Storm doors are secondary exterior doors typically installed in front of the main entry doors. They’re made from materials like wood and aluminum and often feature interchangeable or retractable glass and screen panels.
Their primary purpose is to protect the main door from harsh weather conditions and enhance home security. When the weather’s warm, homeowners can open the main door and utilize the screen portion of the storm door, allowing fresh air in while keeping bugs out.
Here’s what to know about choosing the right storm door.
Types of Storm Doors
Screenmobile offers a wide range of storm doors to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for full-view or another layer of protection, we have you covered. Our expert technicians can help you choose from a wide range of storm doors, carefully crafted to fulfill specific purposes and enhance the visual appeal of your residence. Let’s explore the popular types of storm doors.
Full-View Storm Doors
Full-view storm doors are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to optimize their view and let in plenty of natural sunlight while keeping your home insulated from the cold. These screen doors typically feature the following:
- A full-length glass panel that offers an unobstructed view, ideal for showcasing your main entry door or simply enjoying the view outside while staying warm inside
- Maximum light penetration, which can naturally warm up the entrance of the house and keep you from having to turn the lights on all day long
- Retractable screen options, a popular variant of the full-view door, feature integrated screens that can be easily rolled up or down. This feature allows homeowners to quickly switch between enjoying a clear view or benefiting from fresh air without bugs.
Mid-View
Mid-view storm doors, expertly installed by Screenmobile, offer a balance of visibility and long-lasting strength. These storm doors have a more traditional look, with a lower solid panel and glass on top, and are the perfect option for families with active children or pets. Key features include:
- A sturdy lower panel provides additional durability and protection against wear and tear
- An upper glass section that can either be a single pane, double pane, or segmented with colonial grilles, depending on the home’s style
- Provide enhanced privacy without compromising while still allowing for ample natural light.
Ventilating/Retractable Full-view Storm Doors
Ventilating storm doors have the dual functionality of protecting the main entry door from adverse weather conditions and allowing for fresh airflow. Screenmobile offers a wide range of ventilating storm doors that can be rolled down, or the glass panels can be slid or lowered to let air in the house.
- Multiple screen and glass panel configurations allow homeowners to decide the degree of ventilation they desire
- Adapt to weather conditions on the fly, slide or lower glass panels effortlessly. Enjoy the refreshing airflow, even when there’s a light drizzle.
- An ideal solution for those living in regions with changing weather conditions, where the need for ventilation and protection varies daily and even hour-to-hour
How to Pick the Right Door
When evaluating a storm door for your home, there are several factors to consider.
The Door’s Purpose
Identify the primary purpose behind your need for a storm door. Some homeowners want an added layer against heavy rain, snow, or wind. Those living in milder climates may enjoy opening their main door and letting the breeze flow in through the screen.
Focus your attention on doors and materials that align with your specific needs. Not all storm doors serve the exact same purpose, so it’s important to consider your reason(s) for purchasing one.
Material
Different materials affect durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and cost. Aluminum or metal-alloy doors are especially popular due to their rust resistance capabilities. They range from lightweight to heavy-duty, offering flexibility in terms of both protection and price.
Wooden doors, on the other hand, provide a warm, classic appearance but require regular maintenance to combat warping, rotting, and other weather-induced damages. PVC and Vinyl storm doors offer a middle ground of sorts, as they resist rot and can provide decent insulation.
Energy Efficiency
One of the main reasons people opt for storm doors is to boost their energy efficiency. Modern storm doors feature tight seals and insulated cores that reduce heat transfer and help maintain the home’s internal temperature. Investing in an energy-efficient storm door can lead to long-term savings on heating and cooling bills.
Screen Options
One of the most common and useful storm door features is screens, which allow homeowners to enjoy fresh air without letting in pests. Some doors come with interchangeable screens and glass panels, meaning the screen can be replaced with a glass panel during colder months—retractable screens, which roll up into the frame when not in use, are another popular choice.
Hardware and Security
Don’t overlook the door’s hardware. The handle, lock, and closer mechanisms should be robust and durable.
Glass Styles
Storm doors can be fitted with various glass styles, from full view, where the door is almost entirely made up of glass, to high-view or mid-view, which offer more privacy. You can choose between clear, beveled, or decorative glass, or even frosted or tinted glass if privacy is a main concern.
Installation Process
Not all homeowners have the skills to install a storm door on their own. You can always opt for a professional installation, like that offered by Screenmobile, to ensure the job is done correctly. The door should fit perfectly into the doorway, leaving no room for gaps. Incorrect installation can lower energy efficiency, reduce security, and even damage the door or frame.
Aesthetic Appeal
Every homeowner wants their home to look nice. Because your storm door serves as the entrance to your home, you want to make sure it’s aesthetically pleasing. Look for an exterior door that complements the rest of your home.
Certain types of storm doors may be better suited for some homes than others. For example, a full-view door may look better on a home with a more traditional overall style.
Durability and Maintenance
Your storm door should be resilient enough to stand up to the harsh weather conditions it will be exposed to. Homeowners should consider how frequently they’re willing to maintain their doors.
Some materials and finishes require regular upkeep to remain in optimal condition, while others are more forgiving. Check the door’s warranty for more information on its expected lifespan and durability.
Ventilation and Light
A storm door can affect the amount of light and ventilation a home receives. If you want to maximize sunlight, go for a full-view glass door. Homeowners looking to increase ventilation should look for doors with larger or more adjustable screens.
Budget
When choosing a storm door, cost is often top of mind. While your first inclination may be to go for the cheapest option possible, remember that the cheapest door won’t necessarily be the best value for your money. Inexpensive doors are often cheaply made and may end up costing you more in repair and maintenance fees.
The key is to balance value with cost, no matter your budget. Look for a door that’s both well-made and affordable. That way, you can find a door that’s fit to weather any storm without breaking the bank.
Installation Tips
The final step of the storm door buying process is installation. Here are some tips to make things easier:
- Measure all door openings accurately.
- Have the necessary tools and hardware ready.
- Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- Wear safety goggles and gloves.
- Work in a well-lit area.
- Check the door swing direction before installation.
- Install the hinge side first.
- Ensure proper alignment and level.
- Seal all edges to prevent drafts.
- Test the door’s swing and latch functionality after installation.
Installing a storm door can be tricky, especially if you’ve never done it before. The best storm door brands typically offer professional installation services to help customers get their doors up and functioning smoothly.
Screenmobile offers a wide range of storm doors and windows, and we can help you get them set up quickly. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our storm door installation services and how we can help you find the right door for your home.