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If you're a homeowner in Buffalo or anywhere across Western New York, chances are you’ve either had storm windows in your home - or currently do. And if you've ever requested a window cleaning quote and noticed a price bump for storm windows, you might’ve wondered why. Aren’t all windows just…windows?
Not quite.
Storm windows come with unique benefits - and unique challenges - especially when it comes to maintenance and cleaning. In this post, we’re breaking down the key differences between storm windows and regular windows, explaining why storm windows are more labor-intensive to clean, and helping you decide how to best maintain them for the long run.
Let’s get into it.
Storm windows are essentially an extra layer of protection for your main (or “primary”) windows. They’re usually mounted either on the outside or inside of your existing window frame and are designed to:
They come in a few different styles: single-pane, double-pane, removable, fixed, interior, or exterior. Most older homes in Buffalo and Western New York - especially those with original wooden windows - tend to have storm windows as a retrofit solution.
Think of them like a second line of defense, especially in a climate like ours that sees harsh winters, strong winds, and seasonal grime buildup.
When we talk about regular windows, we're usually referring to modern, double-pane insulated windows. These are the standard in most newer homes and don't require storm windows to improve energy efficiency or weather protection. They typically have:
Regular windows open and close like a single unit and often tilt in for cleaning, making them a breeze (literally and figuratively) to work with.
The main difference between storm windows and regular windows lies in how they’re built and how they function. Storm windows are an add-on layer installed over your existing windows, while regular windows are typically self-contained, modern units designed for insulation and ease of use.
Storm windows usually come in pairs with your primary windows - they’re mounted either inside or outside and offer an additional layer of protection. This setup means you essentially have two windows per opening, with a gap in between that can trap dust, moisture, and debris if not cleaned regularly.
Regular windows, on the other hand, are most commonly modern, double-pane units. These are designed with built-in insulation between two sealed layers of glass. They’re often easier to clean, especially if they tilt in, and they don’t require any secondary panels or frames.
While storm windows improve insulation and reduce noise, they also require more upkeep. They need to be removed, cleaned, and sometimes reinstalled. Regular windows don’t have that extra layer, which makes cleaning and maintenance quicker and more straightforward.
In short: storm windows add protection, but they also add complexity - especially when it’s time to clean them.
You might be wondering: with all the modern window options out there, why do people still stick with storm windows?
Here’s why:
Now for the question we get most often: why is it more expensive to clean storm windows than regular ones?
Let’s break it down.
With storm windows, you’re not just cleaning one pane of glass. You’re cleaning:
That’s at least 3 surfaces per window, and often more if the storm window has multiple tracks or panels.
In contrast, a modern double-hung window typically has just two sides of glass to clean.
Storm windows - especially older models - often need to be carefully removed from their tracks or frames for thorough cleaning. That means:
This disassembly and reassembly process takes time - and increases the chance of damage if done incorrectly.
Storm windows often trap dirt, cobwebs, moisture, and debris in the small gap between the primary and secondary windows. If that gap isn’t cleaned properly, mold and mildew can build up - and visibility can get cloudy fast.
Unfortunately, those tight gaps and corners aren’t easy to reach with standard tools. It takes specialized techniques (and a lot of patience) to clean them well.
Older storm windows may have brittle seals, loose frames, or fragile glass that chips or cracks easily. Cleaning them requires a gentler touch and more cautious handling than modern windows.
At Buffalo Window Washing, we’ve worked with everything from modern vinyl windows to storm setups that are 70+ years old. We treat every home with care - but that level of attention takes more time and effort.
Let’s say a customer in North Buffalo has a 1920s home with 18 storm windows. Here’s what the cleaning process might look like:
That’s essentially 3-4 times more work per window compared to cleaning a modern double-hung setup.
If you’re tired of the maintenance that comes with storm windows, you might consider upgrading to modern windows. But there are a few things to consider:
✅ Replace them if:
❌ Keep them if:
And remember: storm windows, when cleaned regularly and maintained properly, can still offer great performance for decades.
We’ve cleaned thousands of storm windows across Western New York, and we know what it takes to get the job done right.
Here’s how we approach it:
Yes, storm windows cost more to clean - but they also require more skill. We price storm window jobs based on labor time and complexity, not just number of panes.
Want to make your next cleaning appointment smoother? Here are a few homeowner tips:
Storm windows might seem like just another layer of glass - but they come with their own set of benefits and cleaning challenges. If you’ve ever wondered why cleaning storm windows costs more, now you know: more panes, more time, more care.
At Buffalo Window Washing, we treat every window with the care it deserves - storm or not. Whether you’re in Buffalo, Orchard Park, Williamsville, or beyond, we’re here to help your home shine from the inside out.
Ready to get your storm windows cleaned the right way?
Contact us today for a free quote!
