Given the mounting uncertainty regarding weather patterns, protecting your easy home improvement experts in Maryland requires even more effort than before. Homeowners deal with everything from summer hurricanes to winter nor’easters that can inflict damage to their property and increase energy expenditures. This is where the nearly neglected yet incredibly useful storm windows come into play. By installing storm windows, you protect your property from extreme weather changes and enhance its energy efficiency, ensuring relief and comfort all year round.
No matter if you owned the Baltimore colonial for decades or recently purchased the Annapolis property, being familiarized with the importance of storm windows can greatly aid in maintaining your home’s appeal and functionality while simultaneously preserving its value in the long run.
The Importance of Advanced Windows for Maryland Homes
Maryland sits along Mid-Atlantic, featuring a combination of coastal storms, strong winds, heavy rainfall, along with snowstorms. These weather conditions strain aged windows and increase chances of water leakage while creating inconsistent temperatures indoors.
Properties constructed prior to contemporary building practices being enforced tend to lack sufficient insulation for modern weather conditions. Traditional windows can serve as the weakest link in a home’s structural fortress and permit air infiltration as well as the entry of moisture and even particulate matter during fierce winds. By placing an additional layer of protection over the windows known as storm windows, it is possible to minimize the aforementioned risks to quite an extent.
What are Storm Windows?
Secondary windows that can be fitted internally or externally on primary windows are referred to as storm windows, the former taking precedence. To provide an additional layer of insulation as well as improve energy efficiency and protect the window from weather damage, bomb blast curtains are fitted. Unlike the complete replacement of windows, upgrading to storm windows is more affordable and does not alter the overall appearance of the house.
There are several types of storm windows that one can select:
Externally fitted storm windows provide additional protection and are easy to install. These can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Internally fitted storm windows are set up on the inside of a house and require less upkeep. These are ideal for multi level houses.
Storm windows that can be expanded or retracted are known as retractable storm windows. These are modern and provide convenience for those needing shielding without obstruction.
Advantages Beyond Protection From Storms
Besides protecting your home from storms, storm windows also have several benefits which are listed below:
- Saves Energy and Reduces Electricity Costs
The greatest benefit that comes with living with a storm window is the thermal insulation. Storm windows come with an extra glass pane which helps improve insulation. Therefore an additional glass pane will reduce drafts and lowe make a hot indoor space during summers and helps in retaining heat better during winters. This results in significant savings on AC bills which can reach up to 30%.
- Improved Comfort Anytime
Feeling warm air and more frequent chills while sitting too close to a window can be an indicator of an underperforming window. This issue gets resolved through the installation of storm windows as they help reduce indoor climate control. They are also helpful in providing consistency in a controlled climate. Therefore no matter what the season, you can be sure of the conditions in indoors.
- Stain Reduction
Storms windows along act as a dual pane insulation enabling a sound barrier to be formed. This reduces the levels of outside noise by a significant 50%. This is especially useful for those who live in busy areas or high populated areas which can be noisy.4. UV Protection
Sunlight can damage the furniture, carpets, and artwork within a home because of their UV rays. Fortunately, modern storm windows now come with coatings that filter UV rays and thus protect the interior of the home and preserve the valuables.
- Increased Property Value
The resale value of a home increases with the installation of energy-efficient features such as storm windows. Homebuyers are increasingly willing to pay more for a house that has modern utility cost-saving features. In addition, the windows will enhance the curb appeal of the house without changing its architectural style.
Choosing the Right Storm Windows for Your Home
Not all windows are the same, and selection of each type depends on unique criteria. These include:
Frame Material: The most common types are aluminum, vinyl, and wood. Vinyl is easy to maintain, aluminum is long-lasting, while wood is classical.
Glazing Options: Look for low-E (low emissivity) coatings which help in achieving better energy efficiency and decreased UV exposure.
Ventilation Features: Some models allow for the use of removable panes or screens that enable seasonal ventilation.
Custom vs. Standard Sizes: Older homes that do not have standard-size windows may require customized storm windows.
If you’re not absolutely sure, get in contact with a professional window contractor in Maryland. They will evaluate your current windows and provide the best recommendations alongside ensuring their optimal installation.
Installation and Upkeep Recommendations
Quick and convenient installation are only some of the many benefits that storm windows offer. The right installation will guarantee the full potential functionality of closing storm windows, while incorrect installation is exceedingly harmfully, leading to moisture buildup over time rot or mold growth. In order to protect oneself from such an issue, it’s advisable to engage a licensed contractor.
Streamlined upkeep consists of:
Cleaning glass surfaces on a frequent basis to mitigate visibility issues and grime buildup.
Checking seals and caulking on a yearly basis to make sure they maintain airtight structure.
If necessary, take off and stow away interior storm windows yearly, particularly if air circulation is an issue.
Comparing Performance of Storm Windows with Full Window Replacement
Replacing all windows might seem like the ideal go-to solution when trying to elevate a home’s energy efficiency, but this is by far the priciest option. For anyone who wants to maintain the esthetic appeal of old charm windows and incorporate better performance, storm windows are clearly the better option. Not only do they support full replacements in regards to cost and insulation protection, they also far outperform when charm windows are in question.
Along with contemporary protection, storm windows help preserve the architecture of historic Maryland neighborhoods.
Final Statement: Thoughtful, Tactical Enhancement
Windows for storms serve a purpose beyond just getting put on on during a cyclone; fulfilling a carefully planned function for enhancing comfort, security, and the home’s real estate value. Unprecedented weather is Maryland’s new norm nowadays, making it impossible for homeowners to ignore the necessity for protection against storms.
The investment needed is significantly lower when compared to the rewards of reduced energy expenses and noise, along with safeguarding the windows from hurricane force winds. Installing windows for storms is a great decision for future-oriented improvements, preparing for subsequent storm seasons, or almost any other circumstance.
