Best Storm Window Brands (2024)
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Storm windows can be a game-changer for homes in areas prone to storms. These windows are specially designed to withstand high winds and extreme weather. Their extra insulation has other benefits too, like increasing your windows’ energy efficiency, reducing noise, and even detering break-ins.
To determine the best storm window brands, we looked at the coastal and hurricane product lines from 15 top window companies. We spoke with two homeowners who have storm windows, including a Florida insurance adjuster, as well as a window industry expert. We also surveyed 1,500 window buyers about their experiences and read over 100 reviews per company.
Our top choice for best storm windows is Renewal by Andersen, a reputable brand with a full storm collection approved for Florida’s hurricane zones and made with highly durable Fibrex material and impact-resistant glass. Pella and Marvin aren’t far behind. We chose Pella for how energy-efficient and well-tested its windows are, and Marvin for its fiberglass material and sleek curb appeal.
Top Storm Window Companies
Storm window technology has come a long way in recent decades. In the past, storm windows were secondary window units installed on the inside or outside of your standard window using magnets, adhesive, compression, or a track system. While you can still buy interior and exterior storm window models, many homeowners find them unsightly and less protective than they want. For truly hurricane-resistant storm protection, look for what’s now known as impact windows. They’re a larger investment upfront, but they’re much safer for homeowners in storm zones.
Here are the five companies we recommend for impact windows:
Comparing Top Storm Window Brands
The table below shows how our top picks for storm windows compare at a high level. We determined average costs per window by surveying a sample of brands’ customers. In cases where our survey data didn’t give us a large enough pool of cost data, we looked at customer responses on Reddit.
You’ll notice that Window World is last on our list despite having a high overall score. This is because it’s missing a key certification for storm windows, though we still recommend it in some cases. Simonton’s score is also lower than brands we typically feature, but it mainly lost points for its above-average pricing, which may not deter some customers.
| Company | Our Score | Storm Product Line | Warranty Type | Average Window Cost* | BBB Rating** | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Impact | Limited | $1,194 | A+ | Visit Site | ||
| Hurricane Shield, Defender | Limited lifetime | $1,261 | A+ | Visit Site | ||
| Coastline, Elevate, Ultimate | Limited | $1,288 | A+ | Visit Site | ||
| StormBreaker Plus | Limited lifetime | $1,497 | A+ | Visit Site | ||
| Impact | Limited lifetime | $800 | A+ | Visit Site |
*Average window cost is based on brand’s overall pricing calculated from our survey of 1,500 homeowners and is not specific to the company’s storm product line.
**Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating is accurate as of October 2024.
Our Reviews of Storm Window Brands
As we mentioned earlier, traditional storm windows that attach to the inside or outside of your existing window are less common now. When today’s window manufacturers talk about their storm or coastal lines, they’re usually referring to impact-resistant windows that replace your standard windows and have been tested to withstand hurricane conditions.
- “Historically, storm windows were popular among homeowners with old, drafty windows that lacked efficiency. However, advancements in materials, technology, and manufacturing have made contemporary windows highly energy-efficient and capable of protecting homes in any climate,” explains Cliff MacDonald, Product Manager at Andersen Windows and Doors.
MacDonald adds that most traditional storm windows are simply one pane of glass that help limit airflow. While they provide some additional insulation, they’re not designed to sufficiently protect your home from debris during a storm. Our reviews focus on impact-resistant replacement windows.
Renewal by Andersen
Pella
Marvin
Simonton Windows
Window World
Pros and Cons of Storm Windows
We recommend investing in storm windows if you live in a hurricane-prone area, but they do have some downsides to consider.
Pros
- More resistant to flying debris and break-ins than standard windows
- More energy efficient due to modern glass coatings and gas insulation
- Block noise better than standard windows
- Can open, unlike window inserts
- Get you better home insurance rates in many cases
Cons
- More expensive than old varieties of insert storm windows
- Not as many window styles as standard windows
One thing to be clear on is that window warranties don’t cover what’s considered “acts of God,” meaning weather-related events. That goes for all windows. Though hurricane damage isn’t generally covered, impact windows are designed to withstand hurricane pressure and flying debris, so you hopefully won’t incur this kind of damage in the first place.
Who Should Get Storm Windows?
We recommend storm windows if you live in a storm-prone area and have the budget to upgrade. Though storm replacement windows typically cost more than standard windows and old school storm inserts, in the event of a hurricane or tornado, the investment is worth it to avoid wind and water damage inside your home. States such as Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and the Carolinas are most likely to benefit from storm-resistant windows, though they’re also helpful for homes in Texas, Oklahoma, and other areas that experience tornadoes.
- “While [traditional] storm windows are likely to cost less than [fully replacing your windows], they aren’t solving a problem if you have older windows and are experiencing air drafts or water leakage,” MacDonald says. “It’s a Band-Aid on a more significant issue.”
He recommends upgrading to impact windows for a longer-term solution and a better return on your money.
What To Look for in a Storm Window
When shopping for storm windows, you want the best return on your investment. Below are the key factors we recommend comparing when choosing what brand to go with.
