What Is a Storm Door?
May 05, 2025A storm door is an outer door that protects your main door from bad weather and improves insulation. This article will cover what is a storm door, the materials used, key features, different styles, and the benefits of having one.
Key Takeaways
- Storm doors provide additional protection against harsh weather and improve home energy efficiency by acting as an insulating barrier.
- Different materials such as aluminum, wood, fiberglass, and vinyl offer various advantages for storm doors, including durability, insulation, and low maintenance.
- High-quality storm doors feature robust construction, advanced locking mechanisms for added security, and various styles to suit homeowners’ aesthetic and functional needs.
The Basics of Storm Doors
A storm door is essentially an outer door designed to provide additional protection and enhance energy efficiency. Acting as a barrier against the elements, storm doors serve to keep out harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and strong winds, while also helping to improve the insulation of your home.
Most storm doors are installed in front of the main entry door, offering an extra layer of protection. This not only helps in maintaining the pristine condition of your primary door but also significantly lowers energy bills by enhancing thermal efficiency. The added insulation provided by storm doors can lead to a reduction in heat loss during winter and prevent cool air from escaping during summer.
Moreover, installing a storm door can contribute to a quieter indoor environment by reducing outside noise. This combination of protection, insulation, and aesthetic appeal makes storm doors a valuable addition to any home.
Materials Used in Storm Doors
Storm doors are crafted from a variety of materials, each offering its own set of advantages. Aluminum is a popular choice due to its weather-resistant properties, making it ideal for withstanding the elements without rusting. However, aluminum storm doors might dent more easily compared to other materials.
Wood storm doors offer excellent insulation but require more maintenance to prevent warping and rotting. Despite the upkeep, many homeowners prefer wood for its classic look and superior insulation capabilities.
Fiberglass and vinyl are also commonly used materials in storm doors. Fiberglass provides durability and can withstand extreme weather conditions, all while maintaining an appealing aesthetic. Vinyl, on the other hand, mimics the look of wood but resists damage better, making it a low-maintenance option for many homeowners.
Key Features of High-Quality Storm Doors
High-quality storm doors stand out due to their robust construction and advanced features. These doors are often made from thick aluminum frames with reinforced corners and double layers of weather stripping, ensuring they can withstand heavy rain, strong winds, and storms.
Security is another critical aspect. Many high-quality storm doors come equipped with keyed locks like deadbolt locks and anti-removable pin systems, offering an added layer of protection against break-ins.
Additionally, features like Low-E glass help maintain indoor temperatures by reflecting heat away during summer and retaining warmth during winter, contributing to improve energy efficiency and low emissivity.
Styles of Storm Doors
Storm doors are available in various styles to suit different needs and preferences. The Fullview Retractable Storm Door, for instance, features a complete glass panel that maximizes natural light while a retractable screen provides seasonal ventilation. This style is perfect for those who want an unobstructed view and the flexibility to enjoy fresh air during warmer months with retractable screen storm doors.
Other popular styles include the ¾ Light Panel and ½ Light Panel doors. The ¾ Light Panel Ventilating Storm Door includes a glass panel covering three-quarters of its surface, along with a built-in insect screen for effective ventilation. These doors are available in various styles and configurations, including options with panels.
The ½ Light Panel Ventilating Storm Door, with a full glass panel occupying half the door, offers space for a pet door, combining allowing natural light with privacy and convenience. The design creates a window for light and visibility.
Benefits of Installing a Storm Door
Installing a storm door comes with a multitude of benefits, ranging from improved insulation and enhanced ventilation to added security. Each of these benefits contributes to making your home more comfortable, energy-efficient, and secure. To install a storm door effectively, consider these advantages.
Each of these advantages deserves a closer look.
Improved Insulation
One of the primary benefits of a storm door is its ability to improve insulation. Storm doors maintain indoor warmth during winter and block heat in summer by acting as an extra barrier against harsh weather. This added layer of insulation can significantly reduce energy costs by minimizing heat loss and preventing drafts.
Materials like wood offer excellent insulation but require more maintenance, while aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant but can provide insulation. Fiberglass combines strength with weather resistance, making it an ideal choice for areas with extreme weather conditions.
