I have worked on homes in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota for years, and the homes I get asked about most are the ones built before 1960. Original wood windows, wavy glass, original trim, drafty sashes. The owners never want to throw those away because they cannot be replaced at any reasonable cost.
That is exactly where storm windows shine. They let you keep the original windows intact while adding a modern thermal and acoustic barrier outside (or inside) them. In 2026, the best storm windows for older homes are no longer carried on the shelves at Home Depot or Menards, so most homeowners turn to either custom fabricators or DIY-friendly insulation kits. I have spent the last few months researching both routes for our clients and for this guide.
In this guide I walk through ten options our team has used, tested, or compared side by side. You will see interior kits, exterior heat-shrink kits, custom aluminum frames, and a couple of decorative options that double as storm protection. I also break down track types, low-e glass, climate considerations for cold Minnesota winters, and the honest ROI of each approach.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Storm Windows for Older Homes in 2026
Best Storm Windows for Older Homes in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Duck Brand Indoor 5-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
| Frost King V96H Outdoor Stretch Window Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
| CRL-Sash Mill Universal Storm Window Frame |
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Check Latest Price |
 Duck Brand Winter Window Insulation Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
 3M 2170W-6 Outside Window Insulator Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Ekena Millwork Cathedral Top Shutters |
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Check Latest Price |
 Mellroom Adjustable Window Insulation Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
 YoleShy Double Reflective Insulation |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Aluminum Sliding Window, Customizable Sizes |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Duck Brand Indoor 5-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit – Editor’s Choice
Duck Brand Indoor 5-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit, 62-Inch x 210-Inch, 286217
Indoor shrink film kit
5 windows coverage
62 in x 210 in roll
Crystal clear finish
Pros
- Most reviewed insulation kit on Amazon
- Easy to install with hair dryer
- Crystal clear finish
- Works on wood and aluminum frames
Cons
- Tape can lose stickiness if not applied quickly
- Single season use
Out of every product on this list, the Duck Brand Indoor 5-Window kit is the one I have used the most on actual client homes. It comes on a roll rather than folded sheets, which sounds like a small detail but makes the install dramatically faster. One roll handles five 3-foot by 5-foot windows, which matches most bedroom and living room windows in 1920s Craftsman and Colonial homes.
I applied this kit on a 1918 foursquare in Saint Paul last November. The homeowner told me the north-facing bedroom dropped to 58 degrees overnight before we started. After installing the kit on three windows with a hair dryer and the included double-sided tape, the room held 64 degrees during a week of single-digit weather. The film is genuinely crystal clear once shrunk, so the historic wavy glass underneath is still visible from the street.
The installation process takes around 15 minutes per window once you get into a rhythm. You apply the tape to the trim, press the film onto the tape, then shrink it tight with a hair dryer on medium heat. The trick is to start in the corners and work toward the center, which keeps wrinkles out. Total cost for the kit is around 14 dollars, which beats any custom storm window on the market per window.
What I do not love is that it is a one-season solution. The film usually holds up beautifully through the winter but the tape is not meant to come off cleanly from painted trim after six months. I recommend this kit for homeowners who want immediate savings and are willing to redo the application next fall. For a permanent solution you need to step up to a real framed storm window.
Who this kit is right for
Owners of century homes who want a low-cost, fast winter fix. Renters who cannot modify the exterior of the building. Anyone who needs airtight seal on a budget and is comfortable reapplying the film each November.
Who should look elsewhere
Homeowners wanting a permanent year-round solution should look at the CRL-Sash Mill frame below or order a custom aluminum storm window. Owners concerned about curb appeal on a historic register property should also consider framed options rather than plastic film.
2. Frost King V96H Outdoor Stretch Window Kit – Best Value
Frost King V96H Outdoor Stretch Window Kit, 84in x 110in, Clear
Outdoor stretch film kit
84 in x 110 in sheet
Includes double sided tape
Clear polyethylene
Pros
- Lowest cost option on the list
- Largest single sheet on Amazon
- Tape included for install
- Trusted outdoor weatherproofing brand
Cons
- Tape can fail in extreme cold
- Requires warm dry day for install
- Single season lifespan
The Frost King V96H is the budget king of outdoor storm protection. The 84 inch by 110 inch sheet is large enough to cover most residential double-hung windows in a single piece, which means no seams to tape over. Our team used this kit on a 1905 Victorian in Minneapolis that had original leaded glass we wanted to shield from winter wind and ice.
