Residential Storm Doors 

Storm doors are secondary doors that fit over primary exterior doors. A storm door may save energy in two ways:

- by reducing air leakage through spaces around the existing door or...
- by creating an insulated air space between itself and the existing door, reducing heat conduction.

Storm doors can also be used to to protect the primary door, reduce maintenance costs and keep insects away, and to allow natural ventilation during some seasons, which may also lower air-conditioning and energy costs

Storm doors and energy efficiency

If you have an old door, poorly insulated, then adding a storm door can be advantageous and save energy. But you will not get substantial energy savings with a storm door, if you already have a new well insulated door.

Storm doors parts



There are various designs and models of storm doors. Traditional storm doors have self-storing glass and insect screen systems. Some storm doors have full length screens and also glass panels that slide out, for ventilation. Others are half screen and half glass, which slide past each other. 

Some particularities may me important, but other are merely aesthetic. The most important is the way the door is constructed, and the quality of the frames, insulation and glass. Avoid very cheap and low quality storm doors. Take into account the warranties (some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties).

Storm doors and glass

High-quality storm doors use Low-E glasses. Be cautious, however:  if the exterior door gets more than several hours of direct sun each day, the storm glass can driven too much heat against the entry door, damaging it.

Since in many cases glass comprises much of the door, the frame and the core material - foam insulation, particle board… - may have a relatively minor impact on the energy efficiency of the door.

Storm doors and frames

Storm door frames can be constructed with aluminum skins, fiberglass, polypropylene, wrought iron, steel, wood...

Wrought iron and steel are between the best options, but are also the most expensive ones. Aluminum skin over a rigid core can be a good price-quality compromise .

Storm doors for patio doors

Storm doors can be applied and used in conjunction with patio doors, but they will not increase their energy efficiency if the patio doors are good new, multi-glazed low-E ones.

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