Everything You Need to Know About Storm Doors

The right storm door will protect your door and enhance your living space. Are you interested in learning more about storm doors? If you’re thinking about buying and installing one, you’ll want to know all there is to know so that you can make an informed decision. Keep reading to find answers to some of the most common questions about storm door installation.

Do You Require a Storm Door?

When you are considering if a storm door is something you want, there are some things to consider. One of them is the climate in your region. It’s a good idea to buy and install a storm door if your exterior door is exposed to the elements. That said, you might not need to get one if your exterior door is relatively new, properly insulated, and energy-efficient. You can usually skip a storm door if you reside in a relatively warm climate area. 

The Department of Energy advises that people whose exterior doors get daily direct sunlight adding up to the north of a couple of hours should steer clear of getting storm doors. The reason is that the glass in storm doors will retain heat and possibly jeopardize the exterior doors. If your exterior door is protected by, say, an overhang, you can skip a storm door.

What is the Best Storm Doors Material?

Aluminum is the most commonly used material for storm doors. The reason is that it has superior weather resistance properties and is easy to install.  You can get it in different thickness levels. The thicker it is, the more durable it is. You can also get some storm doors that have wood cores. But they lack the durability of aluminum doors.

What Storm Door Size Should You Choose?

The standard sizes for storm doors are 32″ and 36″ wide, but some are available in configurations of 30″ and 34″. You can also get a custom size. Some models are as big as 8’ high. You can figure out the right size for your exterior door by taking the proper measurements. First, measure the opening width within the door frame (horizontally). Second, take three additional measurements–namely across the top, bottom, and middle. Write down the narrowest dimension. Take a measurement of the opening height (vertically). Write down the shortest dimension. Now you’ll have the right storm door size.

What Storm Door Color to Choose?

Storm doors come with glass panels, so the one you buy will make it easy to see the color of your front door. Since most storm doors are color neutral in nature, you don’t have to be too particular about the color of the storm door you buy.

Do You Require a Storm Door Closer?

Do you really need a storm door closer? It refers to a device that stops storm doors and screen doors from swinging uncontrollably when there are strong winds. Investing in a storm door closer makes sense if you wish to have your door close gently. It can come in the form of a stoor stop or a closer that will restrict how far your door can open. A doorstop has a chain connected to a spring, while a closer is usually installed on the bottom.

Can You Put a Dog Door in a Storm Door?

Yes, you can. Putting a pet door in a storm door will give your exterior door the protection it needs and provide a way for your pet to go in and out of the home as it needs to. Going this route also means you want to have to cut a hole into your main door.

Do Storm Doors Have Screens?

A storm door has separate glass and screen panels that you can swap out as required. When not being used, you can access a retractable screen. Standard screens are fixed in place and the glass panels slide upward and downward. Some retailers also offer options that include built-in pet doors.

If you have more questions that were not answered here, get in touch with a door installation specialist who can assist you, like us at Falcon Windows and Doors. 

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