it looks like you have a blind stop similar to our windows which are inside/western mount. I know its cold out, but maybe remove one of the storms from a porch window to see exactly what you are dealing with.

Windows on Washington Ltd .in other words, new storms will have no option but to be mounted to the outer frame as is currently the case???

I thought that the "stop" would function as Elunia referenced, as a blind stop, and an inside frame insettng with western mount might be possible.

What would you do???

Thank you again!

No. The new storms should mount right back to where the old ones did.

I was mistaken. I defer to Windows on Washington. When I look at old photos before our exterior renovation, I see that the metal triple track storms were in fact recessed unlike yours.

Thanks to both @Windows on Washington Ltd and @elunia .But THAT is so disappointing. We are waitng on pricing from .https://alltimemfg.com/ in Montville, CT and

https://custombuiltri.com/ out of Warwich, RI.

Hopiing for something less distradting then what is currently in place. Welcome any suggestions!!

Thanks

For what its worth, I feel your pain. I spent many hours researching storm windows as well. i talked to Allied Windows, Adams Architectural Millwork, Quanta Panel and Mon-Ray. i liked the look of the traditional wooden storms best, but didn’t want the headache of switching the glass/screen seasonally and storing whatever panel wasn’t in use. But, in the end, that is what we went with — locally made mahogany storms painted to match our window sashes. Part of the decision was a result of the upcharge for a custom color on the metal storms. Are you painting the sashes? i noticed that All-Time only has one standard color (white) while Custom Built has five.

I sympathize. In your position, I'd strongly consider interior storms, window restoration (transformation of original single-pane windows to double-pane), or, worst case scenario, window replacement. I have and absolutely hate triple-track aluminum storm windows, not the least because they ruin the aesthetic value of original wood windows.

@elunia .our windows need exterior protection. The cost of custom in wood is not in my budget. The sashes, etc all need to be sanded and painted. The benefit of a while storm is that it will be "OK" wtth whatever long term color changes there are to the house.

I am thinking of changing the frames to green and could get the gereen storms from RI.

BUT.... then you are stuck with green no matter what.

Absoulte torture.

Both companies I listed have the screen on the lower inside track which presxerves the screen in the long run. Not all companies design like that.

I agree — the storms give the windows protection and i have to respectfully disagree with HU-918119203’s other suggestions as well. I think you will be happy with whatever you choose. The storms will be new, so will look a thousand times better and operate smoothly. We had the same conundrum as you re making a commitment to a non standard color on storms — our sashes are plum! Just to reiterate — traditionally in a two color window, storms match the sash not the casing/trim.

Question to experts:

what does marine glass offer that other glass panes may not??

What is a fiberglass screen? Is it a benefit??

I see no reason to do storm windows if you have the right windows in place .Since you will not need the storm windows now until the winter why not explore new windows double ot triple paned instaed . Theya re so much more efficient and no hassle of storm windows changover every year.

has the glass in your current storms or windows been etched by the salt?

@Patricia Colwell Consulting we love the old wood windows.

Well just because you lobve them does not make them right . I will sya I gre up in a house where we had to add storm windows every year and when we replaced the windows with good quality wood windows double paned our heating bill actually went down a lot . You can get really great looking wood windows you do not need to go vinyl or aluminum BTW a little upkeep on those frames and sills is in your future too.

Love your house! I understand your dilemma because our windows are 220 years old. We have old storm windows and aren’t planning to replace them. Yes, I would like newer, more efficient storm windows, but it is low on the list! As for some people who don’t like old things and advise you to rip out perfectly good, historic windows-bah! humbug!

@Ellen Mahony In general, marine glass is clear plastic such as polycarbonate ( Lexan) or acrylic (plexiglass).

@oberon476 oh boy, that''s good to know!! The Alltiime Manufacturing in Montville, CT https://alltimemfg.com/ their storms with marine glass and their price is about $280 for

61 x 401/4. Comparied to $296 for single pane glass at Custom Built in RI .https://custombuiltri.com/point-1/

Am I correct tha the single pane glass will wear better longer?? Acrylic will scratch more??

In our location the Historic Commission prefers triple track storm windows over the historic sashes rather than replacements, even if they are high end simulated divided lite with the spacer or even true divided lites unless the windows are very high quality reproduction windows.

I lived in several buildings built between 1835 and 1840 and when the building underwent a window repair/replacement program (with the owner of the unit paying for their own) some people elected to restore and replace storms, and some people elected to replace with newer windows from approved vendors. (Approved by association and commission) They were not top of the line restoration windows but they met criteria I guess.

