Storm Window Alternatives: Why Full Replacement Makes More Sense in Des Moines Now
Still hanging onto storm windows in your home? You’re not alone. Storm windows remain a common sight across the Des Moines metro, especially in homes built before the ’90s. They once made sense: a quick, affordable way to boost insulation without ripping out old wood frames. But today, with smarter materials and tighter seals, sticking to storm windows could be costing you more than you think.
Storm vs Double Pane vs Triple Pane — What’s the Real Difference?
Think of it as the window world’s version of good, better, best. Storm windows are like putting an extra blanket over a paper-thin jacket. Double-pane is the jacket that actually keeps out the wind. Triple-pane is your insulated parka.
A modern double-pane window includes two glass layers with gas fills (argon or krypton) between them. Add a Low-E coating, and you’ve got a solid energy-saving solution.
Triple-pane windows have three layers for even better performance, especially in places like Des Moines, where winters don’t pull punches.
In comparison, storm windows are an extra sheet of glass or acrylic mounted outside (or inside) of your existing single-pane windows. They help a little, but the original window is still doing the heavy lifting. If it’s warped, cracked, or drafty, even the best storm window can’t fix the root problem.
How Storm Windows Stack Up in Performance, Maintenance, and Comfort
- Insulation & Comfort: Single-pane with storm? You might hit an R-value of 2. Double-pane starts at R-3. Triple-pane can reach R-7 and above. In Iowa winters, that’s the difference between feeling cozy and cranking your furnace all day.
- Noise Reduction: Modern replacements block out street noise, barking dogs, and lawnmowers better than any storm window setup.
- Maintenance: Storm windows require seasonal removal or adjustment, weather stripping replacement, and constant cleaning. With double- or triple-pane replacements, you tilt the sash, wipe, and move on with your day.
- Durability: Storm windows dent, crack, and lose seal integrity over time. A high-quality replacement window from Zen Windows lasts decades (with a Double Limited Lifetime Warranty to back it up).
- Curb Appeal: Storm windows are bulky, often discolored or warped with age. New replacement windows give your home a clean, finished look that buyers actually want to see.
What About Cost?
Storm windows are cheaper upfront, but they don’t actually solve the problem of outdated windows. You’re adding a bandage to a worn-out frame, not replacing the part that matters. Over the course of 10–15 years, most homeowners who start with storm windows end up replacing everything anyway and paying more in the long run.
Factor in energy savings, fewer repairs, and the resale boost of updated windows, and modern replacements start looking a lot more wallet-friendly.
Iowa Winters Demand Modern Windows
Des Moines sees a wide spectrum of weather: polar vortexes, spring windstorms, summer humidity, and fall frost. Your windows are your home’s frontline defense against the elements.
When that February wind screams across your lot at 40 mph, your storm window and single-pane combo just isn’t up to the task. Heat loss through inefficient windows can account for up to 30% of your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s hundreds of dollars a year slipping right through the gaps.
And on those humid July nights? Storm windows often trap moisture between panes, leading to foggy views and potential wood rot. Meanwhile, full window replacements are sealed tight and won’t hold condensation.
Upgrade Your Windows Without Sacrificing Visual Appeal
Worried about losing your home’s original charm? You’re not alone. Many of our customers in older Des Moines neighborhoods tell us the same thing. They want to keep the aesthetic but get rid of freezing drafts and impossible-to-clean glass.
Modern windows solve for both. Our products come with finishes that mimic real wood, grille patterns that match historic styles, and slimmer profiles that maintain your home’s original vibe. You get the warmth of the past and the performance of the present.
Why Zen Windows Makes It Easy
With Zen Windows Des Moines, you can get a quote online with zero sales pressure and absolutely no in-home sales pitch required. You’ll know the price and the process upfront, and you won’t pay a cent until the job is done.
We work with trusted subcontractors because it lets us match the best local installers with the right project. Our reputation depends on quality, and that starts with who we trust to install your windows.
And yes, all of our products are Energy Star Certified. That means they meet and often exceed the government’s guidelines for efficiency and performance.
If your home still has storm windows, it’s time for a smarter long-term move. Whether you’re ready to replace every window or just exploring your options, Zen Windows Des Moines is here to help.