A storm window is purchased in order to provide an air-tight seal for your window opening. This is to reduce drafts, and dust drifting in through any existing cracks, joints, or seams in your current window's frame. The storm window provides a thermal barrier that prevents both heat from within being lost through the window and cold from the outside being allowed in.

Another reason to purchase a storm window is to protect your home's glass. This is important to home owners whose homes are of a historical or vintage nature. The Department of Interior's Historical Preservation Brief Number 9 states "energy conservation is no excuse for the wholesale destruction of historic windows which can be made thermally efficient by historically and aesthetically acceptable means." The beveled, leaded, or stained glass is protected from environmental hazards, remains cleaner and the critical wood frames which hold the original glass are protected from premature aging/moisture damage, better known as dry rot.

Other reasons to purchase storm windows are: street noise is reduced considerably, your house will remain cooler in the summer months, home security, reductions in city air pollution and soot from entering your home, as well as, dirt, dust, sand and wind storm debris.

Over the last few years many different types of glass have been manufactured to provide the homeowner with ways to manage glare, UV damage to furnishings, and new to the market. By having us build your storm windows using these types of specialty glass, you can still benefit from the luxury without needing to replace your current windows.

Storm windows not only enhance your personal environment, they also add new comfort and security to your home.

What Improvements in the R-Factor Rating Can I Expect?

"Windows are a primary source of heat loss because they are both a poor thermal barrier (R factor of only 0.89) and often a source of air infiltration. Adding storm windows greatly improves these poor characteristics...This will result in a window assembly (window plus storm window) with an R factor of 1.79 which outperforms a double paned window assembly (with an air space up to 1/2") that only has an R factor of 1.72."
-- Quoted directly from Preservation Brief Number 3, Department of the Interior.

Why Storm Windows Instead of Replacement Windows?

Reduces air leaks therefore adding warmth.

Adds insulation (heat retention in winter, cooling in summer) and noise control year round.

No structural damage to your home.

At some point the insulated glass seal will fail in replacement windows. This can be a costly replacement. (Storm windows are not hermetically sealed and therefore do not fail.)

Keeps historical homes "Historically Correct," (you retain your beautiful old windows and heirloom glass).

Generally does not require carpentry.

Installing replacement windows can take from one to three days. Storm windows can be installed in an afternoon!

More Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the different styles of storm windows?

I have a home listed on the historical registry (or one I'd like to have listed). Can I add storm windows?

What is involved in the installation of storm windows?

CLICK HERE to see an interview with owner Dave Schmitz on the South Sound Business Report concerning the glass industry locally and nationally for both residential and commercial glass needs. The video requires a Window Media 9 player or later. CLICK HERE to download the latest Windows Media Player for free.

Please, call City Glass for to talk about your dreams with a glass professional. If you like talking about your home or office, we love talking to you. Together we can work miracles . . . in glass.

City Glass & Upholstery

cityglass1@aol.com
1943 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402

253-272-1366

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