Doors (Storm) Buying Guide

Getting Started

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.

Styles

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.

Materials

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.

Price Considerations

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.