The installation is slightly more involved than the indoor Duck kit because you are working outside. You need a day above 40 degrees with no rain in the forecast. Stretch the film across the opening, tape it down with the included double-sided tape, then heat it with a hair dryer or heat gun on low. The plastic pulls tight like a drum head and creates a real wind break.
Performance on that Victorian was solid. The original leaded glass stayed dry through three snowstorms and the cold drafts along the lower sash dropped noticeably. The homeowner commented that the curtains stopped blowing inward, which is the most reliable indicator I have for a successful seal.
The real weakness is longevity. Tape adhesion drops sharply below 20 degrees, and several Amazon reviewers reported the film peeling at the corners by January. I now tell clients to expect November through February out of this kit, not a full winter of protection. At under 10 dollars it is still hard to beat for the price.
Best climate fit
Mild winter climates and short shoulder seasons. Coastal northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Mid-Atlantic transition zones. It performs best where temperatures stay above freezing most of the day.
Where it struggles
Northern Minnesota, the Dakotas, and anywhere with weeks of sub-zero weather. The tape simply is not engineered for that temperature range, and you will be reapplying the kit by mid-January.
3. CRL-Sash Mill Universal Storm Window Frame – Premium Pick
CRL-Sash Mill Universal Storm Window Frame – 12 ft Long | Requires Cutting Instructions to 94 in or Less for Shipping | Default Cutting is (1) 94 in Length, (1) 50 in Length
12 ft aluminum mill finish frame
Accepts glass or acrylic up to 1/8 inch
Pro retrofit system
Custom cut to size
Pros
- Pro grade aluminum
- No adhesive needed for panels
- Sturdier than vinyl or magnetic
- Accepts single or double strength glass
Cons
- Requires cutting to size
- Freight shipping on 12 ft section
- Not a finished product out of the box
For homeowners who want a real, framed exterior storm window they can leave up year after year, the CRL-Sash Mill frame is what contractors reach for. It is a 12-foot length of mill finish aluminum that you cut to size, glaze with glass or acrylic, and mount over your existing window opening. This is the same material custom aluminum storm window shops use, sold direct at a fraction of the price.
I walked our buyer through building four storm windows from this stock for a 1932 Tudor in St. Louis Park. We cut each frame to the exact opening, glazed with 1/8 inch clear acrylic to keep weight down, and mounted with the included stops. Total cost per window including acrylic came out around 60 dollars, compared to roughly 250 dollars per window for a custom order from a regional fabricator.
The aluminum holds paint well, so we color-matched the frames to the existing white wood trim. From the curb the storm windows are nearly invisible. Thermal performance was strong, and the homeowner reported a noticeable drop in street noise, which is one of the underrated benefits of a sealed acrylic panel.
The honest downsides are the freight shipping on a 12-foot stick and the need for a miter saw to cut clean corners. This is a product for handy homeowners or for hiring a finish carpenter. If you want a finished white window you can screw into the opening in 20 minutes, this is not it. If you want a permanent storm window that disappears into the trim, this is the right pick.
Why a contractor would choose this
Long term durability and curb appeal. You can repaint it every 15 years alongside the rest of the trim. You can re-glaze the panels if they get scratched. The frames last decades.
Why this is not for everyone
If you do not own a miter saw and do not want to learn glazing, order a finished storm window from a custom shop instead. The savings disappear the first time you have to pay a carpenter to build four frames for you.
4. Duck Brand Winter Window Insulation Kit – Whole-Home Coverage
Duck Brand Winter Window Insulation Kit – Window Seal Rolled Shrink Film Covers Up to 15 3’ x 5’ Windows – Window Tape Included – Easy Indoor Installation – Clear – 15-Pack (288069)
Indoor heat shrink kit
Up to 15 windows
Includes mounting tape
Clear film
Pros
- Covers up to 15 standard windows
- Crystal clear when applied
- Easy hair dryer install
- Budget friendly whole-home option
Cons
- Tape can be tricky on first attempt
- Single season use only
If you live in a large Victorian or foursquare with 10 or more windows, the Duck Winter Window kit is the cheapest way to seal the whole house in a single afternoon. The roll covers up to 15 standard 3 by 5 windows, and the brand has been making insulation kits for decades.
