One of the most common questions when it comes to the decision of whether or not to buy storm windows is: Will storm windows add value to my home?
When considering home improvements, many homeowners aim to ensure their investments will increase property value. On older homes with single-pane windows, tackling a storm window project should not be overlooked when reviewing your home’s improvement list.
We have found that storm windows solve many of the problems people have with pre-1960’s windows. When there are no storm windows, and when old storms are losing effectiveness, new storm windows can improve a home’s comfort, functionality, and appeal.
So, do storm windows add value to a home? The answer is a resounding YES—and here’s how.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
One of the primary benefits of storm windows is their ability to improve energy efficiency. By adding an extra layer of “dead air” and blocking drafts, storm windows reduce heat loss in the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer. This translates to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
For owners who like to open their windows, storm windows that open and close with screens can be ordered. This allows the heating/cooling systems to be completely turned off during nice weather without worrying about bugs getting inside.
When it comes to selling your home, efficiency is an important topic. Energy-efficient homes are in high demand, and many buyers are willing to pay a premium for properties that help them save on utility costs. Storm windows add value by making an older home as efficient as the newest homes on the market. This can lead to faster sales with less objection from buyers.
Protection for Original Architecture
Original wooden windows are defining features of historic homes. Their unparalleled longevity and remarkable beauty make them invaluable to any older building. This enduring elegance is a testament to the mastery of our predecessors and the preeminence of traditional building methods.
For both homeowners and potential buyers, the condition of a home’s original architecture is crucial. Historic windows are especially valued by those who appreciate the timeless charm and expert craftsmanship of the past. In many cases, these individuals are the most serious about owning an older home and are quickly turned off by modern windows.
The best way to protect original windows from the elements is exterior storm windows. They serve as a barrier against harsh weather, fungi, and UV rays. Preserving architectural integrity is a huge way that storm windows add value to a historic home. By keeping the wooden windows in pristine condition, the value and appeal of the home remains intact, and potential buyers remain interested.
Reduced Maintenance & Repairs
Since storm windows protect sash from the weather, the frequency of needed repairs, as well as paint and glazing maintenance, is drastically reduced. The decrease in the time and money spent on this work is another significant way storm windows add value for an owner.
Without storm windows, certain windows that receive a lot of weather exposure and/or direct sunlight may need maintenance as often as every 3–5 years. Other windows, facing away from the elements, may last longer, but daily condensation forming on them often still leads to decay over time.
With new storm windows, the condensation that previously formed directly on the wooden window now forms on the storm. Since moisture is kept from reaching the sash, wood rot is prevented. This shift in the point where condensation forms, or the ‘dew point,’ can extend the lifespan of paint and glazing by two to three times.
Most storm window frames are made with aluminum which does not deteriorate. This combination of aluminum and glass makes the perfect barrier for wooden windows. Furthermore, if Low-E glass is used in the storm windows, the paint and glazing last even longer in direct sunlight due to increased UV protection.
Cost-Effective Home Improvement
Any home improvement project comes with a cost. You will find a storm window project is a relatively affordable way to enhance your home compared to window replacements.
The pairing of a storm with each single pane window provides many of the same benefits as modern windows, but without the high price tag. This cost-effectiveness is yet another way storm windows add value for budget-conscious homeowners looking to increase their property’s value.
If you are considering replacing your single-pane windows, we recommend you first read: Window Replacement vs. Reconditioning. This article contains useful information that the modern window companies don’t want you to learn.
Increased Curb Appeal
When you’re ready to sell, an important factor that affects the sales price and speed is curb appeal. People who are buying a home often decide if they will even visit the house based on how it looks from the street. This is especially true of those willing to buy an older home. Potential buyers usually notice when something looks odd or ugly to them, and a common culprit is the old storms.
Many storm window models were not built with aesthetics in mind. We see a lot of plain metallic aluminum storms. As aluminum ages, it tends to oxidize which gives it a dull or dingy appearance. This means that old storms often stick out like a sore thumb as they clash starkly with the beauty of the surrounding trim and windows they cover. Painting old storm windows is possible, but can cause problems with their operation and future removal.
Another aesthetic issue with some storm windows comes from flimsy engineering. As some storm windows age, the frames bend and pull apart at the corners. The gasketing can detach and hang loose, the screens get worn, and latches and pins break so that the panels don’t sit straight and leave gaps around the edges. All of these things look bad at first glance and can repel a potential buyer.
