Keeping the Construction Industry GoingKeeping the Construction Industry Going

Most homes built in recent years are equipped with thermal windows that do not require the use of storm windows. Unfortunately, there are also many existing homes that were built before high-quality thermal windows were readily available to be installed at the time of construction. Some of these older homes have since been upgraded with thermal replacement windows, but there are still a large number of homes equipped with single-pane windows that are known to be drafty and inefficient. 

Homeowners with single-pane windows may be using insulated draperies or temporary storm windows made from cling film to cut down on drafty interior conditions or to help limit the loss of heated air each winter. While helpful to some extent, these solutions are not good options on a permanent basis. As winter weather looms, it may be time for homeowners to consider having permanent storm windows installed, and here are three great reasons why. 

Reducing condensation

A visual benefit of installing storm windows over drafty single-pane windows is an immediate reduction or elimination of condensation. Single-pane windows experience high levels of condensation because there is no insulating pressurized or dead air space to separate the exterior cold from the warmth of the heated air inside the home. Instead, cold air and heated air are separated only by a single layer of glass, causing moisture to form on the interior of the glass. 

As the moisture builds up on the inside of the window's glass, humidity levels may become unhealthy inside the home. Over the winter season, the excess moisture can also cause damage to wooden window sills and frames or seep into walls and create conditions that allow mold and mildew to grow. 

Increasing comfort 

Another noticeable benefit of installing storm windows is increased comfort inside the living spaces of the home. Instead of dealing with drafty conditions that create uncomfortably cold areas in the home, homeowners who have installed quality storm windows often notice that interior temperatures become more stable throughout the home. 

Cutting heating costs

Drafts of cold air that seep through older single-pane windows cause furnaces to cycle more frequently and run for longer periods of time and create more wear on the components of the home's heating system. Over the course of a heating season, homeowners will see their heating bills rise, as well as experiencing more frequent needs for maintenance and repairs on their heating equipment. 

To learn more about storm windows and the benefits that may be possible when installing them on your home, take time to discuss your situation with a storm window contractor at a company like Southern Glass & Mirror in your area before the arrival of winter.