Homeowner’s DIY Guide to Storm Doors
Choosing a storm door is no longer a matter of going to the home store and picking up “a” storm door. Storm doors today come in a variety of styles, designs and colors. Door functions include ventilation, lighting and security. Door style and design can be tailored to one function or a combination of functions.
Choosing the right storm door is a personal thing. It’s all about you. Your style, your needs and the message you want your home to send. Storm door materials, ventilation and lighting are the options to be considered and decided upon.
Storm Door Materials: Frames and Glass
Frames
Popular storm door frames are aluminum and wood core aluminum or vinyl covered frames. Aluminum is lightweight and inexpensive. While they are maintenance free and rust proof, they can bend, twist, and may rattle.
Aluminum framed storm doors are usually easy to operate and do not require a lot of strength to open and close.
Aluminum or vinyl covered wood core frames are a more heavy-duty frame than plain aluminum. They’re built to resist denting, bending, warping, and sagging. Storm doors made with these frames may require a bit more strength to open and close.
Glass
Storm door glass is available in three types: standard, laminated and decorative.
Standard storm door glass is an impact resistant tempered glass. When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into tiny, blunt pieces of glass instead of jagged, sharp pieces. Tempered glass is an important safety feature, especially for homes where children, pets or elderly family members reside.
Tempered, standard glass is less expensive than other glass forms. It’s a convenient way to let light or ventilation into your home while maintaining a low security level.
Laminated security glass provides security and safety. A layer of plastic sandwiched between two glass layers allows the glass to withstand hammering blows without breaking. Security glass with built in UV protection blocks 99% of UV rays.
Using laminated security glass results in a sturdy door that isn’t easily broken and reduced outside noise. Heating and cooling costs are reduced and furnishings are protected from sun fade.
Decorative glass is all about design. Styles and designs abound. Clear, tinted, etched, and stained are some of the options available. Cost varies according to style and design. The more complex and elegant the style, the greater the cost.
Storm Door Ventilation and Lighting Properties
Ventilation
Storm doors with glass and screen change out feature both glass and screen panels that must be switched out. The screen is good for ventilation during warm weather. The panel that isn’t being used must be safely stored until needed.
Half screen storm doors with self storage have both glass and screen panels inside the door at all times. Lowering the glass panel reveals the screen.
Full screen double vent (multi-vent) storm doors feature two glass panels that glide from top to bottom for ventilation at the desired level.
Retracting storm doors have a screen that stores in a cassette when not needed and pulls down from the top when in use.
Lighting
High or top view storm doors are solid with glass in the upper portion of the door. This style affords the least light. Middle view storm doors feature a frame that’s a bit above the bottom of the storm door frame. Total or full view storm doors contain a full panel of glass or a full size screen. This style lets in the most light.
Modern storm doors are much more than they used to be. Homeowners have a wide variety of choices in color, style, and design. When it comes time to choose the perfect storm door, consider security, lighting and ventilation needs.
Consider the function of the storm door. Is it just for looks or will the door be used? Who will use it? Must it provide a layer of security? What about lighting? Is the neighborhood noisy?
Armed with the answers to these questions, you can choose the right storm door for your home and lifestyle.
