How to Choose the Best Type of Storm Door for Your Home
- 1. Vinyl-Clad Storm Doors Vinyl-clad storm doors are popular and tend to hold up well against every type of climate. ...
- 2. Steel-Clad Storm Doors Steel-clad storm doors are a step up in terms of strength. ...
- 3. Aluminum Storm Doors Philippe Intraligi/EyeEm via Getty Images ...
- 4. Wood-Core Storm Doors Wood-core storm doors aren’t all wood. ...
Full Answer
How to choose a storm door?
The trim should always be:
- 3/4-inch wide
- Be in perfect shape
- Have a 1-inch depth
- Have 2 ½ inches of unimpeded clearance from the exterior door
How to choose storm doors?
Step-By-Step Guide for Measuring for a Storm Door
- Inspect That You Have Sufficient Space to Attach the Storm Door. Measuring a storm door can be tricky. ...
- Measure the Door’s Width. To measure the width of a storm door, use a tape measure. ...
- Measure the Door’s Height. ...
- Round Off These Measurements to Full Figures. ...
What are the advantages of storm doors?
Benefits of Installing a Storm Door. A primary benefit of storm door installation is that it can save most homeowners a fair amount of money in the long run. Storm doors add extra insulation in the winter and increased ventilation and sunlight during the summer.
What is a storm door and do I need one?
Storm doors can be purely functional or they can be a mix of decorative and functional but they’re a great way to protect your home and give yourself and your family a better quality of life. The primary purpose of a storm door is to protect your exterior door during inclement weather. A storm door usually has three layers.
What material is best for a storm door?
AluminumAluminum is the most popular material for storm doors because of its superior weather resistance and easy installation. It is sold in varying levels of thickness – the thicker the door, the more durable it is. Other storm doors come with a wood core, but they aren't as sturdy as aluminum-clad units.
Is wood or aluminum storm door better?
Most manufacturers choose aluminum as the frame for storm doors because it's stronger, more weather-resistant and easier to install. While you might buy an aluminum door with a wood core, Ron Koralewski, a salesman for the Joe Wilde Company in New Berlin, Wis., says aluminum is the better investment.
What is strongest storm door?
The strongest storm door in the industry is a Keystone Doors Storm Door. Storm doors of lesser quality can dent, warp, hang crooked, and slam shut.
How do I choose a storm door?
1:343:14How To Choose The Right Storm Door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThird is your door size standard or custom the standard size is 36 inches wide by 80 to 81 inchesMoreThird is your door size standard or custom the standard size is 36 inches wide by 80 to 81 inches tall. Anything else will be custom fourth pay a professional to install the storm.
Are steel storm doors better than aluminum?
Well, for starters, steel is significantly stronger, meaning not only that you have added security, but that you also do not have to make up for the lack of strength aluminum provides by relying on thicker frames.
What are the different types of storm doors?
When it comes to function the five different types of storm doors you have to choose from are:Full View. A full view storm door has glass panes on the top and bottom so that the interior of the home is visible when the interior door is open. ... Mid View. ... High View. ... Ventilating. ... Security. ... Feldco Storm Doors.
What type of screen door that provides the most security?
Steel bars, motifs or grilles are considered the most secure option. Aluminium grilles are generally little more than flyscreens. You can get heavy-duty ones which at least look secure. Stainless steel mesh doors are made with aluminium or steel frames that are in-filled with woven stainless steel mesh.
Are Andersen storm doors any good?
We researched dozens of storm doors, evaluating ease of installation, quality of materials, and versatility. Our best overall pick is the Andersen 3000 Series Full Storm Door, which comes preassembled and is incredibly sturdy thanks to a thick aluminum frame and thermally tempered safety glass.
What is difference between storm door and screen door?
Storm doors are designed to protect your home's entry door while screen doors mainly keep out bugs while allowing for air to circulate through your house. Storm doors are also typically heavier and made out of aluminum and tempered glass.
What is the average cost of a storm door?
If you choose to install the storm door yourself, you'll save some money on labor costs, spending about $200 to $400 (CAD 260 to CAD 510) for parts and materials, according to Forbes. For the door alone, expect to pay between $150 and $1,000 (CAD 190 to CAD 1,300), depending on the door's style, weight and features.
Should you put a storm door on your front door?
