Robert11 wrote:
Hello:

Live in a 30 yr old colonial in New England.

Previous owner had "storm windows" installed.
These are the more or less typical ones where an additional Aluminum
frame is added with extra sliding glass
panes. In the summer you either remove them, or slide them downward
so an extra bug screen can go in place in the upper
space.

Will be replacing several of these, and would like to learn a bit more
before asking a contractor over.

The new Andersen windows I see all apparently come with double pane
glass.
They even seem to have an option for putting an inert gas, presumably
Nitrogen, between the panes.
Also, it has a low e (emissivity) coating on the glass.

Not up to date with this stuff.

Is the double pane, etc., supposed to replace the type of "storm
windows" I now have ?

Or, do I still want/need to consider adding storm windows ?

Any info. on this would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

BTW: Are Pella, Jeld-Wen, or Harvey considered as high a quality
product as Andersen by you folks in the know ?
Any others I'm not listing ?


The double (or triple) pane windows are replacements for storm windows.
Usually they are better in several ways, including more convenient and
efficient. Adding storm windows will add additional insulation as would
using triple pane designs, but likely that would be overkill for your home
and area. I would go for the low-e option. I would also make sure there is
a good thermo beak. You don't want an aluminum frame without one. Wood is
by nature a thermo break.

Since things change, I can't comment on current quality of various
makes.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit