measure from the inside of the line on one side of the window to the inside of the line on the other side of the window. Measure from the bottom, middle, and top of the window, and use the narrower measurement value.

The height is measured in the same way, from the inside of the mold at the top to the inside of the mold at the bottom. Measure on the left, middle, and right sides of the opening, and take the smallest measurement.

Both outdoor and indoor windproof windows can effectively improve the energy efficiency of the windows and even reduce external noise. External windshields are more effective in isolating the house while preventing airflow. Because they are installed on the exterior of the house, they sometimes negatively affect the beauty of the house by shielding window frames, shutters, and other details that add to the house's characteristics.

In contrast, indoor windshields are easier to install because they are attached to the inside of the window rather than the outside of the house. This ease of installation makes them a popular choice for second-story windows in houses and apartments, as well as upper-floor apartments. Since they are not exposed to the natural environment, they require less maintenance than external windshields and are invisible from outside the home.

There are many configurations of storm windows, including double-track, triple-track, double-track sliders and basement storm windows. Using dual track sliders, the outer track has a screen in the lower half of the window and a glass plate in the upper half. The inner track includes half a glass, which the user can raise or lower to allow air to enter through the screen on the outer track.

The three-track storm window has two panes and one half screen on three independent tracks. This extra track allows the user to configure the panes and screens to ventilate from the top or bottom of the window.

A good two-track or three-track windshield should have a removable glass and screen for easy cleaning, as well as some stops on the internal track that allow users to raise the window to different heights.

The working principle of the dual-track slider is similar to the dual-track storm window with multiple tracks. This type of storm window opens horizontally instead of vertically, making it suitable for slider windows.

The basement windshield consists of a single piece of glass covering the window. The pane does not open and close, but is fixed in place. Some have a built-in screen that will stay in place when the glass panel is removed to prevent bugs from entering the basement.

The windshield is framed in wood, aluminum and vinyl.

In addition to different frame materials, the windshield also has glass or acrylic panels. Unlike most hurricane shutters, windshields are translucent, so visibility is a factor. Compared with acrylic sheet, glass has better visibility and longer service life, but glass is heavier and more fragile. Although plexiglass will not break so easily, it is more likely to scratch. Acrylic can filter ultraviolet rays, but it tends to turn yellow.

Most windshields have a locking system integrated into the window frame, which consists of spring-loaded tags that lock the panes in the frame. The user must pull both tabs inward at the same time to release the pane to open or close it. When the pane is in place, the tab will snap into the frame, preventing the window or screen from opening or closing. Since the tabs can only be accessed from inside the window or screen, they can be used as a security feature to prevent windows from being opened or closed from the outside.

Like wind-proof doors, many wind-proof windows provide functions that increase efficiency. The panes of the windshield are made of Low-E glass. Low-E glass has a metal coating to reflect heat while remaining translucent. These coatings reduce energy consumption by blocking infrared rays, and save furniture and floors by blocking ultraviolet rays. Windshields are also available in various colors to suit different appearances. White, brown and silver are the main choices.

The installation or replacement of the storm window is one of the relatively easy home improvement projects. It only requires some simple tools, including screwdrivers, screws, caulking guns and putty knives. Before installing the windshield, apply caulking compound around the edge of the windshield flange. The caulk will help to form an airtight seal and prevent air from passing between the window sash and the windshield frame.

When installing the rain window, fix the frame above the window to ensure that the rain window is centered above the window.

After the storm window is centered, use the pre-drilled holes on the storm window flange to connect the window to the window frame. If necessary, drill pilot holes for each screw hole, and then use an electric drill or screwdriver to install the windshield on the sash.

The following list narrows down to some of the best windshields on the market based on efficiency, durability, and quality. Any windshield below will help make the house more energy efficient.

These windproof windows use high-efficiency glass and high-quality structure, which are very suitable for improving the efficiency of home windows. These windows use Low-E glass, which helps prevent infrared rays from entering the house, keep the heat in the house in cool weather, and expel the hot air from the house in hot weather. This translates into a higher level of energy efficiency than the standard storm window.

