What Are Storm Doors? [A Detailed Guide]

A storm door is a second outer door commonly installed for safety against storms.

It also allows for ventilation in fair weather. Also, it provides a clear view outside the main door.

Storm doors feature two kinds of panels, including interchangeable glass panels and screen panels. Storm doors are available in many materials and sizes.

The most common type of material used in storm door is aluminum. It also comes in wood, vinyl (PVC), steel, and fiberglass, which directly configures the price and longevity of the storm door.

The latest versions of the storm doors are more helpful in providing a safe environment inside the house even if the severe wind is blowing outside. It never comprises the primary function of fighting extreme weather conditions.

The aluminum storm door lasts longer than any other type as it is durable and rust-free. It is also expensive because of its long-lasting and reliable properties. In terms of stable weather conditions, a vinyl (PVC) storm door is a good option, but it won’t last long. It works best for small houses and compact rooms.

The history of storm doors dates back to the 18^th century. An employee at sieve making company had the idea of using excessive material coated with wire to protect the main screen doors from insects and dust particles. The idea became popular that laid the foundation for screen doors that were efficient in protecting the house from different flies and insects.

Later on, Americans started manufacturing wood door frames to protect their exterior door from major damage. The exact inventor and manufacturer of the storm doors are  not known. But these little discoveries put a helping hand to the invention of storm doors.

Let us discuss storm doors properties in detail.

Storm Door

A storm door is an outside door placed in front of the main door or back door primarily for the protection against extreme weather, particularly in the winter.

It also allows additional ventilation when the hotter weather comes. You can find variety of storm doors with glass fronts that screen panels.  You can replace them when required. It all depends on the design you select.

In some cases, the glass panel is removed, and therefore the screen is put in when warmer weather comes, then the glass panel is replaced in the fall in preparation for winter. Here’s, how to install storm doors!

What Is The Ideal Material For A Storm Door?

The ideal material for a storm door is aluminum. An aluminum storm door is preferred because of its durable and rust-free properties. It can survive for longer durations.

The steel storm door costs more than any other type because it is not widely available and steel is a rare metal to be available in the market. The cheapest storm door comes in fiberglass but that won’t last long.

The durability and reliability of the storm door depend on the exposure and frequency of use. The storm door used in big houses and commercial buildings will cost more as it has to protect the big area from flying insects and a windy atmosphere.

People who care about environmental health might not want to consider the whole aluminum door as it is responsible for blocking the fresh air. So you need to install a door that allows proper ventilation.

What Are The Different Types Of Storm Doors?

 

There are three major types of storm doors.

Full-view storm door: It is a full-sized door that brings more light to your house. If your house is located close to nature, you will be able to get a full view with its crystal clear glass covered in a hard frame.

Mid-view storm door: It is a storm door with see-through and protective glass on the upper side of the door, while the solid and rigid material is on the bottom of the door. This door is perfect for frequent usage.

High-view storm door: It is a storm door that provides a full view of the outside atmosphere. It has solid glass on the upper side while the hard part is at the bottom. The real advantage of this door is  creating an entrance at the bottom of the door.

What Is The Ideal Size Of The Storm Door?

The ideal size of the storm door depends on the exposure to the environment and frequency of use. It works differently for residential and commercial purposes. A big house will need plenty of storm doors installed in different locations to have safe and protective feelings.

What size storm door do I need? It depends on the size of your door and window frames. First, you need to check the size of the door frame where you desire to install the storm door.

Usually, storm doors come with a standard height of 80 inches with a width varying from 30-36 inches. You can also get a customized size storm door according to your desired measurements. In most parts of the world, 36 by 80 inches is the desired size that can easily meet the demands.

You might also want to consider the quality of the storm door. A high-quality storm door will work for years without damage, and won’t even require maintenance.

What Are The Use Cases Of A Storm Door?

Some of the use cases of a storm door are as follows:

• Protects from windy weather
• Limits the wild insects from flying inside the house
• Maintains the inner temperature of the house
• Provides better security as it is hard to break
• Reduces the outside noise

Once you have installed the storm door, you will come to know more use cases of this product.

Storm Doors Provide Security

One of the most common ways burglars force an entry into a house is through the front door. Burglars can break one door more quickly than two of them. For this reason, installing a storm door protects against break-ins.

 However, if you like a storm door that gives optimum security, consider these features:

• The frame of the door is formed out of steel that’s a minimum of 16-gauge
• The hinges of the door are tamper-resistant
• The door is formed with heavy-duty tempered laminated glass
• The door contains a double lock so that it uses a key in and out of doors

You can also get the following benefits from the storm doors.

Doors Increase Energy Efficiency

One of the best features about storm doors is their design, as they are made to increase energy efficiency automatically.

Most storm doors contain three layers. These layers include a front and back layer alongside a layer of insulation in the middle.

When you install a door, you can get the potential to extend your home’s energy efficiency by up to 45 percent. Storm doors keep cold air outside in the winter, which helps to scale back your heating bill.

In the summertime, a door keeps the warmth out, suggesting you can use less air conditioning. Storm doors are tightly fitted inside the door frame, which protects from air leaking inside.

 Pros and Cons of Storm Doors

 Pros:

• Allows for ventilation in sunshine
• Adds the option of outside visibility for homes with solid doors
• Let’s in light but keeps out bugs
• May protect your main entry door from snow, rain, and ice
• Available in multiple options, styles, colors, etc.

