Photo credit: Swoolverton. License. Photo was cropped and straightened.
Whether you’re looking to replace your front door or a side door on your home, finding the right replacement door type for you can be difficult.
So as you’re looking at the different replacement door types, you see fiberglass doors, vinyl doors, steel doors, and storm doors, to name a few. But...storm doors? What is that, a door to protect your home from harsh storms?
While fiberglass, vinyl, wood, and steel are types of materials used for doors, a storm door is a style of door, like an entry or patio door.
The term “storm” in front of any item typically makes one think of rain, thunderstorms, hurricanes, or tornadoes. So, naturally, if you describe a door as a storm door, you might think that the door is designed specifically to withstand all storms.
While that definition is not entirely false, we’re here to clear up the definition of a storm door so you can fully understand what type of door this is.
Southwest Exteriors has been an exterior remodeling contractor in San Antonio since 1989. We specialize in entry and sliding replacement doors for your home and offer a variety of door types like fiberglass entry doors, clad sliding doors, and custom-designed doors.
Although storm doors are not particularly popular in Texas homes, we do offer them. They provide an added barrier to your home and can protect it from weather elements.
However, we know that the term “storm” in front of a door can be misleading. When you’re looking for a replacement door, you’re probably thinking, “Is this something I need?”
This article will define exactly what a storm door is, its benefits and drawbacks, and whether or not a storm door might be right for you.
After reading, you will understand what a storm door really is and whether or not it may be the door you are looking for.
What is a storm door?
Although a storm door may sound like something made of steel to protect you from the harshest weather, it’s actually much simpler than that.
A storm door is a secondary door that provides an added barrier to your entry door from the exterior. They are made with a rectangular door frame with glass panels that make up the majority of the door.
What is a storm door made of?
Storm doors are typically made with an aluminum front and backing with insulating foam material within the frame. Aluminum is one of the best materials resistant to weathering, which makes it the perfect material for a storm door.
However, storm doors can also be made of wood, fiberglass, and vinyl, like other full entry doors.
The glass panels can sometimes be customized into as many panels as you’d like with different options for screens and shades.
A storm door is used not only for added protection to your main door and home but has many other benefits.
What are the benefits of a storm door?
If you’re thinking about adding a storm door to your home, the first thing you want to know is what kind of benefits it will provide.
A storm door can be an accessory to your home but can also provide benefits in comfort and energy efficiency. But, what are some of the specific benefits a storm door has?
#1. Improved insulation to your home
The first benefit of a storm door is that it can provide improved insulation to your home. Because it is essentially another barrier to the inside of your home, it helps to insulate it.
Adding more layers to your home is just like adding layers to your body when it is cold. The more insulation you have, the warmer your home will be during the winter and the cooler it will be during the summer.
#2. Added ventilation to your home
A storm door with screens allows you to ventilate your home and let fresh air in when the weather permits. Fresh air can provide many health benefits like improving your digestive system, immune system, and blood pressure.
If you love to have your windows open when a cool, fall breeze blows through the air, then a storm door can provide even more ventilation for your home.
#3. Added security to your home
Just as a storm door provides an added layer of insulation for your home, it also provides an added barrier of security.
A storm door can function the same as a typical entry door with standard door locks. This means that it can function as a protective layer to your home and your front or side door, making it more difficult to enter your home in case of an attempted intrusion.
#4. Aesthetics of a storm door
The final benefit of a storm door is the aesthetic value it can add to your home. Because a storm door is made of large glass panels, it is almost like a big window.
If you love to look outside and let the sunshine into your home, then a storm door will allow you to bring the outside in.
What are the drawbacks of a storm door?
While there are benefits to installing a storm door in your home, every product has its potential drawbacks.
A storm door does have more benefits than disadvantages, however, depending on your goals for your home, such as budgeting and security, the drawbacks may outweigh the benefits.
#1. Added cost
A storm door can cost anywhere from $200 to upwards of $1,000. While this cost is still less than the cost of a typical entry door, it is still not cheap.
If you know a storm door is something you want to invest in and are ready to install, then the cost may not be much of a disadvantage to you. However, if you’re looking into a storm door but aren’t ready to pay for one yet, then the cost of a high-quality storm door can be a drawback.
#2. Less privacy
Although allowing more sunlight and fresh air is a benefit of a storm door, it can also be a drawback. Whenever you decide to open your windows or doors to let air and light in, you must be aware of what is outside.
Because a storm door is similar to a window to the world, it can be a little scary to have a glass door in front of your home. It can be a privacy breach at times. This is important to consider and keep in mind when looking for a storm door.
Is a storm door right for me?
Now that you know what a storm door exactly is and what its pros and cons are, you can better understand if a storm door is something you want for your home. A storm door is not necessarily a need for your home. However, depending on your climate and the area you live in, it may be a wise investment.
If you want added insulation and protection against the weather and love fresh air and natural light in your home, then a storm door may be a good choice for you.
However, if a storm door isn’t one of your top needs for your home, and the idea of having a glass door to the inside makes you nervous, then you may not want a storm door.
With Southwest Exteriors, we install high-quality replacement entry and sliding doors with the highest craftsmanship.
While we do install storm doors, we want you to be educated on all your options for any home remodeling project, whether it includes us or not.
If you’re considering installing a storm door, you may be looking to replace your entire door system in general. Because there are several different types of materials used for entry doors, you want to know which one might be the best option for you.
This article will detail seven different types of replacement doors along with their pros and cons. Then, you will know more about different door materials and which may be the best one for you.