These windows also include an additional layer of insulation, which reduces airflow by up to 40% compared to existing windows. The half screen allows ventilation in warm months, while the bottom expander can be adjusted to create a tight fit in the window. Both the glass and the screen can be removed for easy cleaning.

Low-E glass and features that help reduce external noise and eliminate airflow make this economical windshield from LARSON an excellent alternative to alternative windows. Low-E glass helps increase the energy efficiency of the home by up to 60%, while the weather strips between the panes help reduce airflow and prevent heat loss in cold weather or heat entry in hot weather.

This double-track window has a half screen for ventilation and an expandable bottom to form a tight fit on the window opening. This model has a variety of sizes to choose from, including 28 inches x 39 inches, 32 inches x 39 inches, 28 inches x 55 inches, and 32 inches x 63 inches. The self-locking lock, which can only be accessed from the inside of the window, adds extra security.

This window provides the versatility of a three-track system and the high performance of Low-E glass. Like other three-track systems, this storm window includes a track with two movable screens and a first and second track with panes that slide up or down. This extra track allows users to set up window ventilation from the top or bottom of the window.

Using Low-E glass, these windows will reduce energy loss by up to 60%, helping to stay warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather, while also blocking harmful UV rays that can damage furniture and floors. LARSON's three-track windows are available in three colors, including white, brown and metal. The size options range from 14.5 to 44 inches in width and 25.5 to 75 inches in height.

A window that opens horizontally requires a storm window with the same function. This three-track model improves the efficiency of sliding windows with ⅛ inch thick glass. The window includes Microban weather strips at the junction of the frame and the sash to form a tighter seal to prevent mold, mildew and pollen. The nylon window sash lock integrated in the frame ensures that all glass and screen inserts are locked in place, resisting the force entering from the outside of the window.

Rubber gaskets around the periphery of the flange prevent air from passing through to improve energy efficiency. These sliding storm windows range from 20 to 31 inches in width and 12 to 60 inches in height. Frame color options include white, tan, and bronze.

This double-track slider window provides a large number of size options, which is very suitable for irregularly shaped basement windows. The size options range from 20 to 90 inches in width and 12 to 60 inches in height. The double track system opens on one side to allow ventilation into the basement. Screen insertion can prevent wrong entry.

Like other affordable storm window models, this window uses Aller-Guard 100 and Microban weather strips to surround the perimeter of the frame to form a seal against mold, mildew and pollen. The flexible gasket around the mounting flange prevents heat from entering and exiting, and the nylon window sash lock ensures that the glass and screen inserts will not be forced out.

With its ComfortSEAL technology, this LARSON window provides some of the best protection against the airflow of any storm window on the market. These windshields are installed in the window frame to reduce air leakage by up to 75%, and also have the added benefit of reducing noise from outside the house by up to 50%.

The hinge on the top of the windshield can be opened to facilitate cleaning between windows. Only a few screws can be installed in a few minutes, so that the windows can be easily installed and removed in different seasons. The height of the window is 52.875 inches and the size is suitable for opening widths of 32.25 inches, 28.25 inches, and 36.25 inches. The window needs to have a depth of 1.5 inches outside the window frame to install.

If you want to know how to best isolate or maintain storm windows, please continue reading these questions and answers to other common questions about storm windows.

When installing the windshield, please use a caulking agent between the flange of the windshield and the window sash to ensure a tight seal and prevent cold air from entering.

Using caulk to provide an air-tight seal around windshields is an excellent way to increase efficiency; however, keep in mind that this makes them a more permanent addition to the home. If you plan to remove them from the windows in the warmer months, do not caulk around the windshield.

Clean the windshields regularly to ensure that they can be used for a long time. About once a year, remove the inner and outer glass plates and screens, and clean them with soapy water and glass cleaner. When the pane leaves the frame, use a store vacuum cleaner to remove the debris accumulated on the windproof window sill, and then wipe the window sill with a damp cloth for thorough cleaning.

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