What is the Importance of a Storm Door?
Jan 17, 2018“As the snow flies and the temperatures continue to dip, it’s important to ensure your storm door will properly protect you and your home from the harsh elements,” said Wendy Cline, owner of J&B Construction. “With a relatively low initial cost, installing a storm door is an inexpensive option that provides a number of benefits for any homeowner.”
Wendy explains how a new storm door protects an exterior entry door, increases a home’s energy efficiency, adds an additional level of security to a home, and increases the home’s aesthetic appeal.
A home’s exterior entry door more than likely is more expensive than a screen door. “For many, front and back doors have special stains, paints, or glass that benefits from additional protection against the elements and wind-blown debris, reducing maintenance costs and helping it last longer,” she said.
Storm doors can also increase a home’s energy efficiency. “Even if you have an energy-efficient entry door, a storm door gives an extra layer of protection by putting a buffer between the winter cold and your home,” Wendy said.
Some storm doors rely on low-emissivity glass or coatings that can cost about 15 percent more, but can reduce energy loss up to 50 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. “If you’d like to add a storm door to an entry area that receives direct sunlight for most of the day, make sure the door you purchase is of high quality,” she said. “With lower quality doors, heat can easily get trapped between the glass storm door and the main entry door if they are located on a side of the house where the sun shines directly for many hours during the day.”
A storm door adds an additional level of security to a home, adding an extra barrier between you and your belongings, which may discourage burglars from breaking and entering. “Additionally, storm doors typically have their own locks, so remember to lock both the storm door and main entry door for added safety,” Wendy said.
Storm doors, which are typically made of aluminum, fiberglass or wood, often have interchangeable glass and screen inserts, which provides an array of options for homeowners. With newer entry doors, a storm door is not required to be energy efficient, but may be a necessity if more light or ventilation is desired during the summer months. Plus, a newly installed storm door is expected to last 25 to 50 years, depending on the materials and quality. “Given the variety of storm doors you can choose from and their reliable durability, you’re sure to select the right door to complement your home and increase curb appeal,” she said.
