Ever wondered about those extra doors in front of entry doors and their functionality? Storm doors, as they are commonly known, play a vital role in protecting your home and entry door from the harsh elements of weather.
However, did you know these handy doors also provide more benefits, such as insulation, security, and more? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what’s a storm door, its benefits, and the styles it offers. Keep reading to find out if storm door installation is right for your home improvement!
What Is a Storm Door?
A storm door serves as an exterior layer of protection for your exterior door and home, acting as a shield against harsh weather conditions and elements. But it’s not just about protection; it also offers versatility through retractable or interchangeable glass and screen panels. This feature allows you to keep the glass panels up for insulation during winter or lower them in the summer to invite fresh air in. Keep in mind that the availability of this feature varies depending on the manufacturer and model.
What Is the Difference Between Storm Doors and Screen Doors?
Both screen doors and storm doors serve important roles in your home, keeping out insects while promoting airflow and sunlight. However, there’s a key difference in the level of protection they offer. Screen doors are lightweight and somewhat flimsy, typically designed to hold only screens. On the other hand, storm doors are sturdier and capable of supporting glass panes, providing superior protection against the elements.
Types of Storm Doors
Now that we have an understanding of what a storm door is, let’s dive into its varieties. Storm doors typically come in wooden or aluminum frames. Additionally, there are various storm door styles, the choice of which comes down to your preferences and needs.
1. Full—View Storm Doors
Full—view storm doors offer an unobstructed view through a full glass panel or multiple panes spanning the entire length of the door. This design showcases your front door’s aesthetics with minimal obstruction. It’s also the best option for ample air ventilation and sunlight. Opting for Low—E glass is a wise choice as it efficiently insulates and reflects heat while blocking harmful UV rays.
2. Mid—View Storm Doors
Sometimes referred to as partial—view storm doors, these doors sport a generously sized glass pane that doesn’t cover the entire door. It still occupies most of the door, either in a single pane or split into two. Mid—view storm doors are recommended for high—traffic areas, offering protection with their sturdy metal panels at the bottom.
3. High—View Storm Doors
High—view storm doors share similarities with mid—view ones, but their glass and screen panels cover only about half of the door’s length.
4. Ventilating Storm Doors
Also known as self—storing or retractable screen storm doors, ventilating storm doors offer flexibility by housing both glass and screen panels. You can easily raise or lower the glass, allowing fresh air in on warm days through the screen panel and providing insulation by retracting it on colder days.
5. Security Storm Doors
For enhanced security, consider security storm doors, which are built to safeguard your home. Crafted from robust steel and featuring sturdy metal bars, these doors provide an added layer of protection. They often come equipped with reinforced locks and non—removable pin hinges to bolster security.
Benefits of a Storm Door
There are many benefits of storm doors that make them a valuable addition to your home.
1. Weather Protection
Storm doors provide essential protection for your home and entry door against various weather elements such as rain, snow, and sunlight. They also prevent water from infiltrating your home and shield your entry door from high winds.
2. Air Ventilation
During the summer, storm doors allow you to enjoy fresh air while keeping pesky bugs at bay. You can keep your front door open with the storm door shut, thanks to its screen panels.
3. Natural Light
Storm doors allow ample sunlight to enter your home, brightening your entryway. This is particularly valuable for long hallways that may become dark when the front door is closed.
4. Security
Storm doors come equipped with various locking systems, including deadbolt locks, providing an additional layer of home security. This added security makes it more challenging for intruders to gain access and helps keep your home safe.
5. Energy Efficiency
Storm doors are highly effective at insulating your home, reducing energy loss and drafts. The air pocket between the main door and the storm door acts a bit similarly to the insulation provided by double—glazed windows, improving the efficiency of your HVAC system and lowering energy bills.
6. Aesthetics
With a wide range of stylish storm doors available, along with various glass options such as beveled, tinted, stained, or privacy glass, you can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your entryway. These customization options also allow you to match the door to your home’s exterior seamlessly.
Drawbacks of Storm Doors
While there are many benefits of storm doors, they may not be the ideal choice for every home. Consider both the functionality and the pros and cons to determine if a storm door installation is the right decision for your home.
1. Potential Heat Build—Up
During hot weather, there is a risk of storm doors trapping heat between them and the entry door, which could potentially damage the entry door. Opting for Low—E glass can help alleviate this concern.
2. Inconvenience of Extra Door
Some individuals may find storm doors slightly inconvenient because they add an extra door to open and close. For example, this can draw your ire when you have your hands full of groceries.
3. Obstruction of Main Door’s Aesthetics
If you love the aesthetics of your main entry door, a storm door can be a downside. It can greatly obstruct its appearance, especially if it’s not a full—view storm door. Nevertheless, keep in mind that storm doors also offer a variety of attractive design options!
4. Cost Factor
High—quality storm doors can come with significant upfront costs. It’s essential to consider whether the investment aligns with your home’s needs and your budget.
Do You Need a Storm Door For Your Home?
So, are storm doors necessary for your home? The decision to install a storm door depends on various factors, including your climate, home design, and personal preferences.
If you live in a region with extreme weather conditions, a storm door can provide valuable protection and energy efficiency. Additionally, if you prioritize aesthetics and security, a storm door may be an attractive addition to your home.
However, if you live in a mild climate with minimal weather challenges, and have the door under an overhang or porch, the need for a storm door may be less pressing.
Storm Door Installation in Toronto: Install a Storm Door & Protect Your Home Today
A storm door, typically positioned in front of your entry door, serves as a protective shield against harsh weather elements. What sets it apart from screen doors is its robustness, capable of supporting glass panes for superior weather protection.
Storm doors come in various styles, including full—view, mid—view, and high—view options, as well as specialized security variants. These doors offer numerous advantages, such as weather protection, enhanced ventilation, increased natural light, added security, and improved energy efficiency.
However, potential heat buildup, slight inconvenience, aesthetic considerations, and cost should be weighed when deciding whether to install one. Ultimately, the need for a storm door hinges on your specific climate conditions and personal preferences.
If you’re ready to explore a storm door installation in Toronto, contact us today. Our experts have years of experience providing Toronto homeowners with the best functioning and beautiful doors that last and improve your home.
Embrace the benefits of storm doors and enjoy a more comfortable, secure, and beautiful home with Faster Locksmith.