New storm windows in 2025 have a variety of style options that can complement your home’s exterior. Custom colors are available to either match or be used as an accent. Low-profile frames can be chosen to blend into the surrounding trim. Storms can even be manufactured to match any shape of historic window so that nothing obstructs their design. The right storm window can be the perfect visual companion to each window, making your home more enticing to buyers.
Noise Reduction
Living in a bustling neighborhood or near a busy street can be a literal headache for homeowners. The single-pane glass windows don’t do much to stop noise from traveling through. This can cause daily annoyance for the residents and even cause trouble with sleep. If you’re selling, it may be a deterrent for buyers who often prefer a quieter home.
By adding storms, outside noise is dampened, offering a more peaceful indoor environment. This sound reduction is a significant selling point, especially in noisy urban areas, and another way storm windows add value.
With single-pane glass windows, owners often report that they can clearly hear conversations held on the sidewalk. This begs the question: “Can people outside hear me too?” Privacy is a common concern for people buying a home. The noise reduction from storm windows works both ways, keeping personal conversations inside and away from prying ears outside.
Eco-Friendly Appeal
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to today’s homebuyers. Storm windows are one of the most environmentally friendly window options you can find. By choosing storm windows, you’re making an improvement that aligns with the values of many modern buyers.
Since storm windows prevent deterioration, they help homeowners avoid the replacement cycle which creates lots of waste. Old windows are designed to last centuries if maintained. When a window is replaced, on average it will need to be replaced again in about 20 years due to the failure of the modern window or its insulated glass. With each replacement project comes more construction debris as the old windows end up in the local landfill.
Most storm window frames today are made of aluminum, one of the most recycled materials on the planet. It is less expensive to recycle aluminum than it is to produce new material from raw ore. This means that a large portion of new storm windows are made from recycled materials. It’s very likely that your old aluminum storms, once removed, will be made into something new. In this way storm windows add value environmentally too.
Appraisal and Resale Value
While storm windows may not always be explicitly listed in a home appraisal, their benefits contribute to a property’s overall value in subtle yet significant ways. By preserving original windows, reducing maintenance needs, and enhancing energy efficiency, storm windows help maintain the home’s condition and appeal—factors that appraisers and potential buyers consider when assessing a home’s worth.
A well-maintained home with storm windows will be free of many common concerns found in older homes. Buyers may not immediately notice the storm windows themselves, but they will experience the benefits—a quieter, more comfortable, and energy-efficient home. What they won’t notice are the issues that might otherwise raise hesitation, such as drafts or excessive street noise.
Real estate agents who understand that storm windows add value can highlight their benefits to potential buyers—emphasizing lower utility costs, reduced upkeep, and enhanced curb appeal. These advantages can make a listing more attractive, lead to higher offers, and result in a quicker sale.
Why Choose Heritage Window Solutions?
At Heritage Window Solutions, we are first and foremost experts in historic window restoration. We don’t just sell storms. We understand that storm windows add value because we’ve worked on thousands of old windows. We’ve repaired windows at every stage of deterioration, both with and without storm windows. We’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of both old and new storm windows in different grades and styles. This wealth of experience has made us true subject matter experts who can confidently provide you with sound advice on the best solutions for your windows.
Every model of storm window has pros and cons, so it’s important to talk to someone who can ask you the right questions and point out things you may not have considered.
Our projects are custom tailored to fit your needs and your intended use for each window in your home. The storm windows we recommend are carefully chosen with your existing windows in mind, offering the ideal blend of preservation, functionality, and style.
Final Thoughts
Whether you own a historic home or not, any home with older style single-pane windows will benefit from high-quality storm windows.
Storm windows are a smart, cost-effective way to add value to your home. They improve energy efficiency, protect original windows, and enhance curb appeal while also reducing noise and offering eco-friendly benefits—all while avoiding an expensive window replacement project.
If you’re looking to increase your property’s value and enjoy these benefits, storm windows are an upgrade worth considering. So yes, storm windows add value to your home and serve as an important investment in its future.
Ready to discuss your project? Contact Heritage Window Solutions today to learn more about how storm windows can transform your home.
