If you want to know what is the purpose of storm doors then you are at the right place. You’ve probably seen or even used a storm door, but you may not fully comprehend its function. Storm doors act as an additional barrier against the elements, preventing cold or warm air from entering your home, especially if your main doors are poorly insulated. A storm door can be a good investment, but if you have a newer, well-insulated entry door, it may not be worth the cost.
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What is a Storm Door?
Storm doors, despite their name, aren’t just for stormy weather (though they may have started that way!). A storm door is a strong external door that protects your front or back door from extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind, or rain.
Storm doors, which are commonly made of wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or PVC, have glass panels that allow full, partial, or minimal light, depending on your needs and preferences. The glass panels are frequently made of reinforced glass or low-e glass, which is shatter-proof and insulates your home.
Some storm doors include detachable or retractable screens. These are referred to as combination doors. They provide cross ventilation in the summer and cold protection in the winter. Retractable screens can be slid up and down, whereas removable screens require the removal of the glass panels and replacement with the flyscreen.
Storm doors come in a variety of colors, sizes, and designs. They can also be customized with locks, handles, closers, and pet doors to meet your specific needs.
What is the purpose of storm doors?
A storm door has several functions. When the weather is nice, you can open your entry door to allow more light and ventilation into your home while still keeping bugs out. If you have a solid exterior door and want to watch your children play outside or let light into your home, a storm door provides that flexibility.
When properly installed, the additional door may also protect your main entry door from rain, ice, and snow. Another function is to provide additional insulation against air leaks. Storm doors can create an insulation pocket, keeping warm air in and cold air out.
The Advantages of a Storm Door
Aside from knowing what a storm door is for, you’re probably curious about some of the specific advantages of installing one. Many of the advantages are directly related to the purpose of storm doors, with the top advantage being increased energy efficiency of your exterior door. This reduces your utility bills, but there are numerous other advantages, including:
- In good weather, providing ventilation
- Increasing visibility and illumination
- Preventing the entry of bugs into your home
- Keeping the elements out of your front door
- Increasing the curb appeal of your home
- Increasing the level of security
When You Need a Storm Door
Consider your climate when deciding whether a storm door is appropriate for your home. A screen door may be the best option if your door is exposed to the elements. If you have a new, well-sealed, energy-efficient front door, you can skip the storm door. Warmer climates do not require storm doors to protect the door from winter weather, but the screen allows air to circulate during pleasant weather.
If your exterior door receives more than a few hours of direct sunlight each day, the Department of Energy recommends skipping the storm door. Heat will be trapped against the glass, potentially damaging it. Furthermore, if your door is protected from the elements by a porch or an overhang, you may not need a storm door.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Storm Doors
Pros:
- Allows for ventilation in warm weather. Increases visibility for homes with solid doors.
- Allows light in while keeping bugs out.
- It is possible that your main entry door will be protected from rain, ice, and snow.
- There are numerous options, styles, colors, and so on.
Cons:
- Heat buildup may occur, causing damage to your entry door.
- It is not necessary if your door is located beneath a covered porch or overhang.
- When carrying groceries or small children, this may be inconvenient.
Storm doors are an excellent addition to any home, but they are not for everyone. They welcome summer breezes and allow you to let in more light when the weather is nice. If you believe a storm door would be a good addition to your home, consult with a professional to learn more about which storm door is best for you.
Considerations for Storm Doors
Storm doors are not recommended by the Department of Energy for exterior doors that receive more than a few hours of direct sunlight per day. Heat trapped against the entry door by the storm door’s glass could cause damage; however, Low-E glass should reduce the heat gained.
Another important factor to consider when deciding whether a storm door is appropriate for your home is the local climate. If you live in an area prone to torrential downpours or severe winter storms, exposing your main door to these elements may cause it to age prematurely. Because quality entry doors are typically more expensive, protecting them with a storm door while also lowering your energy costs is a wise investment.
There are other indicators that you don’t need or want a storm door, such as how much it detracts from the curb appeal of your home. It necessitates opening two doors rather than one, which may be inconvenient if you have small children, pets, or elderly family members. A storm door is probably unnecessary if your entry door is under an overhang or on a porch that is already protected from the elements.
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When Is a Storm Door Necessary?
What is the purpose of storm doors? While most homes are perfectly safe and secure without a storm door, there are times when they provide clear advantages.
1. Your front door is not weather-resistant.
Storm doors may provide a protective barrier if your front door is exposed to rain and snow and you want to minimize seepage into your home. A storm door made of aluminum or steel will insulate you from harsher elements while also protecting your front door from further damage.
2. You want to raise the value of your house.
If you intend to sell your home in the future, a storm door could improve its curb appeal and increase its value. Beveled glass panels and other character features not only add security but also enhance your home’s period charm, making it more appealing to buyers.
3. You require increased security.
You can add more locks or chains to your door, but for a foolproof way to protect your family and belongings, nothing beats a storm door. Storm doors are more durable than screen or front doors, making them more difficult to break into.
4. You want to lower your energy costs.
Storm doors, with their tight seals and foam insulation, can prevent draughts and heat loss in your home. This can aid in temperature stabilization and reduce the need for air conditioners. This can save you hundreds of dollars in operating costs over time.
How Can I Enhance My Current Front Door?
You have some options if your front door isn’t completely weather-proof and you don’t want to install a storm door.
Here are five methods for making your front door weatherproof:
- To improve the door’s resistance to moisture or extreme conditions, apply a fresh coat of waterproof paint.
- To keep out draughts and rain, add or replace weather strips.
- Install a door sweep to keep rain and melting snow out.
- Tighten hinges to ensure that your door hangs properly and does not expose gaps.
- Consider installing an adjustable awning to provide shade and protect your door from the elements.
Conclusion
Storm doors will not provide any tangible benefits to your home if you have a strong front door, a large porch, or live in a mild climate. Storm doors, on the other hand, may be the answer if your door is old and exposed, you want to protect your family from intruders, or you want to save money on energy bills.
If you don’t have the budget or space for a storm door, you can improve the performance of your front door by repainting, adding/replacing weatherproofing, or installing an awning over the entrance. These aren’t long-term fixes, but they’ll keep your home dry and comfortable until you can afford a new front door – or storm door!
If you found this useful, please consider reading the related guides listed below.
Thank you for reading, I hope you have a wonderful day!
FAQs
Q1. What is the benefit of a storm door?
A storm door can help protect your primary door from rain, ice, and snow, lowering maintenance costs and extending its lifespan. All Pella® storm doors include a keyed lock that is separate from the primary door, providing an additional barrier against intruders.
Q2. Is it necessary to have a storm door?
If your front door is newer, energy-efficient, and well-sealed, and your primary concern is reducing energy loss, you may not need a storm door. Furthermore, if your front entry is well-protected by a large overhang or covered porch, a storm door may not be necessary.