My windows were all original, with date and window sash location chiseled into the edge of the sashes. I elected to restore and get new triple tracks. Eighteen years on, my windows are still in great condition, and some of the replacement sashes in other units are not looking so hot: some of those replacements could use replacing. (I no longer live there, but I was in the unit again the last time it was on the market.

" The Alltiime Manufacturing in Montville, CT https://alltimemfg.com/ their storms with marine glass "

Ask them their definition of "marine glass" as there is most likely something lost in translation as not anyone I am aware of made storm windows with acrylic or Lexan.

@millworkman, here is the reply from the company now;

Our storms are what is called Marine Glazed. We use a marine grade rubber gasket around the glass in the frame so that the glass and frame don’t touch. This gasket makes them both air and watertight, being marine grade refers to the windows ability to withstand elements that are associated with marine environments such as the salt water, strong winds rough conditions and saltwater corrosion.

Sounds like it is truly glass but I have sent to them that question.

Thank you!

@palimpsest these are the challenges with these old places We will most likely go with the storms. Alltime in CT vs Custombuilt , RI. i think I’ll

hwve to go to each showroom to see them myself. 30 windows x $$$$, would like to be all n.

Does anyone know the imstall price for a window in Maine??

thanks!

elunia what is the configuration of your mahogany storm windows? Are both panes glass?? Where would the screen go?? Even if I were to consider getting them made, we would need an upper and lower pane of glass for weather protection and a screen for summer. Please let me know. Thanks.

@HU-918119203 .that article is great! There is a company in Maine that does the same. I have to learn more on how they insulate, stop drafts and where a screen would fit in .It's hard to visualize. Many thanks.

The storm has two glass panels and looks like a traditional storm. Each glass panel has a metal frame with weatherstripping. The upper one is fixed and the lower one is held in with clips (see photo below) so it can be changed out for the screen which is fiberglass. Its important that whoever measures for the storms (whichever you choose) understands that the storm’s middle rail should match up with the meeting rail of the sashes (see second photo of our old metal storms where the cross piece is way off — drove me crazy!).

Also, I’m just putting this out there, but while you are doing exterior work have you considered having insulation blown in? At the suggestion of our architect and contractor, we did this during our exterior renovation and its made a noticeable difference. YMMV. I had looked into this before, but the people I talked to had all had it done from the inside (pulling off baseboards). We have orginal plaster walls and so were hesitant to pursue this.

Hope this helps!

@
elunia who was the company you used?? were they local to you?? This is who I am contacting today and they have a storm that has both a half screen AND pane for the lower panel, which takes changing out the screen seasonally. https://adamsarch.com/product/self-storing-storm-screen-window/

Thoughts??

We are only reshingling one side of the house so opted not to do the insulation from the exterior. The inside walls are very thin plaster with wall paper on top and there are holes, so we are stuck with an interior re do

I talked with Molly at Adams! She was very nice and super helpful. We went through ALL the options. ;) i liked the self storing unit as well, but we have large windows and the cost kept climbing (mahogany, priming, painting, shipping). They do have an RTA (ready to assemble), but we weren’t willing to take that on. One of the main hiccups was they didn’t have installers or someone they worked with in our area (this applied to Quanta as well). Our contactor thought we were crazy to keep the old windows (HCOL area and most houses are gut renovated and expanded). Our architect was supportive and through one of his other clients we found someone who installed Mon-Ray . i liked the Mon-Ray units (we saw a sample), but the upcharge for a custom color was crazy. Our contactor was willing to measure and install, but his price reflected the learning curve. We really wanted someone who could measure and install who did this consistently. Old windows aren’t necessarily square, the angle of the sill needs to be correct and there is the center rail that needs to line up with the sash meeting rail, etc.

i finally found someone south of us who was willing travel.

@ elunia that's the problem- finding contractosr and since this place is on an island, it's been really difficult. Even finding painters is also very hard. I thought you had used them. I'll reach out for a quote.

Thank you

I can’t remember exactly who, but someone I follow on IG was at an old house emporium (?) historic trade show in Portland, Maine last year. Maybe you can find the vendor list and start calling. Hopefully, you’ll connect with someone able to help you.

@ elunia I found it and Edward Reilly is in Portland! He worked on Victoria Mansion!

https://www.pressherald.com/2023/10/15/victoria-mansion-offers-help-in-preserving-historic-buildings/

Great!