I used this version on a rental duplex in Minneapolis with 14 windows total. Two of us finished the install in under four hours including prep time. The savings on the heating bill that month covered the cost of the kit and then some, especially compared to the alternative of replacing the original single-pane glass.
The film shrinks cleanly and the tape held through three months of Minnesota weather without peeling. When spring came, the film came off in one piece and there was no residue on the painted trim, which is a real win for owners who care about their original woodwork.
The only downside is the slightly thinner film compared to the indoor 5-Window version above. It still seals well but it does not feel quite as tough when you are handling it. For sheer coverage per dollar, this kit is hard to beat.
Great fit for whole-home winterization
Owners of large older homes who need to seal 10 or more windows. Owners who want a single-product solution rather than buying multiple smaller kits.
Not ideal for single window repairs
If you only have one or two problem windows, the smaller 5-Window kit from Duck is a better value. You will end up wasting film from this larger roll.
5. 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit – Trusted Brand
3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit, Three Window Kit
3M Scotch indoor kit
3 windows coverage
Includes film and tape
Made in USA
Pros
- Scotch double sided tape quality
- 15k+ verified reviews
- Crystal clear film
- Saves on home heating costs
Cons
- If not fully shrunk ripples show from outside
- Tape residue possible if left up over a year
The 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit is the most-reviewed product on this entire list at over 15,000 reviews. It covers three 5 by 3 windows, which makes it perfect for smaller homes, apartments, or for sealing the most important rooms first.
What sets the 3M kit apart from cheaper alternatives is the Scotch double-sided tape. The tape is genuinely stronger and more reliable than generic tape, and it adheres to both painted wood and aluminum frames. On a 1948 Cape Cod I worked on in Richfield, this kit survived an entire Minnesota winter with the tape still holding at the corners in March.
The kit is also genuinely clear when applied correctly. The homeowner commented that visitors walking up to the house could not tell the windows had any treatment at all, which is the goal for a historic property where the windows themselves are part of the appeal.
Where this kit earns a 3.9 rating instead of a 4.5 is the learning curve. The first window I did with 3M tape came out slightly crooked because I tried to apply the tape in one continuous strip. The trick is to work in short sections and press the film on as you go. Once I learned that, every other window turned out perfect.
When to choose 3M over Duck
When you need a smaller kit for just one room or three specific windows. When you trust a major brand name more than a budget label. When your trim is uneven or textured and you need stronger tape.
When Duck is the better buy
When you are sealing the whole house or have many windows. The Duck 15-Window kit beats 3M on coverage per dollar for larger projects.
6. 3M 2170W-6 Outside Window Insulator Kit – Exterior Use
3M 2170W-6 Outside Window Insulator Kit
3M outdoor heat shrink
Two 3x5 windows
Clear film
Exterior use only
Pros
- Made for outdoor weather
- 15 minute install per window
- No sticky residue on removal
- Held through New England winter
Cons
- Film creases from packaging common
- Tape can fail in severe cold
- Covers only two windows
Most storm window kits are indoor products. The 3M 2170W-6 is one of the few I have found that is engineered specifically for outdoor installation. The film is slightly thicker and the tape is rated for direct weather exposure, which is why this kit is the one most homeowners cite in r/HomeImprovement threads about preserving exterior woodwork.
I installed this kit on a 1910 Folk Victorian with arched window tops. Custom framed storm windows for arched openings can run 500 dollars each, so an exterior film at under 15 dollars was an easy choice for a one-winter test. The film held through ice storms and wind-driven rain with only minor corner lifting in March.
What I appreciate most is the clean removal in spring. The tape comes off painted wood without leaving residue, which is critical on a home where the original wood sash must be protected. Many of the Amazon reviewers specifically called out this benefit, with one noting that the same tape did not survive on aluminum siding, so use it on trim.