If your exterior door is exposed to the elements, then a storm door may be the way to go to protect your door. If you have a new, well insulated, energy-efficient exterior door, you may not need or want a storm door. If you live in a warmer climate, a storm door may not be the best option.
How much does it cost for a storm door?
Storm Door Cost CalculatorNational Average$380Typical Range$184 - $602Low End - High End$100 - $1,200
What does wood core storm door mean?
Wood-core storm doors aren't all wood. Instead, the frame is wood, and then the rest of the material is either vinyl, steel, or aluminum. Because of this construction, these types of storm doors do well for aesthetics but tend to fare the worst against Mother Nature.
What should I look for in a screen door?
What to Look for When Buying a Screen DoorThere's a different purpose to every security and screen door. Homeowners often purchase retractable screen doors to keep bugs and insects from entering their home. ... The Frame. ... Choose the best fabric. ... Security. ... Customize Your Screen Door. ... Contact Doctor Screen.
What material are Larson storm doors made of?
aluminumLARSON SecurePRO™ doors are built tough with a 1½ inch thick heavy-duty aluminum frame and feature a full steel mesh screen to combine style and security.
Are EMCO storm doors good?
Built with an aluminum frame and a heavy-duty steel closure, the EMCO 100 Series Self-Storing Storm Door is a budget-friendly and reliable option for your next storm door. With a partial view window with a fixed screen and an adjustable bottom glass panel, this door lets in lots of light and keeps the bugs out.
What to consider when selecting a storm door?
When selecting a storm door, points to consider include price, energy efficiency, aesthetics and ease of use. Here are our picks for the best storm doors for every need and budget.
Why is it important to invest in a storm door?
The first hint of cold weather is a great time to invest in a storm door, to protect your exterior doors from rough winter weather and let in light. In warmer weather, a storm door can help ventilate your home. When selecting a storm door, points to consider include price, energy efficiency, aesthetics and ease of use.
What is retractable screen in storm door?
A retractable screen in a storm door means no swapping out screens in cold weather. We like this retractable screen model from EMCO because the screen rolls up into the body of the door and out of sight.
How much does a Larson storm door cost?
At about $430, the Larson Tradewinds full-view storm door costs a little more than an average storm door. But it’s worth it, mostly thanks to its Low-E glass inserts. Low-E glass reduce the amount of infrared light and UV rays that enter your home, while still allowing ample light to pass.
Can a storm door be used as a pet door?
A storm door can do double duty as a pet door. We pick the Pet View model from Larson as the best storm door if you own a pet who needs to get outdoors. The full-view door is divided into three panels, including a screen that can be positioned at the top or the middle of the door.
What is the best storm door material?
Steel-clad storm doors are rugged and long lasting, strong enough to hold up to the bumps and slams of an active family without denting. They come in a variety of colors. Aluminum is nearly as durable as steel, but it’s more lightweight, making this the most popular storm door material in today’s market. Aluminum-clad storm doors are available in ...
How wide is a storm door?
Standard exterior doors are 80 inches tall, but the width can vary. While most entry doors are 36 inches wide, some are either 34 or 38 inches wide.
What side do storm doors open on?
Opening Options. Many storm doors are reversible, meaning they can be installed to open either on the right side or the left side. For example, if a storm door is labeled as “right-opening,” that means the handle is on the right side when facing the door from outside the home.
What is tempered glass?
Virtually all of today’s storm door glass is tempered, meaning that, if broken, it will shatter into tiny pieces rather than dangerously sharp shards. Some storm doors feature double panes and include low-emissivity (Low-E) glass to block heat transfer and conserve energy. Storm doors offer plain glass panels or etched, frosted, or stained glass. Some even boast double glass panels with operable mini-blinds between the panes.
What is a double storm door?
They feature double storm doors that can be either full-view or half-view. Like other storm doors, they protect the main doors from the elements. High-view storm doors are solid except for a glass panel at the top for those who desire more privacy. These doors may be self-storage or the window may be fixed in place.
What is a half view storm door?
Half-view storm doors are solid on the bottom half but feature one or two glass panes on the top that operate in a self-storage manner similar to a full-view storm door. French storm doors are designed to fit standard French patio doors. They feature double storm doors that can be either full-view or half-view.
