Storm window installation in Hillsboro involves mounting a secondary glazing panel over your existing window, on the interior or exterior, to reduce drafts, cut heat loss, and block moisture infiltration. A professional installer measures each opening, selects the right unit for your frame type and climate exposure, and fits it so it seals properly and operates cleanly. For most Washington County homes, it takes less than a day to install storm windows on an entire floor of windows.
Why Washington County Homes Need Storm Windows
Oregon’s Tualatin Valley is wetter and colder than people expect, especially from October through March. That sustained chill and moisture cycle puts serious pressure on older window frames and single-pane glass. This results in rooms that never quite warm up, heating bills that keep climbing, and condensation collecting on the glass.
If your windows are structurally sound but thermally underperforming, a full frame replacement may not be necessary. Storm windows are designed exactly for this situation. They add a second barrier against heat loss and moisture, without touching your existing frames, trim, or walls.
That's a meaningful cost difference. And in Hillsboro, Cornelius, and Forest Grove, a lot of the housing stock was built in the 1970s through the 1990s with windows that are still functional but nowhere near current energy performance standards. Storm windows close that gap.
Storm Windows vs. IGU Replacement: Which One Do You Need?
Before scheduling an installation, it's worth knowing which solution actually fits your situation.
Storm windows make sense when:
- Your existing frames are in good condition (no rot, no significant air gaps in the frame itself)
- The glass is intact but single-pane or older
- You want to improve thermal performance without a full remodel
- You're working with a historic home where the original frames are worth preserving
IGU (insulated glass unit) replacement makes more sense when:
- Your windows are fogged or hazy. That's a failed seal on the existing IGU (insulated glass unit, the sealed glass assembly inside the window frame), not just dirty glass. A storm window layered over a failed seal won't fix the underlying problem.
- The frame itself is damaged, out of square, or letting air in at the corners
- You're planning a renovation and want the full energy performance of a modern sealed unit
We'll tell you which one fits your windows when we assess them. If storm windows are the right answer, we'll say so. If IGU replacement will serve you better, we'll say that too.
Ready to find out which option makes sense for your home? Call Martin Glass at 503-357-2565 to schedule an assessment.
How Professional Storm Window Installation Works
Here's exactly what happens when Martin Glass installs storm windows at your Hillsboro home.
Step 1: On-Site Measurement
We measure every opening before anything is ordered. Storm windows need to fit precisely. A unit that's even slightly undersized will leave gaps that defeat the purpose. One that's oversized won't seat properly in the frame.
We measure width and height at multiple points, because most older homes have openings that aren't perfectly square. That's not a problem if you account for it at the measurement stage. It becomes a problem if you don't.
Step 2: Product Selection
Storm windows come in a few configurations, and the right choice depends on your situation.
- Interior storm windows mount on the inside of the frame. They're less visible from the street and easier to install in certain frame types.
- Exterior storm windows mount on the outside. They provide excellent protection from wind and rain and are the more common choice in the Pacific Northwest because of the moisture exposure.
- Single-pane vs. low-E glass options: Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings reduce heat transfer and limit UV exposure, which matters in rooms with direct sun exposure. We'll walk you through the options and what they mean for your specific rooms.
Martin Glass installs QuantaPanel storm window systems, with low-E glass options available across picture-window and double-hung configurations. We'll match the right series to each opening when we measure.
Step 3: Preparation and Weatherstripping
Before the storm window goes in, we check the existing frame for gaps, deteriorated weatherstripping, and anything that would undercut the seal. A storm window is only as effective as the assembly it's mounted on. If the existing frame has gaps, we address those first.
Step 4: Installation and Sealing
We mount the unit according to the frame type and manufacturer requirements. Exterior units get fastened into the frame and sealed at the edges to prevent water infiltration. Interior units get fitted into the opening with compression seals or mounting clips designed to hold without damaging the interior trim.
We test each unit for proper operation, opening, closing, and latching, before we move on. On windows that tilt for cleaning, we verify that function isn't compromised by the new storm unit.
Step 5: Cleanup and Walkthrough
We protect the work area from the start and leave it clean when we're done. Before we pack up, we walk you through the installed units: how to open them for ventilation, how to clean them, and what to watch for over the first heating season.
What to Know Before You Go the DIY Route
Storm windows are available as off-the-shelf kits, and some homeowners do install them. A few honest observations before you decide:
Getting a proper seal requires a precise fit. If the measurement is off by even a small margin, you'll get air infiltration at the edges, which is exactly the problem you were trying to solve. Exterior storm windows also need to be fastened and sealed in a way that handles Pacific Northwest rain loads, not just a gentle breeze.
There's also the matter of working on second-story windows. Reaching, measuring, and mounting a storm unit from a ladder while keeping the unit level is a two-person job with the right equipment.
If you're comfortable with the work and your windows are all accessible from ground level, a standard kit may serve you fine. But if the fit isn't right or you're working above the first floor, the cost of a professional installation is worth it to get a result that actually performs.
Storm Window Installation in Hillsboro and Washington County
Brad started Martin Glass in Cornelius in 1997. The crew has built up 80 years of combined glazing experience. We measure on-site, select the right product for each opening, and install it properly. Teri handles scheduling at the shop. Aldo and the install crew handle the work on-site.
We serve Hillsboro, Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Aloha, North Plains, Banks, and the surrounding Washington County communities.
Fair prices. An honest assessment before we start. Work you can see and feel the first cold night of the season.
Call Martin Glass at 503-357-2565 or visit us at 1900 Baseline Rd, Cornelius, OR 97113 to schedule your storm window assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does storm window installation cost in Hillsboro?
As a working number, storm window installation in Washington County typically runs about $700 per opening installed; low-E glass packages and frame prep add to that.
The cost depends on the number of windows, glass type (standard vs. low-E), interior vs. exterior mounting, and any frame prep work needed before installation. We give you a written estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Q: Can I install storm windows myself?
You can, particularly for ground-floor windows with standard frame dimensions. The risk is measurement error, a storm window that doesn't fit precisely will leave air gaps and underperform. Professional installation ensures each unit is measured to the actual opening, seated with the right seal, and tested for operation before we leave.
Q: Do storm windows actually work as well as new windows?
Storm windows won't match the full thermal performance of a modern IGU (insulated glass unit) in a new frame, but they close a significant portion of the gap, especially on older single-pane windows. For homes with structurally sound frames, they're an effective and cost-efficient way to improve comfort without a full replacement.
Q: How long does storm window installation take?
For most Hillsboro homes, a standard installation covering several windows on one floor is completed in a single visit. Larger jobs with second-story access or extensive frame prep will take longer. We'll give you a time estimate when we schedule the work.
Q: Do I need storm windows if I already have IGUs?
Probably not. If your windows already have IGUs (the sealed glass assemblies standard in most windows built after the mid-1990s) and the seals are intact, storm windows add limited benefit. If your IGUs are fogged, that's a failed seal and the fix is IGU replacement, not a storm window on top. Call us and we'll tell you what you actually need.