Storm Doors: as the name suggests these doors serve a specific purpose namely protection from the weather and other elements. Being protective doors these storm doors naturally have to be installed immediately outside of any exterior doors you may have. They protect not just your exterior doors but the rest of your home as well.
This is acheived by the insulating air space created between both doors. This air space ensures that your exterior doors which are most likely made from a lighter less durable material does not get blown to bits or simply burst open exposing your interior to the elements during extreme bad weather conditions.
Depending on your preference you may opt to install flexible storm doors. Flexibilty means that during the summer months when the weather is much better you can remove and safely store away your storm doors. Alternatively you can choose a storm door which comes with screens which you can swap with an acrylic or glass panel depending on your fancy. There is also the self storing storm door which need never be taken down and removed, simply slide your acrylic or glass panel into an alternate position on the door.
But you choice of storm doors will depend greatly on factors such as where you live, the severity and type of weather your area experiences, your safety needs and of course your home décor.
Most storm doors are sold in pre-hung doors in kits. Indeed the pre-hung storm doors are the most common type of storm doors since they are not only functional, but also versatile. The kits include all the hardware you need to install the door, such as hinges, pneumatic closers and latches.
Perhaps the most popular types of pre-hung storm doors over the years have been the aluminum screen storm doors. These screens resist corrosion well, except in seaside areas, but they can be well maintained by use of commercial spray products.
Today aluminium storm doors are still the most popular type requested primarily because of the numerous colors to choose from. Some of the colors which continue to outsell others are: bronze, white and the ever popular natural mill aluminium. Lately however there have been a marked increase in requests for indigo, hunter green, black, brown, almond and even cranberry.
Screens made of galvanized steel are the least expensive and are highly resistant to holes, tears and the expected wear-and-tear of any storm doors.
However, galvanized coating can tends to wear off easily, although a spray of household lubricant once a year helps prevent the coating and in turn prevents rusting.
Bronze screens are the most durable, but also the most expensive and some people opt for choosing this type of storm door screen if they experience particularly bad weather even despite its cost.
But in recent times many people are moving away from metal storm doors and screens and are instead opting for fiberglass screens. These are highly corrosion resistant and are easy to install, making them a practical replacement screen if a metal screen deteriorates.
A large range of materials and options affect the price and quality of storm doors. For instance gull view panels allow the exterior doors to be seen while kick plates protect the lower portion of the door.
Vents on the top or bottom of the door allow circulation and security features such as grids and dead bolt locks add an extra barrier of protection but in essence, your choice of storm doors comes down to what type of doors you need.