What is the difference between a screen door and a storm door?
Screen doors let in air and light while keeping bugs at bay. Storm doors do the same but are generally a bit sturdier and, while they often have a screen, they also add an extra layer of protection in the form of glass against rain, snow, and wind. Storm doors are more likely to enhance front door design.
Why do you need a storm door?
The purpose of installing a storm door is to allow extra flexibility and protection for entry doors. Storm doors let additional light and ventilation into your home while creating a barrier from bugs entering your household.
What color is a Croft storm door?
The Croft Metals storm door has a small latch, which draws the attention away from the rest of the door. The storm door comes with its glass, which is a teal-blue color that adds vibrance to your home and offsets the rest of the door’s gray color.
How much does a Larson storm door cost?
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for a storm door; this mid-view storm door from Larson costs about $100.
What is a storm door with blinds?
A storm door with blinds makes it easy to adjust the amount of light that comes in. The Leslie Locke 50732 is a full-view storm door featuring blinds tucked between two panels of glass. You can easily raise, lower, or tilt these blinds.
How tall is a Croft Metals 163-36REV-WH?
The CROFT METALS 163-36REV-WH Storm Door is one of the best storm doors on the market. It is 85-inches tall and 1.5-inch thick and comes with universal hinges for easy installation. The door fits snuggly into the frame and boasts quality construction.
How thick is a Leslie Locke storm door?
Made using aluminum, this storm door is 1.5-inches thick and boasts an additional weather seal along with the vertical opening of the door. The biggest advantage that users appreciate is an easier installation. You won’t need to hire professional help as this storm door comes pre-hung and pre-dilled.
What is the best feature of Larson Tradewinds?
One of the best features of this door is smooth transitioning between a breezy screen and a full pane of glass. The Larson Tradewinds has a simple push-button mechanism that makes it easy to open a window screen that provides ample ventilation but keeps bugs out. Lastly, it also features a self-storing window that doesn’t get easily broken or cracked.
What is a mid view storm door?
A midview storm door is simply a door where the glass doesn’t go all the way to the bottom of the door. Typically there is about a 12-18″ metal kick plate area at the bottom of the door. It’s mainly to keep pets in and not allow them to break the glass. Personally, I prefer the fullview style, but some people prefer this more traditional look. Here is what a midview storm door looks like:
What is a full view door?
A full view, like the name implies, allows you to have a “full view” out of the storm door. Typically, the door is a full length window panel or a full length screen without obstructions. This is a traditional door as well. While this style won’t take away from showing off your entry door (because I think it just frames it nicely), the down side to a fullview door is that yo can only have EITHER the glass oR the screen in the door at one time. You can’t have both. This means you have to take out the glass in the spring in order to put in the screen, and then take out the screen in the winter to install the glass. It also means you have to store whichever piece your are not using somewhere in the house. A fullview door looks like this:
Top Picks
The best storm doors are not only strong and durable, but they're also aesthetically pleasing. A great way to protect your home from the harsh weather elements like rain or snow is by using a quality product which can withstand high winds with ease- this will keep you safe inside during those blizzards!
Comparison Table
HC SCore is known as Artificial Intelligence, which is capable of simulating human intelligence expressed through programmed machines. ( Read more )
Buying Guides
In the article below, we will discuss the value of the best storm doors that are worth every penny. You'll get the best options, know the product's value, and avoid wasting money in your budget.
Conclusion
The best storm doors are the ones that will protect your home during a hurricane. They can be expensive, but if you're serious about protecting your house and family, then it's worth investing in them for extra security.
Expert's Notes
We have figured out via our research that more than 600 storm doors are currently available on the market.
Why is it important to choose a storm door?
Choosing a storm door is a big decision. Storm doors can be decorative but their primary function is to protect your home and your interior door from the elements so choosing the right one is important. The storm door that you choose will have an impact on your home’s energy efficiency and the protection of the structure of the home as well as the appearance of your home.
What is a ventilating storm door?
What makes a ventilating storm door different is that the screen and the glass are all in the same panel so that if you want to use the screen you can use a toggle switch to drop the glass inside the door and leave only the screen.
Why is a full view storm door good?
A full view storm door is a great choice for back doors because it gives parents full sight lines throughout the backdoor if they need to keep an eye on their kids.
What is a storm door sweep?
