This post was originally sponsored by Indow.
Old windows, with their wavy glass and handcrafted details, are often a defining feature of old homes. However, their single-pane construction can lead to drafts, heat loss, and high energy bills. Fortunately, there’s a solution that allows you to maintain the authenticity of original windows while significantly improving their performance: window inserts.
Saving History
Two of our projects—an 1840s single house in Charleston and a 120-year-old Belmont Queen Anne—showcased the delicate balance between preservation and modernization. Both homes featured beautiful, wavy-glass windows crafted from old-growth lumber. While these windows were stunning, their single-pane construction meant that even after careful restoration, they would still struggle with drafts and heat loss. The solution we found preserved these architectural gems and greatly increased their energy efficiency.
A Charleston Challenge
Our pre-Civil War era “single house” in Charleston presented a unique set of challenges. Located on a bustling street in one of the city’s historic districts, renovations were subject to strict regulations. While only the front-facing windows visible from the sidewalk had to be restored, the homeowners saved all but the few that were beyond repair.
Despite their beauty, the single-pane windows allowed air conditioning and heat to escape. This issue was particularly problematic in South Carolina, where residents typically run air conditioning for eight months of the year due to the state’s high electricity rates. Additionally, the single panes did little to muffle the noise from the vibrant neighborhood’s restaurants and shops. The project underscored the need for a solution that balanced preservation with practical modern living.
To see the final reveal of the Charleston project house, click here.
Window-Smart Solution
We turned to an innovative solution to address these challenges: window inserts. These durable acrylic inserts sit inside existing windows, blocking cold winter drafts, hot summer air, and street noise. The best part? They cost just a fraction of replacement windows.
Window inserts offer several key benefits, including the following:
- Energy efficiency: They create an additional barrier against heat transfer, improving insulation.
- Noise reduction: The extra layer helps dampen outside sounds, creating a quieter indoor environment.
- Preservation of architectural integrity: With their low-profile design, window inserts maintain the original look of the windows, making them a favorite among historic district review boards.
In the Charleston Project House, we installed these inserts on the porch windows. They’re invisible from the street but highly effective in insulating against noise and the elements. This approach allows homes to retain historical charm while meeting modern standards of comfort.
Above: Indow window inserts on the porch windows of the Charleston Project House insulate against both noise and the elements.
Curb Appeal Matters
Just as in Charleston, the homeowners of our Belmont project house recognized the value of preserving their 1895 Queen Anne’s oversized windows. In New England’s chilly winters, window insulation is particularly important. By installing window inserts, the homeowners were able to reduce their utility bills and create a more comfortable living space while maintaining the home’s historic facade.
See how the TOH TV crew remodeled and modernized the Belmont Victorian house here.
Custom Fit for Any Window Shape
One of the challenges in preserving old windows is dealing with unique shapes and sizes. The office space in the Belmont project house, tucked into the second-floor landing, featured a dramatic arched window. Finding replacements or exterior storms for such unusually shaped windows can be both hard and expensive.
Window inserts, however, are custom-made to fit the exact shape of any window, including:
- Arched windows
- Bay windows
- Hexagonal windows
- Round windows
- Trapezoid windows
These inserts blend seamlessly with the surrounding frame, preserving the window’s unique beauty while improving its performance. This customization allows homeowners to maintain the character of their historic windows without compromising energy efficiency or comfort. Embracing such bespoke solutions maintains these architectural elements.
Learn more about how Indow customizes inserts for odd-shaped windows here.
Made to Order and Fit
Most windows in older homes shift over time, becoming out-of-square. This can make traditional storm windows or replacements ineffective without major work to the frames. To address this issue, companies like Indow use a proprietary laser-measuring system to create custom inserts that fit the exact shape of your window frames.
Each acrylic insert is edged with silicone compression tubing, creating an airtight seal and a dead air pocket between the existing window and the insert.
This snug fit offers the following benefits:
- Reduces or eliminates window condensation
- Reduces radiant energy loss by up to 50%
- Up to 20% savings on energy bills
The custom-fit nature of these inserts ensures that even the most irregularly shaped or settled windows can be effectively insulated, preserving their charm while improving their performance. By providing tailored solutions, historic homes can keep their original windows functional and attractive.
