Do you need a storm door? For most Connecticut homes the answer is yes, if you want fewer drafts, a front door that lasts longer, more daylight and fresh air, and an extra layer of security. A storm door is not essential for every entrance, though. The factors below will help you decide whether one is right for your home.
How a Storm Door Helps With Energy Efficiency
A storm door is a second barrier between your home and the weather. It adds a layer of insulation that helps limit heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, which can lower energy bills and make the entry area more comfortable.
The benefit is greatest when the main door is older. A front door with gaps or cracks lets cold air in during winter and lets cooled air escape in summer, so your furnace and air conditioner work harder. Adding a storm door is a simple and effective way to cut those drafts. We explain this further in our post on how a storm door can increase energy efficiency and lower winter heating bills.
Protection for Your Front Door
Rain, snow, harsh sunlight and wind wear down an entry door year after year. A storm door takes that punishment in its place. The main door lasts longer, and you can put off the cost of replacing it.
This matters most for wood doors and older doors with character. See how to preserve an antique door with a storm door.
Light, Fresh Air and Quiet
If your entry hall is dark, a storm door with a large pane of glass lets you open the main door and flood the space with sunlight while keeping the house at a comfortable temperature.
Modern storm doors also offer ventilation options. With a screen, or with interchangeable glass and screen panels, you can let a breeze through on a summer day without letting insects in.
A storm door can also help with noise. The extra layer between you and the street muffles outside sound, which makes it easier to concentrate or relax.
Security and Curb Appeal
A storm door puts one more locked door between an intruder and your home. Many have sturdy frames and their own locks, which adds a layer of security and some peace of mind.
It can improve the look of the entrance, too. If your front door has faded paint or shows its age, you do not necessarily have to replace it. A new storm door in a style, color and finish that suits the house can freshen the whole entrance. Options such as decorative glass and different hardware designs let you match it to your home.
Do You Need a Storm Door? Questions to Ask
What condition is your current door in?
Look at the entry door, its frame and the trim around it. A sound door with a tired finish is a great candidate for a storm door. If the main door is badly cracked, warped or rotted, replacing it with a new entry door may be the better first step, with a storm door added to protect it.
How exposed is the entrance?
A door that faces wind, driving rain and snow gains the most from a storm door. An entrance that is already sheltered by a deep porch gains less protection, though you may still want the light and ventilation. Where there is no overhang at all, a door canopy adds cover above the entrance.
What is your budget?
Weigh the upfront cost against lower energy use and a longer life for your front door. Compare a few options to find a balance between quality and price.
Which features do you want?
Decide whether you want full glass, a screen, or panels you can swap by season. Our guide to choosing the right storm door covers the styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a storm door worth it?
For many homes, yes. It cuts drafts, protects the main door from weather, and adds light, ventilation and security.
Does a storm door need maintenance?
Very little. Clean the glass and frame from time to time and lubricate the hinges and closer so the door keeps working smoothly.
Can a storm door go on any front door?
Most entrances can take one, but the size of the opening and the condition of the frame matter. A professional can measure and confirm the fit.
Get a Quote for a New Storm Door
Aladdin has been serving homeowners across Connecticut since 1949. A member of our team can tell you about the storm doors we offer and give you a quote for storm door installation. Contact us or call (203) 776-9996 to learn more.