The sweep is an external piece of flexible plastic or rubber that protects the bottom of the door and your home.
What is a mid view storm door?
A mid view storm door is a more traditional type of storm door. It’s called a mid view door because the glass goes almost from top to bottom but it stops about 18 inches from the bottom of the door. Instead of having glass all the way down there is a kick plate, usually made of metal, that protects the bottom of the door.
Why do dogs like high view storm doors?
If you have a medium to large size dog you might choose a high view storm door so that your dog won’t break the glass or scratch the glass trying to see outside or go outside. Because the lower half is solid door it also is great for energy efficiency although it doesn’t let in as much light or fresh air as the full view or mid view storm doors.
Which is better, a full view or a mid view storm door?
If the storm door is for an entry that gets daily use, the mid-view storm door is a smart choice. A full view storm door is a better choice for doors that aren’t used all that often.
What is a full view storm door?
Full view storm doors feature a full glass design that lets in the light and shows off your home’s entry. With full glass doors, you can let your front entry’s current look speak for itself while giving yourself the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful view from the comfort of your home.#N#This style of doors offers the widest variety of customization options with your choice of 7 frame color options, 5 glass designs, 7 handle#N#colors options, and custom size options for larger openings. Most full glass models come with an interchangeable screen for seasonal ventilation, so you can enjoy a full-screen door in warmer months. Some models feature retractable Screen Away ®, so you can easily let in the breeze whenever you want. These doors are a great option if you have a bright, painted front door or if you simply want to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Additionally, kits are available with a full view doors to accommodate for French Doors.
What is a mid view door?
Do you want to enjoy the natural sunlight in your home, but have a lot of traffic coming in and out? A mid-view door might be the best fit. The design lets you enjoy increased light in your entry, but also has a bottom panel that adds durability for heavy foot traffic. These doors offer traditional ventilation, retractable screen Screen Away®, or multi-vent options so you can enjoy the fresh air on demand. Featuring a ¾ glass design, these doors look great on any entry.
What is the best storm door for a tornado?
Steel-clad storm doors are a step up in terms of strength. They’re heavier and will hold up the best against debris from high winds during a tornado or hurricane. The color of these doors also tends to hold up better in the long run, though you still won’t have a particularly vast selection.
What is the best material for storm doors?
If you're in the market for a storm door, know that aluminum is the preferred material. Most manufacturers choose aluminum as the frame for storm doors because it's stronger, more weather resistant and easier to install.
Who Should Choose Aluminum Storm Doors?
Aluminum storm doors typically come in at a more affordable cost than steel-clad storm doors, making them a popular option. The wide variety in colors also makes them a great choice for those that don’t want to sacrifice style in favor of protection. Aluminum storm doors only come slightly behind steel-clad options when it comes to durability.
Who Should Choose a Steel-Clad Storm Door?
These areas include those along the East Coast, around the Gulf of Mexico, and those living in Tornado Valley. A local storm door installation company can further guide you on your options.
What is a full view storm door?
Full-view storm doors provide more light and a better view of the outdoors without opening the door. It also allows you to protect your elaborate wooden front door, while also showing off its features.
Why do you need a storm door?
Strive for style and protection when adding a storm door to your entryway. Homeowners typically buy a storm door to protect their front door from weather damage and to make their homes more energy efficient. But storm doors can also provide extra security and boost your home's curb appeal, says Ryon Oates, owner of The Door Guys in Crosby, Texas.
Do storm doors have screens?
For example, you may need to remove the panel in a full-view storm door and insert a screen for fresh air when it's closed. But some manufacturers make full-view storm doors with retractable screens.
What Is A Splitview Storm Door?
Among the different storm door styles, the splitview has glass panels at the top and bottom of the doorway. These pieces of glass may slide vertically, providing users with improved airflow and visibility when needed.
Do Storm Doors Add Value To Your Home?
A storm door can add value to a home, as one of the benefits it offers is increased security. Take note that home appraisers will generally look for specific elements of properties in figuring out lot prices. These include different home improvements and upgrades, which may include storm doors.
Is A Wood Core Storm Door Better Than Aluminum?
Certain wood core storm door designs can be better than the fairly straightforward design of their aluminum counterparts. But wood is generally more susceptible to weather damage than aluminum.
