What Is a Storm Door? Your Guide to Protecting and Beautifying Your Entryway

What’s the purpose of a storm door? 

Your front door gives you access to the outside world, but it may also let in a little too much of Mother Nature in the form of heat in the summer, cold in the winter, and annoying insects. Keeping your front door shut is one solution, but then you’ll miss out on natural sunlight and refreshing ventilation. This is where a storm door comes in.   

If you’re ready to upgrade your entryway, adding a storm door could protect your front door replacement from the elements, offer greater energy efficiency, enhanced ventilation, and much more.  

What Is a Storm Door?

A storm door is an exterior door installed in front of your main entry door. It’s slightly different from a security door or screen door. 

 Storm doors often include glass and screen panels that you can change out seasonally. Modern storm doors come in various styles, from full-view doors that maximize natural light to security-focused models with reinforced frames and advanced locking systems.   

What’s the Purpose of a Storm Door?

You already have a front door, so what is a storm door used for? Their primary purpose is to act as a buffer between your main entry door and the outside. In the winter, the glass panes work as an insulating layer. In the warmer months, you can keep your front door open and take off the glass panels of your storm door to let in lots of natural sunlight and fresh air but keep bugs out with the screen.  

 Benefits of Installing a Storm Door

Storm doors operate differently from your front door, and they offer several important benefits: 

• Weather protection: Storm doors act as a protective barrier for your main entry door, shielding it from harsh weather conditions, like rain, snow, wind, and UV rays. This protection can extend the life of your entry door, especially if it’s made of wood or has a painted finish. 
• Energy efficiency: During the winter months, your storm door creates an insulating air pocket between your main door and the outside, helping to reduce heat loss and save you money on your utility bills. 
• Security: Most modern storm doors come with a strong locking system and tempered safety glass. It can give you greater peace of mind and allow you to answer the door while maintaining a barrier between you and visitors.   
• Natural light: You can keep your front door open to let in sunlight while still protecting your home.  
• Ventilation: The screens on your storm door can let in warm, gentle breezes while keeping out unwanted insects. 
• Curb appeal: You have many styles of storm doors to choose from, allowing you to pick a door that will match the style of your home and add to your property’s overall curb appeal.  

Types of Storm Doors

The type of storm door that’s right for you will depend on your specific needs, whether you’re primarily interested in natural light, ventilation, security, or a combination of characteristics. Below are some of the most popular types of storm doors.  

1. Full-view Storm Doors

This type of storm door features a large glass panel that extends nearly the entire length of the door. It’s great at maximizing natural light and providing an unobstructed view of your front porch. They’re popular among homeowners who want to showcase an attractive front door and brighten the entryway of their home.  

2. Partial-view Storm Doors

A partial-view storm door combines a smaller glass panel with a solid bottom section. It gives you a good balance between natural light and durability. The solid portion typically takes up one-third to one-half of the door and provides extra strength and protection. It’s a good choice for homeowners with small children or pets who don’t want to be constantly cleaning handprints or pawprints off the bottom of their door.  

3. Security Storm Doors

This form of storm door prioritizes home protection and includes features like heavy frames, reinforced corners, and multi-point locking systems. They’re often made from thick aluminum or steel and may include metal grilles over the glass panels for added protection. Most come with non-removable hinges and tamper-resistant screens. They are good for security-conscious homeowners who want extra peace of mind.  

4. Ventilating Storm Doors

Ventilating storm doors help maximize airflow while still boosting your home’s security. They usually come with two glass panels that you can slide up or down independently, similar to a double-hung window. This design lets you open the top, bottom, or both panels to control ventilation. Some models also include built-in screens behind the panels. This is the right type of storm door for homeowners who enjoy fresh air but also want added security.  

Do You Need a Storm Door?

A storm door can be a good choice for many homeowners, but it’s not right for everyone. When considering whether you need a storm door, think about the specifics of your home, your climate, and whether you value the benefits a storm door offers. 

You may want a storm door if: 

• Your entry door gets direct exposure to harsh weather, like sun, rain, and snow. 
• You want natural light and fresh air in your entryway. 
• Your main entry door is made of wood or has a painted finish. 
• Your region experiences extreme temperatures, and you want additional insulation. 
• You want an additional barrier at your home’s entrance to prevent children or pets from getting out unsupervised. 

A storm door may not be necessary if: 

• Your entry door is already protected from the elements by a deep porch or overhang. 
• Your main entry door is made of highly durable materials designed to withstand the elements. 
• You live in a humid climate where trapped moisture between the storm door and main door could damage your main door. 

While storm doors can provide valuable benefits, they aren’t absolutely necessary for every home. Think about your specific circumstances to decide whether a storm door will enhance your home.  

Fast and Easy Storm Door Installation

A storm door is more than just an extra door for your home. It’s an investment in greater protection, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. Whether you choose a full-view door to showcase your entryway, a security door for greater peace of mind, or a ventilating door for fresh air, the right storm door can significantly enhance your home’s functionality. 

At West Shore Home, we make upgrading your entryway simple and stress-free. Our expert design consultants can help you choose the perfect storm door for your needs, while our professional installation team can then complete your project quickly and efficiently.  

Schedule a consultation with West Shore Home today.  

FAQs 

What Is the Labor Cost to Install a Storm Door?

The cost of labor to install a storm door will depend on your location and the complexity of the installation. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 – $1,000 for the labor. Keep in mind, though, that labor is just part of your storm door cost. You’ll also have to pay for the door and any modifications to your door frame.  

What Is a Retractable Storm Door?

A retractable storm door features a screen that rolls up into a hidden housing at the top of the door frame. It’s kind of like a roller shade for your doorway. This innovative design lets you easily switch between a full-view door and ventilation with a simple slide or pull motion.