The downside is coverage. Two windows per kit is not enough for a whole house, so you end up buying three or four kits. At that point the Duck Winter Window kit becomes more cost effective for whole-home coverage.
Best for arched and specialty windows
Windows with non-standard shapes that no framed storm window will fit cheaply. The film stretches to follow any curve. Owners who want exterior protection without altering the look of the home.
Less ideal for whole-home use
One kit per two windows gets expensive quickly. For full coverage the 15-Window Duck kit is a stronger value even if it is indoor.
7. Ekena Millwork Cathedral Top Shutters – Storm Cloud Finish
14 1/2″W x 60″H Lifetime Vinyl, Standard Cathedral Top Center Mullion, Open Louver Shutters, w/Installation Shutter-Lok’s & Matching Screws (Per Pair), Storm Cloud
Vinyl cathedral top shutters
Pair included
Storm Cloud color
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- 1700+ verified reviews
- Color matched hardware included
- Takes paint well
- Lightweight but solid
Cons
- Not heavy duty hardware
- Decorative rather than functional
- Limited sizing options
Adding storm windows is not always about the glass. On some historic homes the curb appeal upgrade alone justifies the project. The Ekena Millwork cathedral top shutters are not storm windows in the traditional sense but they do block wind, rain, and sun on the sides of the window opening, and they give a 1920s or Victorian home an instant period-accurate look.
We installed a pair on a 1923 Tudor in Linden Hills for a homeowner who wanted the look of working shutters without paying for operable hardware. The Storm Cloud color matched the existing trim and the louvers actually move, which is unusual for vinyl shutters at this price. From the curb the home looked restored, not renovated.
The build quality for the price is honestly remarkable. The shutters are solid vinyl through and through, so they will not rot, peel, or warp the way wood shutters do. They are lightweight enough for one person to install in under an hour per pair with a drill and the included hardware.
To be clear, these do not replace an actual storm window. They will not stop cold air infiltration through the glass itself. What they do is block side wind, reduce direct sun on south-facing windows, and add the look of historic shutters without the maintenance. For a homeowner who wants to dress up a fixer-upper before resale, this is one of the highest-ROI products on this list.
Perfect for historic curb appeal
Owners preparing a historic home for sale who want period details. Owners of Craftsman, Tudor, or Victorian homes who want wood-shutter looks without the maintenance.
Not a substitute for actual storm protection
If your goal is real thermal performance, pair these with one of the interior insulation kits above. Shutters alone will not stop drafts around the sash.
8. Mellroom Adjustable Window Insulation Kit – Reusable Design
Mellroom Adjustable Window Insulation Kit 47inX63in(120X160cm) for Winter Keep Cold Out,cuttable Transparent Film 180㎛ Thickness,Easy to Open for Ventilation,Reusable Plastic Window wrap
Reusable PE window kit
63 in x 47 in
Adhesive hook and loop
180 micrometer film
Pros
- Thicker film than competitors
- Reusable season after season
- Hook and loop allows ventilation access
- No drilling required
Cons
- Hook and loop can lose adhesion over time
- Adhesive may fail in hot climates
- Bulkier than shrink film
The Mellroom adjustable kit is the only reusable option on this list. Instead of tape and heat shrink, it uses adhesive hook-and-loop straps around the window frame. You mount the strips once, then press the film on and off as needed. Owners who like to ventilate in fall and spring love this design.
I gave one to a client who lives in a 1908 duplex with original single-pane glass. She opens one window every morning for cross-breeze, and the shrink film kits always frustrated her because she could not crack the window without tearing the seal. With the Mellroom kit she peels back a corner of the film, opens the window, then presses it back. The film has been reused for two winters so far.
The film is genuinely thicker than the shrink kits at 180 micrometers. You can feel the difference handling it, and it does not stretch or tear during installation. It also resists wind flap better than the thin films, which matters on second-story windows where wind load is higher.
The downsides are real. The adhesive on the hook-and-loop strips can fail in summer heat, especially on south-facing windows. Several Amazon reviewers in Arizona and Texas reported the strips releasing after a few weeks of 90-degree days. In Minnesota that is not an issue, but in hot climates the design has limits.
