What is the primary purpose of a storm door?

Storm doors protect your main entry door from the elements, provide an extra layer of insulation for energy efficiency, and allow for ventilation when used with screen panels.

What are the different types of storm door frames?

The most common frame materials are aluminum, vinyl, and wood (often wood-core with a vinyl or aluminum skin). Aluminum is the most popular for its durability, lightweight, and low maintenance.

What is a Full-View storm door?

A full-view storm door features a full-length glass panel, letting in maximum light and showcasing your main entry door. The glass can often be swapped out for a full-length screen in the summer.

What is the benefit of a 'Self-Storing' storm door?

Self-storing doors have a built-in screen that slides into the door frame when not in use. This eliminates the need to remove and store a large glass or screen panel when you want ventilation.

Can a storm door help with energy efficiency?

Yes. A well-installed storm door creates an insulating pocket of air between it and the main door, reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

Do I need a storm door if I have a high-quality entry door?

While modern entry doors are very durable, a storm door can still provide value by offering a screen for fresh air and protecting decorative glass or wood finishes from direct rain, snow, and UV rays.

What should I measure when buying a storm door?

You need to measure the width and height of the door opening (where the storm door frame will sit). Take measurements at the top, middle, and bottom for width, and both sides for height, to ensure the opening is square.

What is a 'Mid-View' vs. 'High-View' storm door?

Mid-view doors have a solid panel at the bottom (usually 1/3 to 1/2 of the door), which is more durable for high-traffic areas. High-view doors have an even larger solid bottom panel, often used for side or back entries.

Can I get a storm door with a pet door built-in?

Yes, many manufacturers offer storm doors with integrated pet doors in various sizes, allowing your pets to come and go while the main entry door remains closed and secure.

What hardware features should I look for?

Look for heavy-duty closers (to prevent the door from slamming), keyed deadbolts for extra security, and ergonomic handles that match your home's style.

Storm Doors offer an extra layer of insulation and security to the home. While a Storm Door will cover the front of the home’s main entry, it will protect the front door from inclement weather. If inserted with a screen, a storm door can provide fresh air when opened.

Full View storm doors are constructed with a full pane of glass, which offers a full view of the entry door and maximum daylight, and when fitted with a screen, a sizeable area for fresh air exchange. Screens may be full view, requiring the glass to be removed and stored, or retractable with self-storing space for the glass.

Split View storm doors contain a glass panel on top and bottom with the ability to slide the upper glass into the lower section, or to be removed and stored. A screen on top offers ventilation. The screen may be retractable into an upper chamber, or fitted into the upper portion.

Mid View storm doors have glass panes about three-quarters of the way down the door with a kick plate area at the bottom. A screen may be fixed into the upper portion with the glass panel removed or slid into the lower panel area.

High View storm doors have a glass panel in the upper portion and a solid lower panel. The glass panel may be interchangeable with a screen or have the ability to slide into the lower panel to provide ventilation.

Security Door — Several points of locking, as well as a sturdy aluminum or steel panels with steel mesh screen to deter unwanted entry.

Panel Screen — Removable or permanent screen inserted into the frame for full, split, mid or high view ventilation.

Retractable Screen — Screen rolls down to provide ventilation, and rolls back up into a pocket of the frame.

Wood — The door’s frame and panels are constructed of wood with an exterior cladding of vinyl or aluminum to protect the unit from the weather and to extend the lifetime of the door. Wood is a natural insulator and is strong for maintaining the structure in holding the glass panels. The cladding is rust free and requires little or no maintenance.

Vinyl — The least expensive option, vinyl does not show scratches as the color is throughout the extrusion, can be energy efficient with insulation in the extrusion chambers, and comes in a variety of colors.

Aluminum — Hollow core or foam filled chambered aluminum requires little or no maintenance, won’t rust and is structurally strong. Long lasting, the doors can meet Energy Star requirements when insulation is included and energy-efficient glass used in the panels.

Steel — Heavy gauge steel panels on a solid core or aluminum frame are maintenance free, won’t rust and have a long life.

Material: Aluminum storm doors are the most expensive. Steel insulated storm security doors may be comparable in price with wood clad and vinyl the lower cost options.

Glazing: Options such as decorative glass inserts, beveled glass or tinted, Low-E glass will increase the price but may satisfy the desires of the homeowner. Full view glazing adds to the cost when compared to Mid-View or High-View glazing.

Screens: Steel security screens are more expensive, but may provide added security to warrant the price. Retractable screen doors also have a higher price than doors with panel screens.

Hardware: The number of hinges, the style of hardware and locking systems will have an impact on the cost of the door.