Click here to learn more about how these inserts are made.
No-Sweat Installation
Unlike traditional exterior storm windows, which can be challenging and time-consuming to install, window inserts offer a hassle-free solution.
They’re exceptionally user-friendly for the following reasons:
- Lightweight design: Easy to handle and position
- No mounting brackets: They press into place
- No tools required: The inserts don’t need any special equipment for installation
- Quick removal: Easy to take out when needed
This ease of installation makes window inserts an attractive option for homeowners who want to improve their windows’ performance without the hassle of a complex installation process. It also means that the inserts can be easily removed for cleaning or during seasons when they’re not needed. This simplicity encourages homeowners to upgrade their historic windows without unnecessary stress.
We recommend watching this quick installation video.
Custom Options
While all standard window inserts block drafts and reduce outside noise, homeowners can choose from a range of grades, each with its own special features. These options allow for customization based on specific needs and preferences:
- Blackout: Excellent for bedrooms or media rooms
- Improved soundproofing: Perfect for urban environments or noisy neighborhoods
- Low-e: Provides additional insulation and energy efficiency
- Privacy: Great for bathrooms or street-facing rooms
- UV protection: Ideal for rooms with valuable artwork or furniture
These custom options mean that you can address specific concerns while still enjoying the benefits of preserved historic windows. This flexibility allows practical solutions tailored to individual requirements, marrying function with the visual appeal of original windows.
Enhanced Noise Reduction
For homes in bustling urban areas, like our Charleston project house, noise reduction is often a top priority. While all window inserts block up to 50% of outside noise, some grades offer even more impressive soundproofing capabilities.
Acoustic grade inserts, for example, are twice as thick as standard grade and can block up to 70% of outside noise. This makes them increasingly popular among urban and suburban dwellers who want to create a quieter indoor environment without sacrificing their home’s historic character. Homeowners living in noisy areas can thus enjoy the tranquility they seek.
Privacy Protection
Balancing the need for natural light with privacy concerns can be challenging, especially in urban settings. Sheer curtains often reveal too much, while blinds can make a room too dark. Privacy-grade window inserts offer an elegant solution to this dilemma.
These inserts are made of translucent, high-quality acrylic with the following advantages:
- Obscures the view from outside, providing privacy
- Provides the same energy-saving benefits as other inserts
- Transmits light, maintaining a bright interior
They’re ideal for spaces where you need privacy but still want light, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices.
UV Protection
Sunlight can be both a blessing and a curse for historic homes. While natural light is desirable, UV rays can damage and discolor wood floors, furniture, and artwork. For homes with large or south-facing windows that let in lots of light, UV protection is vital.
Museum-grade inserts offer a solution by blocking 98% of damaging UV rays coming through windows. These inserts provide multiple benefits, such as:
- Maintain the same noise reduction and energy-saving properties as other inserts
- Protect valuable furnishings and artwork from fading
- Reduce heat gain from sunlight
This option is particularly valuable for homeowners with antique furniture or important artwork, allowing them to preserve both their windows and their interior furnishings.
Choice of Classic Colors
To make sure that window inserts blend seamlessly with existing window frames, they’re available in a range of classic colors. Homeowners can typically choose from black, brown, and warm white.
These color choices allow the inserts to complement various architectural styles and interior design schemes. The goal is for the inserts to be nearly invisible, preserving the windows’ original appearance while significantly improving their performance. The visual harmony means the historical features remain prominent.
Check out all the window insert options Indow has to meet your storm window needs here.
Get Started!
Upgrading your historic windows with inserts is a smart way to preserve your home’s character while improving its energy efficiency and comfort.
The process typically involves the following steps:
- Assessing your windows and determining your specific needs
- Choosing the appropriate grade and features for your inserts
- Getting precise measurements of your windows
- Ordering custom-made inserts
- Easy, tool-free installation
By taking these steps, you can give new life to your old windows, maintaining their historic charm while bringing them into the 21st century in terms of performance.
Ready to upgrade your windows? Visit Indow to get a free estimate today.