Cons:

• Could cause build in heat which will harm your entry door
• Not necessary if your door exist under a covered overhang or porch
• It may be inconvenient when carrying groceries or young children

Do I need A Storm Door?

 

Consider your climate when deciding whether or not a storm door is a sensible option for your home. If your door is exposed to the weather, a screen door is a good option.

You can avoid the option of having a storm door if you’ve got a replacement, well-sealed, energy-efficient front entrance.

Warmer climates don’t need storm doors to protect the door against winter weather, but the screen door would allow air to circulate during nice weather.

According to the Department of Energy, if your outside door receives a few hours of direct sun every day, you can skip the storm door.

The glass will absorb heat against the entry door and will damage it. Additionally, if your door is on a porch or under an overhang where it’s shielded from the weather, you don’t need a storm door.

Purpose of a Storm Door

A storm door serves several purposes. It allows additional light and increased ventilation into your home while still shielding from bugs.

When the weather is good, it allows you to open your entry door.

If you have a solid outside door and need the choice to observe kids play outside or let light into the house, a storm door allows that flexibility. When properly installed, the storm door can also protect your main entry door from rain, ice, and snow.

Another purpose is to feature extra insulation against air leaks. Storm doors can make a pocket of insulation that keeps cold air out and warm air in.

What’s The Difference Between A Screen Door And A Storm Door?

A screen door is usually used to protect the house from insects, while the storm door is typically heavier and hard to break (good in providing security).

Do storm doors come with a frame?

Most storm door comes with a pre-hung frame and includes all the hardware accessories needed for installation.

Are storm doors impact-resistant?

Yes, storm doors are made of high-quality material that is hard and rigid and provides impact-resistant properties.

Does a storm door keep the cold out?

Yes, storm doors work as an insulator and can maintain the hot or cold atmosphere inside the house.

Should I put a storm door on my front door?

Yes, if your front door is exposed to bad weather, then a storm door will be a good protector of your house from bad elements and harsh weather conditions.

What Are The Best Storm Door Brands?

The best storm door brands so far are:

Best value storm door: LARSON

Best overall storm door: Croft Metals

Best eco-friendly storm door: Anderson

Best cost-friendly storm door: EMCO

What Is The Lifespan Of A Storm Door?

The average life span of a storm door is 20-30 years, depending on the quality and the type you have. It is a hard and rigid ,and will serve for longer durations.

Other factors on which the lifespan of a storm door depends:

• Maintenance
• Routine checkup
• Quality
• Stiffness of the material
• Exposure to bad weather

The average cost of a single storm door varies from $300-$800.

How Does Culture Affect The Usage Of A Storm Door?

People use storm doors to keep the house bugs free. They are the best fit for farmhouses inside the deep forest. In old times, the world was not populated, so there was a security concern. Storm doors took the big markets in every region of the world as a direct product for providing expert security to houses.

People nowadays are bound to install storm door that helps provide a clear view outside and maintains the inner temperature.

What Are The Alternates For The Storm Door?

Soundproof blanket: It is similar to a storm door. Both are used to protect the doors or inner house from extreme weather. Soundproof blankets are more frequently used to dampen low and high-pitch sounds.

Screen door: It works along with the storm door. Both are used to limit insects from coming inside. But screen doors are mostly a quick source of natural light to the house. They are purely transparent doors from top to bottom.

Fly screen: It also works similar to a storm door. Both refrain the bugs and other particles from getting inside the house. But the fly screen is primarily designed to save the house from insects and bugs while allowing the fresh air to cross.

What Are The Features Of A Superior Storm Door?

Some of the best features of a storm door include the following.

Maintains the inner temperature: The storm door works as an insulator and keeps the inner temperature up to the mark as desired.

Keep insects outside: It never allows any insects or bugs to travel inside the house. It works as the best safeguard against flies and insects.

Natural light: Allows the natural light to enter the house from its transparent part.

What Are The Constituents Of The Storm Door?

Here are some of the elements of the storm door:

Material: It consists of wood, aluminum, PVC, or fiberglass from which it is made.

Pigment: It gives different colors to the storm doors.

Lock: A strong and secure lock is present at one side of the door.

Handle grip: A handle is used to get a good grip on the door while opening and closing.

How Did The Storm Door Get Its Name?

The exact history of storm door’s name is unknown ,but it was the need of the hour and helped provide a safe space inside the house.

Facing frequent storms is a problem in some regions of the world and storm doors serve the same purpose with extreme efficiency. People call it by different names in different countries. It is also called a protective door, wind door, and double door.

What Is The History Of A Storm Door?

The history of a storm door is not too old. The concept of a double door jumped into the market with the problem of insects and flies getting inside the house. In the 18^th century, an employee at a sieve-making company had the idea of using excessive coated wire to protect the main screen door from flies and insects.

This concept of screen door laid the foundations of a storm door. It is made from a hard material that is strong enough to hold extreme weather and a windy atmosphere. Storm doors are extremely vulnerable to bad weather conditions and also increase your house’s security. Today, storm doors are much more advanced than their initial version.

Conclusion

Do not underestimate a storm door. A storm door lives up to its name and provides an additional layer of protection for your home. It protects your main entry door from the weather — acting as a barrier against damage from wind, rain, and snow.

Moreover, it’s the finishing piece to your home’s exterior — giving it a personality and style charm. An elegant feature that enhances your property value. If you’re planning for home improvement, primarily your home exterior, getting a storm door installed should be a priority on your list.