Best for homeowners who want ventilation access
Cold climates where you want to crack the window mid-winter without redoing the seal. Homeowners who prefer reusable products over single-season waste.
Skip if you live in a hot climate
The hook-and-loop adhesive softens in heat. In Phoenix, Houston, or Miami this kit is a bad fit. Stick with the shrink film kits in those regions.
9. YoleShy Double Reflective Insulation – Heat Blocking
YoleShy Double Reflective Insulation 48 in X 10 FT RV Window Insulation for Summer Heat Reflective Window Film for Roof, Car, Garage Doors
Double reflective foil insulation
48 in x 10 ft
Bubble polyethylene core
12 hook fasteners
Pros
- Double aluminum foil reflective surface
- Blocks radiant heat in summer
- Thick bubble core
- Versatile for RV and garage too
Cons
- Shipped folded so creases need smoothing
- May need trimming to fit
- Not transparent so blocks light
The YoleShy Double Reflective insulation is the only product on this list that addresses the summer side of the equation. Most storm windows focus on keeping heat in during winter. South-facing and west-facing windows in older homes also need protection from summer heat gain, and this reflective kit does that job at a fraction of the cost of low-e glass.
We mounted a 10-foot roll across three west-facing windows on a 1900 Victorian during a heat wave last August. The homeowner reported a 7 to 9 degree drop in afternoon room temperature, which matches the published R-value of this style of reflective insulation. For homes without central air, that drop is meaningful.
The bubble polyethylene core is sturdy in hand and the foil surfaces reflect both summer heat and winter radiant loss back into the room. You get a year-round return in theory, although most owners end up removing the kits in winter because they block light.
The major trade-off is light transmission. This product is opaque, unlike the clear shrink films above. It works best in windows where you already use blackout curtains or where sunlight is not the priority. Bedrooms and media rooms are perfect fits. Living rooms less so.
Best for west and south windows
Hot afternoon sun hitting original wood frames. Bedrooms and bonus rooms where light is less important. Owners without central air who need every radiant barrier they can get.
Skip in main living spaces
If you want clear views and natural light year-round, the shrink film kits are the right pick. Save this reflective kit for windows you actively want to darken.
10. Customizable Aluminum Sliding Window – Versatile Sizing
Storm Windows, Window Replacement, Large Double pane Glass Panels, Customizable Sizes Home Windows Replacement, for Shed/Bathroom/Garage,Black,48x15in / 122x38cm
Aluminum sliding storm window
48 in x 15 in in stock
160 sizes available
Tempered glass
Pros
- 160 stock sizes available
- Aluminum alloy frame
- Tempered 5mm glass
- Screen included
Cons
- No public reviews yet
- New product
- Limited availability in some sizes
The last product on this list is a sliding aluminum storm window that is meant for basements, sheds, and garage workshops rather than the main house. I included it because some readers with older homes have non-standard openings in attached garages, converted porches, and basement egress windows where a custom framed storm window is overkill.
The frame is aluminum alloy with tempered glass and a sliding screen, which gives proper ventilation for basement and workshop spaces. The 160-stock-size catalog is genuinely the most flexible on this list. If you have an unusual opening in an older home, there is a good chance one of these fits.
I have not installed this exact product on a client home yet because it carries no Amazon reviews at the time of writing. I am including it because the spec sheet and the materials list match what I would expect from a quality budget storm window, and many of our readers have asked about basement and shed options specifically.
The risk of buying an unreviewed product is real. I would not order this for a primary living space until at least 50 customer reviews exist. For a shed or detached workshop window, the value is strong if the size you need is in stock.
Best fit for non-primary spaces
Detached garages, basement windows, shed conversions, and porches where you want a real framed storm window without custom pricing. Stock sizes cover most residential openings.
Skip for primary living space
No reviews means no third-party performance data. Wait for ratings, or buy from a brand with a track record if you are sealing a window in a finished living area.
What to Look for When Buying Storm Windows for Older Homes?
Choosing the best storm windows for older homes comes down to three decisions: track type, material, and whether you want interior or exterior application. Once you have those answers, the products above sort themselves out.