Heavy-duty weatherstripping further enhances extra weather protection and added protection against drafts, ensuring your house remains energy efficient through home improvement.
Improved Ventilation
Storm doors also offer enhanced ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate while keeping insects out. Built-in screens in storm doors provide unobstructed views and essential airflow, making it easy to enjoy fresh air without compromising on comfort or security.
In milder climates, storm doors with interchangeable screens offer an ideal solution. These screens can be swapped out, depending on the season, to either allow for better ventilation or provide extra protection against harsh weather. This flexibility ensures you can make the most of your storm door year-round.
Added Security
Security is a significant advantage of installing a storm door. Acting as an additional barrier, storm doors enhance the security of your home by making it more difficult for potential intruders to gain access. Many storm doors come equipped with advanced locking mechanisms, such as deadbolts, providing an extra layer of protection.
Steel storm doors are particularly known for their strength and durability, offering enhanced security against break-ins. These features ensure that your home remains safe and secure, giving you peace of mind with a glass storm door.
Choosing the Right Storm Door for Your Home
Selecting the right storm door for your home involves considering several factors, including the material, cost, and aesthetic appeal. Aluminum frames and solid wood cores are common options, each offering unique benefits. While wood provides excellent insulation, aluminum is more weather-resistant and requires less maintenance, making the framing of your door an important consideration.
When it comes to cost, storm doors generally range from $100 to $800, depending on the material and features. Choosing a storm door that complements your home’s style and meets functional needs enhances both the look and performance of your entryway.
Measuring and Installing a Storm Door
Proper measurement is crucial for a successful storm door installation. Start by measuring the width of the door opening at the top, middle, and bottom, keeping the smallest measurement. Next, measure the height from the sill to the trim at the top. Ensure you have a 1-inch wide and 1-inch deep mounting surface for proper installation.
If the existing door opening is larger than the storm door, shims can be used to adjust the fit. Decide which side the door should open from, taking into account convenience and space. Use a level to ensure that the door frame is level during installation, which is key to a secure and functional fit.
Standard storm door widths are commonly available in 30, 32, 34, and 36 inches, but custom sizes can go up to 8 feet high. This variety ensures that you can find the perfect fit for your home, regardless of its dimensions.
Maintaining Your Storm Door
Maintaining your storm door is essential to ensure its longevity and functionality. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water helps maintain its appearance and performance. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface and hardware of the door.
A mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water keeps the glass clear and reduces streaking. Lightly oiling the hinges as needed prevents rusting and ensures smooth operation.
Additionally, applying a high-quality auto wax can protect the finish of your storm door, keeping it looking new and extending its lifespan.
Storm Doors vs. Screen Doors
While both storm doors and screen doors offer unique benefits, they serve different purposes. Storm doors are designed to protect the front door from bad weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rain, or snow. They are constructed from heavier, more durable materials, making them suitable for year-round use.
Screen doors, on the other hand, are primarily used during warmer months to allow fresh air in while keeping insects out, enhancing the exterior of your home. A screen door is typically lighter and meant for seasonal use.
Storm doors also enhance curb appeal with a variety of styles and designs, creating a more inviting exterior door for guests.
Adkins Sons & Windows
Adkins Sons & Windows offers a variety of storm doors designed to protect homes from severe weather while enhancing curb appeal and functionality. Their storm doors, sourced from Fox Aluminum Products, are known for their durability and customization options. Features like interlocking hinges and heavy aluminum screens improve security and energy efficiency.
As a family-owned business established in 1979, Adkins & Sons combines industry experience with personalized service to ensure customer satisfaction. They offer free installation on qualifying storm door orders, adding value and convenience for homeowners.
Summary
Storm doors are a valuable addition to any home, offering protection against harsh weather, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing security. By understanding the materials, styles, and benefits of storm doors, homeowners can make informed decisions to choose the perfect storm door for their needs.
Whether you prioritize insulation, ventilation, or security, a high-quality storm door can meet your requirements while adding aesthetic appeal to your entryway. Consider investing in a storm door from a reputable provider like Adkins Sons & Windows to enjoy these benefits and more.
