Guide to Menards Storm Windows: Models, Custom Sizing, Energy Efficiency, and Installation

Purchasing storm windows at Menards provides an affordable, highly effective strategy to enhance window insulation, cut heating and cooling costs, and protect primary windows from weather damage. Menards offers a wide variety of Larson storm windows in double-track, triple-track, and two-lite sliding configurations. These units are available in standard off-the-shelf sizes and custom dimensions tailored to precise window openings.

Understanding the options available at Menards—from glass coatings to frame materials—helps ensure you select the correct storm window model, take accurate field measurements, and complete a professional installation.

Why Install Storm Windows on Your Home?

Storm windows act as a secondary thermal barrier mounted over existing single-pane or double-pane windows. By creating a dead-air space between the main glass and the storm sash, these fixtures dramatically reduce air infiltration and thermal conduction.

In terms of performance, high-efficiency aluminum or vinyl storm windows can deliver thermal improvements comparable to complete window replacements, but at a fraction of the expense. The primary benefits include:

• Thermal Efficiency Gains: Adding a storm window with Low-Emissivity (Low-E) glass can reduce building air leakage by up to 10% and lower heating and cooling energy loss by 12% to 33%, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Draft Elimination: Old double-hung wooden windows often leak air around sash perimeters. Storm windows seal off these gaps with durable weatherstripping.
• Acoustic Reduction: The air cavity between the primary window and the exterior storm frame damps sound waves, noticeably reducing street and ambient environmental noise.
• Preservation of Historic Glazing: For historic homes featuring original single-pane wood windows, storm windows provide essential weather protection, keeping rain, sleet, and UV rays off delicate original woodwork.

Storm Window Configurations Available at Menards

Menards carries several primary structural configurations, designed chiefly by Larson Manufacturing, the leading brand in storm doors and exterior storm sashes in North America.

Triple-Track Storm Windows

Triple-track storm windows are the most versatile option for traditional double-hung window openings. The unit features three independent aluminum tracks containing three separate inserts: a top glass sash, a bottom glass sash, and a full-width insect screen sash.

Because every panel operates on its own dedicated track, homeowners can adjust ventilation without removing components. In summer, the lower glass sash slides up to sit behind the upper sash, allowing air to pass through the screen. In winter, both glass panels slide into place to form a complete draft barrier.

Double-Track Storm Windows

Double-track units feature two separate operating channels. Typically, the upper outer glass panel remains fixed in the top position, while the lower glass panel slides vertically over an outer full or half screen sash.

While slightly simpler in construction than triple-track models, double-track storm windows provide a slim profile, lightweight operation, and superior tightness against exterior drafts.

Two-Lite Horizontal Sliders

Designed for horizontal sliding prime windows, two-lite sliding storm windows move horizontally on brass or nylon rollers. Both sashes move independently, permitting left or right ventilation. They are equipped with removable screen inserts and center interlocking sashes to prevent wind-driven rain from entering the home.

Picture or Basement Fixed Storm Windows

For non-operable primary openings, transoms, or basement window wells, Menards supplies fixed single-lite storm inserts. These feature a heavy-duty aluminum perimeter frame holding a single panel of clear or Low-E glass, installed directly to the exterior blind stop or casing.

Frame Materials and Technical Glass Options

When browsing the millwork department at Menards, choosing the right combination of frame alloy and glass coating directly impacts durability and energy ratings.

Storm Window Anatomy

• Top Mounting Flange
  • Upper Glass Sash
  • Interlocking Sash Rail
  • Lower Glass Sash / Screen
• Bottom Weep Holes

Extruded Aluminum Frames

The primary structural material used in Larson storm windows at Menards is tempered, extruded aluminum alloy. Extruded aluminum maintains high structural rigidity, resisting warping, bending, and expansion under seasonal temperature extremes. Frames feature electrostatically applied baked-on enamel or powder-coat finishes in standard colors such as White, Bronze, Brown, Almond, and Black.

Vinyl Frame Inserts

Select interior storm window models or light-duty exterior options utilize rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) frames. Vinyl frames offer natural thermal break properties, meaning cold temperatures do not conduct through the frame as easily as metal, though aluminum remains the preferred exterior standard for structural integrity.

Clear Float Glass vs. Low-E Coated Glass

• Standard Clear Glass: Standard double-strength clear float glass provides a physical weather screen and sound damper. It isolates cold air outside but permits radiant heat energy to pass freely in both directions.
• Hard-Coat Low-E Glass: High-performance storm windows sold at Menards feature Pyrolytic (hard-coat) Low-E glass. This microscopically thin coating reflects long-wave infrared thermal energy back into the house during winter and blocks solar heat gain during summer. Hard-coat Low-E is specifically engineered to withstand harsh exterior exposure and aggressive cleaning without deteriorating.

Feature Comparison Matrix: Menards Storm Windows

The following table summarizes the key structural differences, glass configurations, and application performance profiles of the main storm window lines offered through Menards:

How to Accurately Measure for Menards Storm Windows

Achieving a wind-tight thermal barrier depends on exact field measurements. Storm windows are typically exterior-mounted onto the primary window frame's blind stop—the flat wooden strip that creates a channel for the primary sashes.

Crucial Measurement Rule: Always measure the opening in three separate places for both width and height. When ordering off-the-shelf or custom storm windows, use the smallest measured dimensions to guarantee the frame fits inside the structural opening without forcing or binding.

