Storm windows · Kingston
Storm windows for original sash through a Kingston winter
Most storm windows in Kingston hang in front of old sash, from Old Sydenham's limestone to Barriefield's storey-and-a-half wood and stone houses. A well-fitted storm lets a single-glazed sash hold its own against wind off the lake. We're a free referral service. We connect you with an independent local pro who repairs old storms or makes new ones, and we keep the request moving until you hear back.
- Old wood storms repaired and reglazed
- Interior or exterior, fitted to stone openings
- Heritage approval flagged before ordering
What it does
What a storm window does for an old single-glazed sash
A storm is a second, simpler window outside or inside the main one.
Takes the wind
Old sash leak at the edges. A tight storm stops lake wind before it reaches them.
Adds still air
The gap between storm and sash insulates, so the room-side glass stays warmer and fogs less.
Shields the sash
Snow and freezing rain hit the storm first, sparing the putty and paint behind it.
Moisture between the two
Condensation inside the storm means room air is leaking past the sash. Weatherstrip the sash and keep the storm's bottom vent clear.
Keep what you have
Repairing and reglazing existing wood storms
Plenty of older houses still have their original wood storms, sometimes stacked in the basement. They're usually repairable: a new pane, fresh putty, reglued corners, and new hangers or turn buttons. Panes are cut to size; if you'd rather refit one yourself, see custom glass. A storm that has warped badly out of square is better copied than patched.
Code rules on safety glass apply to storm doors, not storm windows; the pro will suggest the right glass for each spot.
New storms
New storms: interior vs exterior
New storms are made to each opening, and stone openings are rarely square, so each is measured on its own.
Exterior wood storms
The traditional look on a stone or brick front. Painted, hung each fall, and the most work to swap.
Combination storms
Glass and a window screen in tracks, so you slide one instead of swapping panels. Handy upstairs and in rentals.
Interior storms
Panels sealed inside the window, invisible from the street. Deep stone walls often leave room on the inside reveal.
Heritage homes
Heritage homes: exterior storms and approvals
In the Barriefield, Market Square and Old Sydenham districts, and on designated houses, a new exterior storm changes the street view. The City says altering windows on designated properties needs a heritage permit, maintenance is exempt, and minor alterations in the districts are approved by staff. Whether rehanging old storms or adding a new style counts as maintenance is Heritage Planning's call, so ask before ordering. Interior storms leave the exterior untouched. See our Barriefield page and the heritage home windows guide.
What affects the quote
Cost factors for storm windows
Storms are repaired or made one opening at a time. The quote depends on:
- Repairing existing storms, or new ones made to measure
- Exterior wood, combination or interior panels
- The size and squareness of each opening
- How many windows, and access to upper floors and dormers
- Any heritage approval the design needs
Tell us how many storms you have or need, and send a photo of one window.
Spring and fall
Seasonal swaps: storms and screens
In older Kingston houses, fall means storms up and window screens down, and spring the reverse. Book repairs before the season needs them. Landlords near Queen's often time the swap for when rooms are empty; torn mesh can be fixed at the same visit through window screen repair.
Weighing it up
Storm windows or new windows?
Storms have downsides: more glass to clean, a swap to manage, and trapped moisture if fitted badly. If the sash behind are rotten, replacement windows may suit better. If the sash are sound, restoring them and adding storms keeps the original windows working.
Questions
Storm window questions
Explore your options
Related help for older windows
Pros repair and fit storm windows across the city and nearby, including Barriefield, Sydenham Ward, Portsmouth Village and Bath.
Tell us about your storms
Say how many storms you have or need, and send a photo of one window. We'll pass it to a local pro who repairs and makes storm windows.