Combination Storm Windows
A low-cost way to make old single-pane windows warmer, or money spent on windows that should be replaced? Here is an honest guide: types, real GTA prices next to replacement, and how to decide.
The Basics
What Are Combination Storm Windows?
A combination storm window is a second window mounted outside your existing one. It has a permanent aluminum frame with glass panels and a screen that slide in tracks.
The combination part is the big change from old-style storms. You never take it down. In winter you slide the glass down; in summer you raise the glass and use the screen, all from inside the house. The air gap between the two windows is what keeps the heat in.
Full disclosure: at WindowFixers.ca we install vinyl replacement windows, not storm windows. This guide tells you when a storm is enough and when a new window is the better buy.
Types
Two-Track vs Triple-Track and Other Storm Windows
Most combination storms are two-track or triple-track. Prices are typical installed ranges published by GTA sellers for standard sizes.
| Type | How it works | Best for | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-track | One fixed glass panel and one sliding panel that holds glass or a screen. Quick to switch. | Smaller double-hung windows; slimmer look | About $150–$350 |
| Triple-track | Two glass panels and a full screen, each in its own track. Open top, bottom or both. | Double-hung windows; most flexible airflow | About $250–$400 |
| Fixed (picture) | One sealed glass panel, no opening and no screen. | Picture and basement windows that never open | About $90–$200 |
| Interior panel | A press-fit or magnetic glass or acrylic panel inside the room. | Heritage homes, condos, renters, no ladder work | About $100–$300 |
| Wood-surround combination | Custom wood frame with removable glass and screen inserts. | Century homes where the street look matters | $400 and up |
Most storm frames are aluminum. Curious how aluminum compares as a main window frame? See our aluminum windows guide.
Pros and Cons
What Storm Windows Do Well
Much Cheaper Than Replacement
A storm costs roughly a third or less of a new replacement window, so a whole house can be done for a few thousand dollars.
Big Gain Over Single Pane
Over old single-pane glass, a tight storm with Low-E glass can cut heat loss through that window by about half.
Fewer Drafts
A well-fitted exterior storm blocks wind that leaks around loose old sashes.
Keeps Original Windows
Heritage wood sashes and old glass stay in place, which can matter for heritage rules and curb appeal.
Protects the Old Window
Rain, snow and sun hit the storm first, so the old wood sash weathers much more slowly.
Some Noise Relief
The extra glass and air gap take the edge off street noise, especially over single-pane windows.
The Disadvantages of Storm Windows
The limits most sellers leave out.
Little gain over double pane
If your windows already have sealed double-pane glass, a storm adds only a small improvement for the money.
Does not fix rot
A storm hides a rotting sill or frame. It can even make it worse if water gets trapped behind it.
Does not fix foggy glass
Fog between the panes of a sealed unit is a failed seal. A storm on the outside cannot fix it.
Two windows to clean
You now clean four glass surfaces, and the tracks collect dirt and bugs.
Added-on look
Aluminum storms change the look of the house and can hide the details of old wood windows.
Old window still leaks inside
Indoor air can still leak past loose old sashes, which can cause frost or fog on the storm glass in winter.
Prices
How Much Do Combination Storm Windows Cost?
Installed, standard sizes. We do not sell storm windows, so storm prices are typical ranges published by GTA sellers in 2026. The last row is our own price for a new vinyl double-hung window, for comparison.
| Option | Price per window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed exterior storm | About $90–$200 | No opening, no screen |
| Two-track combination storm | About $150–$350 | Glass or screen, one moving panel |
| Triple-track combination storm | About $250–$400 | Most common choice for double-hung |
| Interior storm panel | About $100–$300 | No exterior change, no ladder |
| Low-E glass upgrade | About 10–15% more | Worth it in Ontario |
| New vinyl double-hung (our price) | $500–$1,000 | Whole new window, Low-E argon glass |
10 triple-track combination storms
About $2,500–$4,000
10 new vinyl replacement windows (our price)
$6,000–$14,000
Custom sizes, arched tops and wood-surround storms cost more. Full-frame window replacement adds roughly 25%. See single and double hung windows for replacement options.
Track type
Fixed is cheapest, two-track sits in the middle, triple-track costs the most of the aluminum options.
Size and shape
Tall century-home openings, arched tops and odd sizes need custom units and cost more.
Glass
Low-E glass adds about 10–15% but makes a real difference in an Ontario winter.
Height and access
Second and third floor windows take more time, ladders or staging to install.
What would new windows cost?
Use our window replacement cost calculator for a quick estimate by style and count.
Check First
Are Your Old Windows Worth Saving?
