Adding a storm or screen door to your home’s entrance allows you to enjoy the outdoors while keeping unwanted elements out. Let’s look at the options.
Let the good in, keep the bad out
An outer storm or screen door allows you to secure your home’s entrance while leaving your standard door open. The natural light that results will brighten your home without adding a cent to your electric bill. Additionally, a storm door allows you to enjoy the view outside your door while keeping uncomfortable temperatures out of your home. If the door has a screened portion, you can enjoy refreshing breezes without letting mosquitoes or other pests inside.
Choices in storm and screen doors
- Screen-only doors typically have a classically styled wooden, vinyl or aluminum frame. Because there is no glass, these lightweight doors are primarily for ventilation. Screen-only doors start at less than $100.
- Full-view glass doors contain a glass panel from top to bottom. In some models, the glass panel is removable and can be replaced with a full-length screen for ventilation. Full-view doors start at around $200.
- Hybrid-type doors have divided panels filled with glass that can be slid up or down to open a screened section for ventilation. These doors start at around $270.
- Roll- or retractable-screen doors also offer a ventilation option along with glass, but the screen rolls up and out of sight into the top panel of the door when not in use. These begin at around $280.
Materials
You can choose a wood, metal, PVC or fiberglass frame for your storm door. Many metal doors are made of aluminum, although elegant oiled bronze doors are also available. Wooden storm doors can be beautiful but require repainting every few years. Storm door handles are made from several metals, and all windows are made of safety glass.
Installation
You may choose to have your storm door professionally installed. If you’re handy, however, you can probably install a door yourself in about an hour. Manufacturers usually have instructional videos for DIY installation on their websites.
Related – Investing in the Exterior of Your Home to Get That Wow Factor