Step-by-Step Measuring Procedure

1. Determine Mounting Surface: Verify that you have at least 3/4 inch of flat, sound mounting surface (the blind stop) around the entire perimeter of the window frame.
2. Measure the Width: Place a tape measure against the inside face of the blind stop at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Record all three measurements to the nearest 1/16th of an inch. Note the smallest measurement.
3. Measure the Height: Measure from the inside edge of the top blind stop down to the highest point of the sloping exterior wooden sill. Take measurements at the left side, center, and right side. Record the smallest measurement.
4. Check for Squareness: Measure diagonally from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner, then from the top-right corner to the bottom-left corner. If the two diagonal figures differ by more than 1/4 inch, the opening is out of square, and custom-sized windows with extra flange tolerance may be necessary.

Ordering Custom Storm Windows via the Menards Millwork Desk

While Menards keeps stock sizes on shelves for standard double-hung openings, older or non-standard homes often require custom-manufactured units.

Utilizing the Millwork Department Services

Every Menards location features a dedicated Millwork desk equipped with interactive custom building product software. Working with a Team Member, you can specify:

• Exact fractional width and height dimensions down to 1/16th of an inch.
• Custom glass configurations, including tempered safety glass for windows installed near floors or doors.
• Color-matched frame finishes designed to integrate with exterior siding trim.
• Custom stabilizer bars or decorative muntin bar configurations to match traditional window grid patterns.

Lead times for custom Larson storm window orders placed at Menards usually range from two to four weeks.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Installing an exterior storm window is an accessible DIY project requiring basic tools: a cordless drill/driver, tape measure, high-grade exterior sealant, caulk gun, putter knife, and safety glasses.

Step 1: Prep the Primary Window Frame

Inspect the exterior wood casing and blind stop. Scrape away loose paint, repair rotted wood using epoxy filler or replacement pine, and ensure the surface is clean, dry, and structurally sound. Paint and seal any bare wood prior to mounting the storm unit.

Step 2: Apply Perimeter Sealant

Place your continuous bead of high-performance exterior silicone or elastomeric sealant along the top and vertical side flanges of the primary window frame blind stop.

Important Caution on Sill Weep Holes: Never apply caulk along the bottom exterior sill of the window frame. Storm window bottom expanders feature engineered weep holes designed to allow trapped moisture and condensation to escape. Sealing the bottom edge causes water accumulation, leading to wood rot in the interior sill.

Step 3: Dry-Fit and Position the Window

Lift the storm window unit into the frame opening, pressing top and side flanges into the bed of caulking. Check the unit with a level along the side rails and center horizontal meeting rails.

Step 4: Secure the Screws

Insert stainless steel mounting screws (typically provided with the window package) through the pre-drilled slotted holes in the mounting flange. Start by placing two screws at the top corners to anchor the unit, verify that the unit remains square, and then install the remaining side screws. Do not overtighten, as this can flex the aluminum frame channel and cause the sashes to bind during operation.

Step 5: Adjust the Bottom Expander Rail

The bottom frame rail of a Larson storm window includes an adjustable expander strip. Loosen the adjustment screws on the inside of the bottom rail, push the expander down firmly until it makes light contact across the sloped wooden sill, and re-tighten the screws. This creates a barrier against wind while preserving proper weep hole functionality.

Maintenance and Seasonal Operation Advice

To ensure long operational life and clear visibility, perform routine maintenance on storm windows at least twice a year.

• Weep Hole Inspection: Inspect bottom frame weep holes every spring and autumn. Use a small wire or stiff brush to clear out accumulated dirt, organic debris, or spider webs that could block drainage.
• Track Lubrication: Clean interior side tracks using mild dish soap and water. Never apply petroleum-based lubricants or heavy greases, as these attract dust and create a sticky residue. Instead, spray a light coat of dry silicone lubricant along the vertical tracks to keep sashes operating smoothly.
• Sash Removal and Cleaning: Most Larson triple-track models feature spring-loaded tilt latches. Depress the latches to swing the sashes inward or lift them entirely out of their tracks for safe interior cleaning using standard non-abrasive glass cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can storm windows be installed over double-pane vinyl replacement windows?

Yes, storm windows can be installed over double-pane vinyl windows, provided there is adequate blind-stop depth available on the exterior frame. While double-pane windows already offer insulated glass, adding a Low-E storm window creates a triple-pane thermal setup that significantly reduces noise pollution and provides an added shield against severe weather.

Does Menards stock storm windows with Low-E glass in store?

Menards stocks both clear glass and Low-E glass storm windows in their primary retail store aisles for standard window openings. Custom sizes with Low-E coatings must be special-ordered at the Millwork desk or via the online catalog.

How do I stop condensation from building up between my primary window and the storm window?

Condensation forms when warm, moist air from inside the home leaks past the primary window frame into the cold air cavity behind the storm window. To prevent this, seal air leaks on the primary window using interior weatherstripping, lock primary sashes tightly, and ensure the exterior storm window's bottom weep holes remain clear and unblocked.

Are Larson storm windows sold at Menards covered by a warranty?

Yes, Larson storm windows purchased at Menards carry manufacturer warranties that typically cover frame craftsmanship, painted finish durability, and mechanical components. Specific warranty lengths vary depending on whether you purchase standard entry-level lines or premium gold-series units.

Is hard-coat Low-E glass better for storm windows than soft-coat Low-E?

Hard-coat (pyrolytic) Low-E is the industry standard for exterior storm window applications because the low-emissivity coating is fused directly into the molten glass surface during production. This makes it resistant to humidity, air exposure, and manual cleaning, unlike soft-coat Low-E, which must be sealed inside a double-pane glass unit.

Practical Final Recommendations

Before ordering your storm windows from Menards, take time to carefully inspect every window frame on your home, verifying that structural wood blind stops are intact. Measure each frame individually—even windows that appear identical often vary by fractions of an inch due to historical settling. Investing in hard-coat Low-E glass options offers superior energy returns, paying for itself through reduced annual heating fuel and cooling electricity bills.