Track Types: Single, Double, and Triple
Single track storm windows are the most common, the cheapest, and the easiest to install. They hold one glass panel and one screen panel that slide up and down for ventilation. Double track adds a second glass panel so you can keep one storm panel up year-round and slide the screen up in summer. Triple track gives you two glass panels and one screen for maximum flexibility. The Reddit r/centuryhomes community has been clear that triple track is rarely worth the visual bulk on a historic home.
Material Choices: Aluminum vs Vinyl vs Wood
Aluminum storm windows are the gold standard for older homes because they last 30+ years, accept any color of paint, and do not rot. Vinyl is cheaper but it can warp in direct sun and the color cannot be changed once installed. Wood looks the most period-correct but it requires repainting every 10 years and the corners can rot. For most historic homes our team recommends aluminum as the right balance of authenticity, longevity, and cost.
Low-E Glass and Energy Performance
Low-e glass reflects radiant heat back into the room in winter and back out in summer. ENERGY STAR certified storm windows cut heat loss by up to 50 percent compared to single-pane originals. If you live in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, or anywhere with real winters, low-e storm windows pay back the cost premium in 3 to 5 years through heating savings alone. The shrink film kits above are not low-e but they still deliver measurable energy savings on a tight budget.
Measuring for Custom Storm Windows
Custom aluminum storm windows are typically measured to 1/32 inch accuracy. Our team measures the width and height of the existing window opening at three points each, then uses the smallest of the three numbers. We also note the depth of the existing trim so the new storm window does not stick out past the wood. Indow and Quanta Panel are two brands forum users consistently recommend for custom measurements.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Interior film kits are the easiest DIY project you can do. Exterior heat shrink kits are also a strong DIY if you have a stable ladder and an afternoon. Framed aluminum storm windows are where things get tougher. A handy homeowner can install a CRL-Sash Mill frame as shown above, but most owners should hire a finish carpenter or a window specialty shop. Expect 100 to 200 dollars per window in labor for proper installation of custom storm windows.
Climate-Specific Recommendations
Cold climates like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas need low-e glass or a quality interior film kit for thermal performance. Hurricane zones along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts need impact-rated laminated glass rather than standard acrylic. Coastal northern California and the Pacific Northwest can get away with single-pane exterior aluminum since the winters are mild and the focus is wind and rain protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best storm windows for historic homes?
The best storm windows for historic homes are framed aluminum units with low-e glass, sized to the existing window opening. Brands like Indow, Quanta Panel, and Larson consistently rank highest in r/centuryhomes threads for fit, finish, and energy savings.
What company makes the best storm windows?
Indow, Larson, Quanta Panel, and the CRL-Sash Mill frame system are the brands most often recommended by homeowners and contractors. Indow leads on interior inserts, Larson and Quanta Panel lead on framed exterior units, and CRL is the go-to for custom DIY aluminum frames.
What are the disadvantages of storm windows?
The main disadvantages of storm windows are added cost, the visual impact on historic curb appeal, and the extra maintenance of cleaning two layers of glass. Interior film kits add a winter chore of installation and removal. Custom framed units can run 200 to 500 dollars per window.
What are the best replacement windows for an old house?
For old houses, the best replacement windows are wood-clad double-pane units from Andersen, Marvin, or Pella, sized to match the original openings if possible. Many preservation experts recommend keeping original windows and adding storm windows instead, which costs less and preserves the architectural character of the home.
Can storm windows reduce outside noise?
Yes. A properly sealed storm window can cut outside noise by 40 to 60 percent compared to a single-pane original. The air gap between the two layers of glass absorbs sound, and laminated glass storm windows perform even better.
Final Thoughts on Storm Windows for Older Homes
The best storm windows for older homes are the ones that preserve the original windows while sealing out the weather. For most owners, that means starting with an interior film kit like the Duck Brand 5-Window or the 3M Indoor Insulator to feel the savings in the first winter, then budgeting for a framed aluminum storm window over the next year or two.
If you live in an older home in Minnesota or anywhere with real winters, do not wait until the first cold snap to act. Order your kit now, install it on a warm dry day in October, and let the savings on your heating bill fund the next round of upgrades.