Storm Windows Explained: The what, the why, and the hardware

Storm windows have been improving the comfort and efficiency of homes for over a century, yet many homeowners still are not sure what they are or why they’re used. As the manager of Joinery Hardware, I hear these questions often. This article breaks down exactly what storm windows actually do, why they are used, and the hardware that makes them operable.

What are storm windows?

Before the 1970s, homeowners could only reduce drafts from their single pane windows through the use of storm windows (Bickford, 2021). Today, heritage homes still rely on them to reduce noise, shield against weather, and improve energy performance without replacing original windows. Storm windows create a gap between the storm window and the original window, forming dead‑air space that improves insulation and reduces heat loss. Older heritage wood windows often cause drafts; storm windows help reduce airflow while also preserving the original window.

Storm windows can be constructed out of aluminum, vinyl, or wood. There are two main types of storm windows: exterior and interior storm windows. Exterior storm windows are mounted on the outside of the original window, as you can see in the photo to the right. These types of storm windows help protect your window from harsh weather. Interior storm windows are mounted on the inside of the original window and are less visible from the exterior, helping maintain the home’s appearance.

This article focuses on traditional exterior wood storm windows. Wood storm windows are typically a custom order based on the shape and size of the original window. Their frames are constructed through mortise and tenon joinery with solid wood, such as Douglas fir. To maintain the curb appeal, storm windows can be painted to match the original sash’s colour. For double hung windows, storm windows can have a meeting rail that lines up with the ones on the original sash.

Why are storm windows used?

Energy Savings

Single pane windows can often lead to high energy loss which results in higher heating and cooling costs (Office of Policy Development and Research, 2009). Studies have shown that a well-maintained wood window paired with a fitted storm window can be just as energy efficient as a replacement window (Williams, & Baker, 2021).

Environmental Impact

Storm windows cut down on energy loss, which leads to lower electricity and gas usage and helps reduce environmental emissions. Installing storm windows instead of replacing and disposing of your old windows also reduces construction and landfill waste (This Old House, 2026).

Heritage Requirements for Storm Windows

Depending on where your home is located and if it has heritage designation, it could qualify for heritage funding. For example, this section looks at the Victoria Heritage Foundation’s House Grants Program.

The Victoria Heritage Foundation (VHF) House Grants Program assists homeowners of heritage-designated homes with the costs of restoration and repairing their buildings including storm windows (City of Victoria, 2018). They do not fund double‑glazed or thermal units, meaning homeowners who want improved warmth, safety, or efficiency must use storm windows instead (Victoria Heritage Foundation, 2025). VHF requires all windows to use stainless steel hardware (Victoria Heritage Foundation, 2025). In order to use the grant homeowners must follow their specific requirements for their storm windows:

• Storms must be attached using hardware such as storm hangers (Check out Joinery Hardware's Storm Window Hangers)
• New storm windows must be primed on all sides and be completely painted before installation
• Storms must be painted the same colour as the original sash in gloss or semi-gloss paint
• During installation, there cannot be modifications, cutting or alterations to the building’s character-defining elements

(Victoria Heritage Foundation, 2025)

The hardware that makes storm windows work

 

Storm windows typically use three types of hardware: storm window openers, storm window hangers, and turn buttons.

Storm window openers, also known as storm window adjustors, are used to keep wooden storm windows open for ventilation, cleaning, or access, as you can see in the photo to the right. When closed, storm window openers help pull the sash tight against the window frame making the window draft free. It adds extra security because of the fully locking ability from the inside. Please note that although storm window openers can be released from the inside, they may still limit emergency egress for individuals with limited mobility, including children. For instance, some building codes require a minimum of one window in a bedroom to be opened without the use of tools or knowledge of additional hardware. 

Storm window hangers allow for storm windows to be suspended from the exterior casing of a house, as you can see in the photo to the right. This allows the storm window to be easily removed for maintenance or opened for ventilation with a storm window opener. They typically work with flush or surface mounted traditional storm windows between ¾ inch to 1-1/4 inches thick storm windows. This hardware allows the storm window to be pushed open from the inside to allow emergency egress. 

Turn buttons are small fasteners that hold a storm window securely against the exterior window frame. This ensures that the storm window does not rattle or shift. They rotate, making it easy to remove storm windows. Since these keep the storm window closed from the outside, storm window openers cannot be used with turn buttons.

Joinery Hardware supplies stainless steel storm window openers and stainless-steel storm window hangers. Stainless steel is overall stronger and more corrosion resistant than zinc. This makes the hardware stay durable and keeps its appearance for a longer period of time. This makes storm window openers perfect for wet environments like the west coast of Canada.

Conclusion

Storm windows have long been a reliable way to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of homes. They reduce drafts, noise, and heat loss while preserving original single-pane windows, especially for heritage homes. Properly fitted storm windows can match the energy savings of modern replacement windows while reducing environmental impact and waste. High-quality storm window hardware keeps storm windows secure, functional, and long-lasting, and it is available at Joinery Hardware.

 

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Resources

Bickford, C. (2021, August 23). All About Storm Windows. This Old House. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/windows/all-about-storm-windows 

City of Victoria. (2018). Grants for Heritage Buildings. City of Victoria. https://www.victoria.ca/building-business/permits-development-construction/heritage-conservation/grants-heritage-buildings

Office of Policy Development and Research. (2009). ResearchWorks: Volume 6 Number 5 | HUD USER. HUD USER. https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/ResearchWorks/may_09/RW_vol6num5t2.html

This Old House. (2026, August 19). Weathering the Storm: A Comprehensive Guide to Storm Windows. This Old House. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/windows/weathering-the-storm

Victoria Heritage Foundation. (2025). VHF house grants program – windows, doors, & storm window requirements. Victoria Heritage Foundation. https://victoriaheritagefoundation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Windows2025.pdf

Williams, R., & Baker, M., (2021, November 30). Historic Wood Windows: A Tip Sheet from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s HOPE Crew [Historic preservation tip sheet]. National Trust for Historic Preservation. https://cdn.savingplaces.org/2023/05/18/16/18/17/805/Window%20Tip%20Sheet%20Update_2021.pdf