Low-E Permanent Interior Storm Windows
Scope
As summarized within the Ensuring Success tab, before beginning this work, inspect the interior and exterior of the building, including each window, to identify impacts and potential risks with completing the work. Diagnose water and air infiltration pathway, and choose strategies most appropriate to address each leak.
Install permanent low-E interior storm windows, in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, in cases where there is no need for seasonal removal of the storm windows. There are two approaches: 1) installation of a fixed glazing unit and, 2) installation of an operable unit.
Fixed glazing units meet requirements if operation of the window is not required. Fixed units can typically be made more airtight, and will have thinner frame profiles, so that the amount of vision area is not impacted. These can often be installed in a manner that has minimal impact on the interior appearance of the window, so that interior aesthetics can be more closely maintained. An operational concern with this approach is that cleaning of the windows is no longer possible from the interior, and may be difficult from the exterior as well. While the more common approach has been to use single glazed units (often clear acrylic for retrofits by homeowners), there is an option to use double and triple glazed IGUs (insulated glazing units) as well, for increased energy performance.
Alternately, if an operable window is required, a new window frame and sash could be installed to the interior of the original window. The primary or existing window provides primary water management, so lower standards may be acceptable for the storm window frame. The ideal frame would be one that would have a thin profile frame, for minimal disruption to the vision area of the rough opening, and have excellent air tightness. These would be the critical areas of performance for these windows. This is an area of potential product development for window manufacturers. The benefit of this approach is that the windows can still be operable (though two sashes would need to be opened), allowing for egress, natural ventilation, and easier cleaning.
Figure 1 - Interior storm detail
Figure 2 - Interior storm window on double-hung original window
Description
Before beginning this work, the window should be assessed as outlined within the Ensuring Success tab. Install the low-E storm window according to manufacturer’s instructions on all selected windows.
The addition of interior storm windows is done solely for the purpose of improving the thermal and air leakage performance of the window systems. Interior storms do not provide any upgrade to the assembly’s ability to shed rain water. Because of this, the original window should be rehabilitated as described in the Window Rehabilitation Measure Guide to enhance its water management performance.
An interior storm creates the potential for condensation on the interior surface of the original exterior window. It is important that the interface between the interior storm and the window frame be as air tight as possible. Also, the placement of the units is such that other air leakage paths (such as through the pulleys for the sash weights) could bypass the storm window, leading to interior air infiltration into this space. These bypasses can lead to problems even if the interface between the storm and window frame is perfectly air tight. Condensation potential can be reduced by increasing the ventilation of the space to the outside. This needs to be done carefully, as increased ventilation to the exterior will result in diminished energy performance of the window, and could render the strategy ineffective. If condensation problems develop, first attempt to increase the seal of the storm window. If that does not work, then the exterior window can be made incrementally slightly leakier until the problem is resolved. This could be done through strategies such as slightly gapping the lower sash at the sill with a shim, or removing the lower sash sill gasket if it exists.
Figure 1 - Example sill detail for a permanent interior storm window
Ensuring Success
Identifying Risks
Prior to any retrofit work being conducted, it is important that the following conditions of the building systems be reviewed:
- Lead and other hazardous materials
- Site conditions and project staging
- Identification of water infiltration concerns
- Identification of deteriorated or damaged materials
- Identification of user comfort concerns
Contractor/Homeowner Safety
US EPA: Lead in Paing, Dust and Soil: Renovation, Repair Painting
OSHA: Fall Protection (if window work is to be done at height, from the exterior)
Lead and Other Hazardous Materials
Old wood windows and trim are a common location of lead paint in homes. Any work being completed on the window systems should follow all appropriate state and federal laws regarding handling of hazardous materials.
Site conditions and Project Staging
The home and site should be reviewed to identify impacts and potential risks with completing the work.
