Choosing a storm door comes down to five things: the right size for your opening, how much glass you want, the type of screen, the security features, and the hardware that controls how the door closes. A storm door protects your exterior door from harsh weather and lets you ventilate the house, so it is worth getting each of these right.
Measure the Opening First
Storm doors are generally 36 inches wide for front doors and 32 inches wide for back doors, and most can be adjusted slightly to fit the frame. Measure the height and width of your door frame carefully. Take the width at the top, center and bottom, measuring between the exterior brick mold trim and not the inner door jamb.
Before installation, inspect the wood jamb and the trim around the opening. The outer casing has to be solid enough to carry the weight of the storm door. Use a level to confirm the frame is plumb and the top is level. If the opening is slightly out of square, a Z-bar extender can help correct it.
Manufacturers generally include the hardware needed for installation, and a storm door can be hinged on the left or the right to suit your entry.
Choosing a Storm Door Style: Glass and Frame
Storm door frames come in full-view, mid-view and high-view designs, which describes how much of the door is glass. Full-view doors show off the entry door behind them and are available with several glass options, including beveled glass and blinds between the panes.
You can also choose Low-E glass, which is more energy efficient than standard glass. Storm doors come in a range of colors and finishes, so you can match the trim or the entry door itself.
Most storm doors have a sweep along the bottom, made of one or more flexible strips, that keeps moisture, dirt and outside air out of the house.
Screen Options
Many storm doors combine glass and screen panels. A full-view door with interchangeable panels lets you swap the glass for a screen as the seasons change. A retractable screen stays hidden in the top of the door when it is not in use. A standard fixed screen is paired with glass panels that slide up and down.
If your storm door gets direct sunlight, switch to the screen in early spring and put the glass back in late fall. In strong sun, the glass can act like a greenhouse and heat the space between the two doors. That can wear out weatherstripping quickly and, in extreme cases, warp a metal door.
Screen Materials
If you ever replace a screen, make sure the screen metal is compatible with the metal of the door, since some metals corrode when they are in contact with each other.
Fiberglass screens resist corrosion and are easy to install, which makes them a practical all-around choice. Aluminum screens resist corrosion except near saltwater, something to keep in mind along the Connecticut shoreline, but they are not as strong as steel. Galvanized steel is inexpensive and resists holes and tears, though the coating can wear off over time. Bronze is the most durable and the most expensive.
Security and Insulation
Storm doors are typically built with front and back layers and foam insulation in the center. If security is a concern, look for a door with protective grilles, laminated security glass and a multipoint locking system.
Closers and Door Stops
A storm door needs something to control how far and how fast it opens. A pneumatic closer keeps the door from swinging open too fast or too far, then closes it slowly and firmly. Most doors have one closer, but some have two, and a second can be added on a door that catches the wind. A sliding washer on the closer rod holds the door open when you need it to stay put.
A simpler door stop, sometimes called a snubber, uses a chain attached to a spring to limit how far the door can open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size storm door do I need?
Most front doors take a 36 inch storm door and most back doors take a 32 inch one, but always measure the opening in three places before ordering. Openings that are not a standard size may need a custom door.
Is a full-view or a ventilating storm door better?
Full-view doors show more of your entry door and let in more light. Doors with sliding glass or a retractable screen are more convenient if you want fresh air often and do not want to store a panel.
Can a storm door damage my entry door?
Heat buildup behind the glass in direct sun is the main risk. Using the screen during the warm months keeps the space between the doors from overheating.
Get Help Picking the Right Storm Door
If you would like help sorting through the options or want an estimate for your home, contact Aladdin or call (203) 776-9996. We can measure your opening and show you storm doors that fit your entry and the way you use it.