Combination Storm Windows
Combination storm windows house both a glass panel and a screen in a single aluminum frame. In winter, the glass is positioned across the opening for full insulation. In summer, the glass slides up and the screen comes down for ventilation. The frame stays in the opening year-round — no seasonal removal, no storage, no re-installation every spring and fall.
What Combination Storm Windows Are
A fixed storm window holds one static pane of glass. A combination storm window goes further: it incorporates both glass and screen panels that slide within tracks in the same outer frame. This means:
- One unit serves as both a storm window (winter) and a screen (summer)
- No separate screen panels to store between seasons
- No need to remove the storm window to get ventilation
- Year-round installation — the frame stays in place permanently
The glass and screen panels operate independently within the frame, sliding up and down in their respective tracks. Latches or tilt mechanisms lock the panels in position to prevent rattling and ensure a tight seal when closed.
Two-Track vs. Triple-Track Combination Windows
The most important configuration decision with combination storm windows is the number of tracks. See our two-track vs. triple-track comparison for a full breakdown, but here is the essential summary:
Two-Track Combination
- Two channels in the outer frame
- Holds one glass sash and one screen
- Glass positioned at the bottom in winter for full coverage
- Screen positioned at the bottom in summer for ventilation
- Simpler design, slightly slimmer profile
- Good choice for single-hung primary windows
Triple-Track Combination
- Three channels in the outer frame
- Holds two glass sashes and one screen
- Full glass coverage in winter with both panes in place
- More ventilation flexibility — screen can position independently
- Better match for double-hung primary windows
- Preferred for homes in colder climates
Benefits of Combination Storm Windows
Year-round use
The frame stays in the opening through every season. There is no installation and removal cycle, no ladder work twice a year, and no need to store a seasonal panel somewhere in the basement or garage.
Natural ventilation without removing the storm window
Sliding the glass up and dropping the screen down takes seconds. You get cross-ventilation in warm weather without sacrificing the protective frame that adds insulation and weatherproofing in colder months.
Integrated insect screening
The screen is part of the unit, not a separate product. It is sized and fitted to the frame, so there are no gaps around the edges that let insects in when the screen is in position.
Consistent exterior appearance
Because the frame stays in place year-round, your home maintains a consistent appearance rather than having uncovered primary windows for part of the year.
How Combination Windows Differ from Fixed Storm Windows
Fixed storm windows are exactly what the name implies: a static pane of glass in a frame with no moving parts. They are the simplest and most airtight design, but they provide no ventilation. Every opening sealed with a fixed storm window requires either removing the storm window or opening the primary window (which eliminates the insulating air gap between the two glass layers).
| Feature | Combination Storm Window | Fixed Storm Window |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation | Yes — slide to screen position | No |
| Integrated screen | Yes | No |
| Seasonal removal needed | No | Optional |
| Insulation (glass closed) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Moving parts | Yes | No |
| Frame complexity | Moderate | Simple |
| Best for | Year-round occupied rooms | Utility areas, low-ventilation needs |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a combination storm window?
An aluminum frame unit that holds both glass and screen panels in the same frame. The panels slide within tracks, so you can position glass for insulation in winter and switch to the screen for ventilation in summer — without removing the storm window.
What is the difference between two-track and triple-track?
Two-track holds one glass sash and one screen. Triple-track holds two glass sashes and one screen, allowing more ventilation options and fuller glass coverage in winter. Triple-track is generally preferred for double-hung primary windows and colder climates.
Can combination storm windows be used year-round?
Yes. That is their primary advantage. The frame stays in the opening all year. Glass in winter for insulation, screen in summer for ventilation — no seasonal removal or re-installation required.
How do combination windows compare to fixed storm windows in terms of insulation?
When the glass panel is fully closed, combination windows provide insulation performance very close to fixed storm windows. The slight difference is that combination frames have more operational components, which introduce additional weatherstrip seal points. A well-made combination unit performs comparably to a fixed unit.
Do combination storm windows come with screens already included?
Yes. The screen is part of the unit and slides in the same outer frame as the glass sash. No separate screen purchase or storage is needed.
Order Combination Storm Windows
Two-track and triple-track combination storm windows, custom-sized to your exact opening. Glass and screen included. Fabricated in the US and shipped nationwide.