If the work is to be done for the exterior, scaffolding, lifts, ladders, or other means to access work areas may be needed. Work done at height may require fall protection be used. Proximity to adjacent property or vegetation may limit access or create unsafe work areas. Exterior staged work may also damage existing landscaping or vegetation.
If the work is intended to be completed from the interior, consideration should be given to disruption of the occupant and clearances for moving equipment and materials into and out of the space. With any interior work there is always a chance of damage to interior finishes. Appropriate planning and protection is required.
Identification of Water Infiltration Concerns
Windows, above all other enclosure systems, are a common location of water infiltration issues. It is important to understand the various pathways for potential water infiltration, and identify current water leakage problems. While the details presented in this document are all intended to improve the moisture performance of the window assemblies, it is not intended to address all possibilities, and is not a replacement for inspection and evaluation of the performance of an individual window. Existing problems should be identified, and the strategy chosen that will be most appropriate to address the concern. Window systems water leaks can be grouped into four general categories (Figure 1 below):
- Between the window frame and rough opening
- Through the joints in the window frame
- Between the window frame and the operable sashes
- Through the joints between the glass and the sash frames
Figure 1 - Common window water infiltration pathways
Prior to any work being done, interior and exterior inspection and monitoring of the conditions of the building should be completed. Water staining, peeling paint or wall paper, and staining on trim or floor assemblies below window systems are indications of water infiltration and/or condensation. Leakage between the sashes and the frame and between the glass and the sash is usually marked by water staining on the interior window frame itself. Condensation on the window frames can also lead to staining of the interior finishes. It is important to monitor the questionable area to prevent a false diagnosis of the water management problem being experienced.
Leakage between the window and rough opening or through the joints in the window itself are typically contained within the wall assembly and may go unnoticed, or could manifest as staining and peeling paint below the window or damaged flooring.
Other problems such as water infiltration at the window head may be indications of failed or missing head flashing. However, other problems not associated with the window system may in fact be the cause of the water infiltration. Care must be taken to properly diagnose the infiltration pathway.
If it is a known recurring problem, then the infiltration problem must be addressed prior to or in conjunction with the window retrofit work.
If no obvious signs of water infiltration problems exist and the window elements and connection wall components are in good condition, no additional work may be needed. However, as stated above, water infiltration problems are often concealed within wall cavities with no outward signs. This becomes more of a concern if the window retrofit work is being done in conjunction with the addition of cavity fill insulation. With the addition of insulation to the wall cavities, water infiltration problems that previously may have had sufficient drying ability, may now lead to prolonged moisture accumulation. Prolonged moisture accumulation can lead to material deterioration. If there is suspected leakage, then further investigation, including but not limited to thermal scans, moisture content measurements, and cutting of investigation holes below window assemblies to look for signs of moisture problems would be recommended.
Unless the problem is obvious, it may be prudent to contact someone with experience with diagnosing water infiltration problems prior to proceeding.
Identification of Deteriorated or Damaged Materials
If damage to existing elements is noted, the materials should be removed and replaced as part of the retrofit. Certain elements will be more critical to the proper implementation of the chosen strategy.
Figure 2 - Failed window sill with replacement window installed
The window sill is arguably the most important element of the window assembly, as water will drain downward by gravity either into the wall (e.g., hole through sill) or directly onto the wall (failure of the sill extension). For all proposed measures in this document excluding complete window replacement, the condition of the sill is critical to the performance of the measure. Cracked or rotting sills need to be replaced prior to any work being done.
The window frame including the exterior casings is the next most critical element. If the casing is deteriorating, its replacement may be warranted. This should not be confused with the exterior trim, which is often installed as a decorative element on top of the casing.
Deteriorating trim may not affect the water management performance of the window however; it may be an indication of other problems and generally creates an aesthetic problem.
