Protect Your Home and Keep Your Heating and Cooling Costs Down with a Storm Door

Picking the right door for your home requires more consideration than just paint color. Contrary to popular belief, doors are not always one-size-fits-all, or one-style-fits-all. Depending on where you live, your style of home, whether you like to keep your door closed at all times or let some fresh air in through the vents, these factors play a role in deciding the type of door to use to greet your guests. But one door that all homeowners should consider is a storm door.

A storm door serves several functions. Often used as the outer door that sits in front of the more robust main door, a storm door provides added protection from the elements. They can sometimes have glass panels that can be swapped with screen panels to give homeowners the option of allowing fresh air through the door. The glass also allows for sunlight to get through if the main door is open, while still providing security by locking the storm door. Storm doors are also a great way to save on heating and air conditioning costs, with the doors providing an added layer of insulation against possible leaks.

Depending on the climate you live in, picking the right storm door is crucial. In hot climates or in cases where front doors receive hours of direct sunlight each day, a glass storm door can cause damage by heating up the main door. If your door is in a shaded area, a glass door is appropriate. Storm doors can also pose an issue for homeowners with mobility issues who are unable to open the storm door outwards or open two doors at once.

If a storm door is right for you, we have great options that will help protect your home.

1. Prime-Line Woodguard Steel Security Door

BEST OVERALL

For a beautiful wooden door that comes with all the benefits of a storm door, we recommend the Prime-Line Woodguard Steel Security Door, which measures 36” x 80”. The Prime-Line features 24-gauge steel mesh, a 1” x 1” welded steel frame, and three heavy-duty tamper-proof hinges to give customers peace of mind that their front door is secure. The Prime-Line is designed to look like a traditional screen door, accented by the stained oak finish. The door is easy to install thanks to one-way security screws included with each purchase and an instructional video that Prime-Line shares with customers.

2. National Door Company Fiberglass Prehung Front Door

RUNNER UP

For a storm door that looks great and will keep your home protected, we like the National Door Company Fiberglass Prehung Front Door. The door features a clear glass double paned section that is tempered and insulated. Residents will easily be able to see in and out through the glass pane and can later install a curtain for privacy. The fiberglass door is durably made to last through all four seasons and won’t warp, dent, split or rot. We also like that the door can be used on its own or behind a traditional storm door.

3. National Door Company Wagon Wheel Design

BEST PRIVACY

If you’re looking for more privacy with your front door, National Door Company has several designs to choose from, including their traditional Wagon Wheel Design. Primed and ready to be painted in whatever color will match your home’s exterior, the door features satin nickel hinges and is prepped for locks and deadbolts (must be purchased separately). The door offers ample privacy while still letting sunlight through the top of the clear glass, which is double-paned, tempered, and insulated. The door can be ordered in either left or right-hand swing and comes in four sizes.

4. Larson Manufacturing Storm Door in White Aluminum

EASY TO CLEAN

For a door that offers protection and is easy to clean, we like the Larson Manufacturing Storm Door in White Aluminum. Larson uses the Saf-T-Glass glass window and screen system that allows homeowners to access fresh air during warmer days and keep the cool wind out when temperatures begin to dip. The door features a reversible hinge for easy left or right mounts. The door is made strong with a solid wood core and includes an aluminum surface that is easy to wipe down and clean when necessary. We also like that the Larson comes with a matching extender that can be used in the case of uneven door sills.

5. Larson Manufacturing Classic View Pet Storm Door

BEST FOR PET OWNERS

For a door that will let Fido out but won’t let cold air in, we like the Larson Manufacturing Classic View Pet Storm Door. The door features a reverse screen for top or bottom ventilation, making it an ideal year-round exterior storm door. The bottom section is reserved for pets who will be able to access the front or back yard of the home without the entire door being opened, helping to save pet owners’ time and cut down on heat and cool air loss. A bottom expander is included to help adjust to uneven sills and the door comes with a long-lasting handle and interior lock.

6. Emco K900 Series White Vinyl Self-Storing Pet Storm Door with Black Hardware

MULTI-POSITIONAL VENT

For another option pet owners and their pooches will love, there’s the Emco K900 Series White Vinyl Self-Storing Pet Storm Door with Black Hardware. The pet door included in the Emco is designed for larger pets up to 90 pounds, making it easy for furry family members to let themselves out. An insect screen is stored inside the storm door and is ready to be used when necessary and the bottom vent allows for four different positions, making it convenient to access the optimal airflow for the current weather. An exclusive water protection and vinyl cladding over the composite core creates a long-lasting door, which can be installed with left- or right-handed opening. The Emco comes with matching closers, screw covers, and a sweep for a professional-looking finish.

7. Andersen Universal Self-Storing Aluminum Storm Door

LEAST NOTICEABLE

For a storm door that won’t impede your view or cover your front door, there’s the Andersen Universal Self-Storing Aluminum Storm Door. The heavy-duty all-season door maximizes a homeowner’s view with top to bottom glass that is thermally tempered. Customers can customize their door with interchangeable glass and insect screen panels that make it comfortable to enjoy the outside air. The door is made with reinforced aluminum internal corner brackets to help add strength and longevity, with a built-in forged steel keyed deadbolt included for keeping homeowners safe. We also like that the door features tamper-resistant hinges for added safety.

8. EMCO 300 Series Aluminum Anytime Storm Door

BEST SIZE OPTIONS

Need a door that will fit your sill perfectly? You’ll likely be able to find a match with the EMCO 100 Series White Aluminum Anytime Storm Door, which is available in eight sizes and in white, almond, sandstone, or a bronze finish. The lower glass section of the storm door can slide up to reveal a screened area that allows for fresh airflow. Designed with single-layer weather stripping, the Emco helps to reduce drafts and save on heating and cooling bills. A universal handle allows for right or left-hand installation and customers can choose between a nickel or brass surface mount lever handle with a deadbolt lock.

Protect Your Home and Keep Your Heating and Cooling Costs Down with a Storm Door