- Energy certification: Don’t buy a window that isn’t Energy Star-certified. You can check this on the company’s site or on the window’s label. Being Energy Star-certified means the window has been rigorously and independently tested to meet energy performance standards. Also, check which climate the window is certified for to ensure it will provide the best energy efficiency for your region.
- Hurricane zone certification: If you live in a hurricane-prone area, your municipality may have certain building codes to adhere to. The Florida Building Code, for example, requires that building materials are rated for high velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ). This is especially impactful for Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
- Material: Window frame material makes a difference in durability. Storm or impact windows typically come in composite, vinyl, or fiberglass options. Composite and fiberglass windows are considered the most durable. Vinyl is still common, though, and in the case of storm windows, has been reinforced for added strength. We don’t recommend wood or aluminum for storm protection. Wood is an organic material that doesn’t hold up well to flood conditions. Aluminum is prone to rusting when exposed to high moisture.
- Reviews: Check sites such as BBB, Trustpilot, Yelp, Google Reviews, and even Reddit and social media channels. Note patterns in what customers have to say about window quality, warranty coverage, and customer service. It’s rare that any company has exclusively positive reviews, but leaning mostly negative is a red flag.
- Warranty coverage: Carefully review companies’ warranty terms, which can often be found in a downloadable sample policy on their site. Look at which components are covered and for how long. Read the language around coverage for acts of God and storm scenarios. We recommend a lifetime warranty that covers glass and nonglass components for the duration you own the home the windows are installed in. Ideally, the coverage should be transferable to new homeowners.
Advice From a Homeowner
We spoke with Mary V., a homeowner who lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, a high velocity hurricane zone. The home she moved into had some existing impact windows, but in 2023, she decided to upgrade the entire house for increased hurricane protection and savings on her home insurance.
“Having to scramble for plywood or shutters in the event of an impending storm was a hassle,” Mary said of her decision. She noted that cost can vary depending on your window’s size and shape, so keep that in mind when budgeting. “We have some arched windows, which were more expensive than traditional rectangular ones. The arched ones were two-piece windows. It ranged from $500–$1,500 [per window].”
We also spoke with Zack H., a south Florida homeowner currently shopping for hurricane-rated windows. He also works as a local public adjuster, so he was able to provide some insight from an insurance perspective. “I think storm windows are the No. 1 thing every home should have. I have seen homes with just shutters, and the storm still penetrates through them. On the other hand, I have seen homes with hurricane windows withstand 130–140 MPH winds with little to no damage. I would highly recommend getting storm windows.”
As a homeowner shopping for his own windows, Zack recommends shopping around.
- “Find a reputable company that has done work in your community and has a high BBB rating. Look for quality of work for that company and get referrals from friends, family, and neighbors who have had the windows put in.”
Professional vs. DIY Storm Window Installation
We strongly suggest hiring a professional installer for your storm windows. The point of investing in this window type is to protect your home, so don’t risk ruining its effectiveness by trying to save money with a DIY installation. A professional installer has the equipment and knowledge to guarantee precise measurements and secure fitting for the best durability and leak protection.
Often, building codes in storm-prone areas require professional installation. Many window warranties void certain coverage terms if the windows aren’t installed by a licensed professional. Check to see if these conditions apply to you.
How We Evaluate Window Brands
To determine the best window brands, we read over 1,000 customer reviews to spot themes about each brand’s product and service quality. We also surveyed 1,500 homeowners to learn which factors mattered most to them, as well as what they like and dislike about the windows they chose. We spoke with window experts to learn what to expect when buying and installing windows, and we carefully reviewed company websites and sample warranties.
From there, we evaluated companies on six factors that matter most to customers: value, performance, selection, services, customer support, and reputation.
- Value (20%): We evaluated cost and financing offers to assess the return on your investment. We gave more points to companies with below-market pricing of $1,400 or lower. If you’re buying several windows at once, you’ll likely consider financing them and paying the purchase off monthly. Some vinyl window manufacturers leave you to figure out financing on your own with your bank. Others have in-house financing options that come with incentives, such as 0% interest rates, no money down, or no payments for the first year. We rated companies with these benefits higher.
- Performance (25%): We looked at energy efficiency, warranty coverage, and hurricane certification to score performance. We gave the most points to companies with Energy Star-certified and Florida Program-approved windows and lifetime warranties, as we feel these give buyers the best return on investment.
- Selection (20%): To rate product selection, we looked at available materials, window types, and customization options. Window brands typically score similarly in this category because they offer many of the same things.
- Services (10%): We awarded more points to companies that offer in-house window installation because this reduces scheduling hassles, miscommunication, and warranty disputes. We also awarded points to companies that offer products beyond windows, such as doors, siding, and gutters. We think this is more convenient and cost-effective for customers doing big home improvement projects.
- Customer Support (10%): We looked at brands’ support hours and website features to score this category. We awarded points for 24/7 customer support, a website chat feature, an online service request form, and online maintenance and how-to guides for convenient answers to common questions.
- Reputation (15%): Lastly, we assessed how companies fared on review sites. We looked at ratings on the BBB and Trustpilot, giving more points for a higher BBB letter rating and customer scores.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
