Storm Doors

Among the home’s most essential doors is a storm door. Storm doors are practical choices for people who want their doors to be mainly functional.During chilly winter season, storm doors block drafts, lessening the loss of energy and heat that allows savings in heating costs, plus the added security it provides. They shield the main door from exterior elements, as well as allow extra light and controlled ventilation when the main door is open.

Storm doors are installed outside an exterior or main door, which helps in insulating the home through creating an added layer of air space in between the main door and the storm door. A storm door also help keep out pests, insects, and pets; but more than just practicality, the innovative breed of today’s storm doors have been topped with stylish curb appeal.

The storm doors evolution started years ago with the changing of typical “aluminum mill finish” to other colors such as dark brown, green, sand, almond, white, and others, as well as a change in the decoration and construction of storm doors. The usual visible screws of storm doors disappeared and materials turned into more sophisticated ones, along with various selections in the market.

Today, a home owner can choose from great looking, hard-wearing storm doors having solid brass storm door hardware, full-sized glass panels in stained, etched, or beveled design, deadbolt locks, and more.

Although the majority of storm doors are manufactured by a lot of companies, every company offers their own line of doors and within every line lays numerous models. Take for instance Larson storm door which has seven lines with more than forty models, and a price ranging from $79 to $450, or the line of Cole Sewell which is similar but has a price range of $99 to $400.

Prices will vary because of the added features that these companies integrate with the product, but the basic construction of the storm door will be the same. The majority of storm doors are sold as “pre-hung” units with standard door width. Double-door kits or hinged models are also available; these “pre-framed modules” are rather easy to install and those with the “do-it-yourself” skill can usually install one within half the day.

In choosing storm doors, one of the main factors to consider is the size and type of window and screen system of the storm door. Many are constructed in a way that one can remove and replace its “clip-in glass panels” with screens and vice-versa. A panel with full-glass height is an excellent choice if one wants to show their front door or make the most of views and light.
The mid-view storm door has sections that can be opened or closed independently providing more ventilation control. The high-view storm door is pretty much similar but its glazed section only lengthens to about half of the door’s height.

Another thing to consider in picking a storm door is its construction. Every major storm dorm manufacturer produces storm doors that have solid wood cores, clad with “permanently-bonded” covering of aluminum, plus given a “baked-on-enamel” finish. The solid wood core makes storm doors sturdy to stop rattling, denting, or twisting; while its aluminum covering is almost maintenance-free, but can scrape.

If security is a priority, then choose substance over design. Security storm doors are usually constructed with “heavy-duty” aluminum frame that has a solid wood core. Opt for “heavy-gauge” aluminum bars intended to endure pulling forces of more than 250 pounds; better yet, steel bars welded in place. Also have deadbolts and hinges that are tamper-proof.

The choices for storm doors are countless, checking and comparing prices from different manufacturers will help you decide. Whatever the preference, storm doors are always functional and an added asset to every home.