Figure 3 - Failed window sill with replacement window installed
Depending on the measure being examined, the condition of the window sashes may or may not be a concern to the performance of the measure taken. For window rehabilitation, sash retrofit, or interior storm retrofit, the condition of the sashes is critical to the performance of the window. For exterior storms, the sashes are more protected from the elements, and the condition is less important from a water management perspective, yet still critical from an energy and condensation resistance perspective. For sash replacement, window insert, or full window replacement, the condition of the sash is irrelevant, as they will be removed. For this reason, windows with severely deteriorated sashes may be better candidates for the latter retrofit measures.
Identification of User Comfort Concerns
As part of the initial review, associated comfort concerns relating to the window systems should be evaluated. Window air leakage is a significant source of occupant comfort problems. Unlike other common enclosure leakage pathways, window air leakage is commonly very direct, resulting in distinct drafts.
Radiation effects from cool glass surfaces are another common comfort problem. This is more difficult to identify, as the tendency is to assume that the discomfort felt when near a window is from air leakage or drafts. This results in some misdiagnosis of the dominant function. A general recommendation is to increase the interior surface temperature of the window system to reduce the radiant heat transfer from the occupant to the window. This is commonly done by adding additional panes of glass (or films) to create an insulating air (or other gas) space between the layers.
Low-E Permanent Interior Storm Windows
Key points for selecting and installing interior permanent fixed low-E storm windows are as follows:
- This approach maintains the exterior appearance of the window; however, the interior appearance will change. The addition of permanent (but removable) interior storms may be acceptable for historic preservation projects.
- Storm windows with low-E coatings are more efficient at saving energy and more cost effective than traditional storm windows.
- The measure is to be installed in such a way as to be reversible. This is an important consideration for historic preservation.
- This work should be done in conjunction with the rehabilitation work set out in the Window Rehabilitation measure guide.
- Windows will be carefully air sealed to reduce air leaks and help control interior condensation.
- This work will improve the energy performance of the assembly by reducing air infiltration as well as thermal conductance through the assembly. The thermal performance of the storm window will be in addition to the thermal performance of the primary window.
- Storm installation must allow for code-required egress.
- Operable interior storm windows will allow for operation and cleaning of the primary windows.
Homeowners must be made aware of potential visual impacts to window frames and visible window area.
Climate
No climate specific information applies.
Training
CAD Images
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SourceOrganization(s): BSC
Document providing information and guidance about rehabilitating, retrofitting, and replacing wood window assemblies in residential construction.
SaveDownloadDownload PDFDownload PDF -
SourceOrganization(s): BSC
Document providing information and guidance about rehabilitating, retrofitting, and replacing wood window assemblies in residential construction.
SaveDownloadDownload PDFDownload PDF -
SourceOrganization(s): BSC
Document providing information and guidance about rehabilitating, retrofitting, and replacing wood window assemblies in residential construction.
SaveDownloadDownload PDFDownload PDF
Compliance
Section 101.4.3 Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to existing buildings, building systems, or portions of buildings or systems must meet the requirements of the code as they relate to new construction. Unaltered portions do not need to comply. Exceptions are included for storm windows installed over existing fenestration and glass-only replacements in an existing sash and frame.*
Section R101.4.3. Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to existing buildings, building systems, or portions of buildings or systems must meet the requirements of the code as they relate to new construction. Unaltered portions do not need to comply. Exceptions are included for storm windows installed over existing fenestration and glass-only replacements in an existing sash and frame.*
Section N1101.3 Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to existing buildings, building systems, or portions of buildings or systems must meet the requirements of the code as they relate to new construction. Unaltered portions do not need to comply. Exceptions are included for storm windows installed over existing fenestration and glass-only replacements in an existing sash and frame.*
Section N1101.3 (R101.4.3) Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to existing buildings, building systems, or portions of buildings or systems must meet the requirements of the code as they relate to new construction. Unaltered portions do not need to comply. Exceptions are included for storm windows installed over existing fenestration and glass-only replacements in an existing sash and frame.*
*Due to copyright restrictions, exact code text is not provided. For specific code text, refer to the applicable code.