A storm window only makes sense if the window behind it is still sound. Take five minutes and check each one.
Good candidate for a storm
- The wood is solid when you press a screwdriver into the sill and the bottom of the sash.
- The sashes still open, close and lock, even if they rattle a little.
- The glass is single pane, so a second layer makes a big difference.
- Heritage rules or your own taste mean you want to keep the original windows.
Past saving, replace it
- The sill, sash or frame is soft, cracked or rotting.
- Windows are painted shut, broken, or will not lock.
- You already have sealed double-pane glass that has fogged up.
- There is water damage or mould on the wall below the window.
Fact Check
Claims You Will Hear, Checked
Storm window sellers and replacement window sellers both stretch the truth. Here is what holds up.
| The claim | What is actually true |
|---|---|
| "Storm windows are just as good as new double pane." | Over single-pane glass, a tight Low-E storm can come close on heat loss. But the old window still leaks air, can rot, and is harder to use. A new window fixes all of that at once. |
| "Storm windows cut your heating bill by 30%." | That kind of number is for single-pane windows in a drafty house. Windows are only part of your heat loss, and over double-pane glass the saving is small. |
| "Storm windows only last 10–15 years." | Coated aluminum storm frames often last 30 years or more. What wears out sooner are the screens, weatherstrip and small parts, which can usually be replaced. |
| "Storm windows stop all condensation." | They warm the inside glass, which helps. But if indoor air leaks past the old sash, frost can form on the storm glass. High indoor humidity still causes problems. |
| "Caulk the storm all the way around." | Never seal the bottom edge. Storms need small weep holes at the bottom so water can drain out. Blocking them traps water against the old sill and causes rot. |
How much does the glass itself matter? See double pane windows and our energy efficient windows guide.
Your Decision
Storm Windows vs Replacement Windows
The right answer depends on the windows you have now, not on which product is "better". A storm adds a layer to a window that still works. A replacement fixes the window itself: air leaks, rot, foggy glass and hard-to-open sashes, all at once.
When replacement is the better buy: the frames are failing, you already have double-pane glass, or you want one easy-clean window with tilt-in sashes and no tracks to maintain for the next few decades.
| Your situation | Usually the better pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Old single-pane wood windows in good shape | Storm windows | Cheap, big gain over single pane, keeps the originals. |
| Heritage home with rules on exterior changes | Interior storms | Usually no change to the street look. Check with your city first. |
| Rotting sills, broken sashes, painted shut | Replacement | A storm would only hide the damage. |
| Sealed double-pane glass that has fogged | Replacement or new glass | A storm cannot fix a failed seal. |
| Busy street noise in a bedroom | Either, depending on condition | Interior storms help a lot; new windows with thicker or laminated glass help too. |
| Tight budget, plan to replace in a few years | Storm windows | Low cost comfort now without a big project. |
| Want easy-clean, low-upkeep windows for decades | Replacement | One window to operate and clean, tilt-in sashes, no tracks. |
Bedroom on a loud street? Compare options in our triple pane windows guide.
Already Have Storms?
Install and Care Tips That Prevent Rot
A badly fitted storm can trap water against an old wood sill. These simple rules keep that from happening.
Keep weep holes open
Look for the small slots at the bottom of the storm frame. Clear them each fall so water can drain.
Never caulk the bottom
Seal the top and sides to the window casing, but leave the bottom edge open.
Fall check
Before winter, slide the glass panels down, check the latches pull tight and replace torn weatherstrip.
Clean the tracks
Vacuum dirt and bugs out of the tracks so panels slide easily and seal well.
How It Works
Our Window Replacement Process
Free In-Home Measure
We check every window and frame for rot, and tell you honestly if storms would do the job instead.
Clear Written Quote
Price per window, retrofit or full-frame, glass options and the warranty in writing.
Clean Installation
Our own crews remove the old window and storm, set, shim and insulate the new window, then seal inside and out.
Final Check
We test every sash, lock and screen and clean up before we leave.
Why WindowFixers.ca
Family-Owned, 10+ Years
A local Newmarket company serving the GTA, York Region and up to Barrie.
Our Own Crews
8,700+ clients served by licensed, insured installers we employ, not subcontractors.
Lifetime Transferable Warranty
ENERGY STAR vinyl windows with Low-E argon glass and a warranty that moves with the house.
Honest Advice
We install replacement windows, and we will tell you straight when storm windows are enough.
Combination Storm Windows FAQ
Straight answers to the questions Ontario homeowners ask us most.
Get a Free Window Quote
Not sure if your old windows are worth saving? We will look for free and give you an honest answer and a clear written price.