Do I Need a Storm Door? Pros and Cons
It is very necessary to know what a storm door is and how the right option can benefit your home. The right storm door can add ease to your living space, and protection to your front door.
This article provides you with the benefits storm doors offer so that you can make an informed decision about whether storm doors are the right decision for your home.
What are Storm Doors?
A storm door is an additional exterior door that is often installed for protection from tempestuous weather and for added ventilation in hotter weather conditions.
Modernized storm doors are manufactured with interchangeable or retractable glass and screen panels.
Some styles give room for the glass panel to be removed and replaced with a screen during summer weather and then switched back for winter months.
Other styles are designed with screens that roll up or down to offer the homeowner either ventilation or protection from cold weather.
What is the Purpose of a Storm Door?
Storm doors offer extra flexibility and protection as an exterior door for your front or entry door. Storm doors allow for extra natural lighting and increased airflow or ventilation into your home, while still creating a barrier from bugs and pests entering your living space.
Compared to a solid entry door, storm doors also allow for the option to supervise kids who are playing outside, or simply to let additional sunlight in. Having storm doors gives you a better view of the beautiful nature surrounding your home.
Many families especially love having a storm door because it allows them to keep an eye on pets and children playing outside.
Speaking of pets, some storm doors even come with pet doors already installed. Storm doors work as a way to protect your entry doors from natural elements, such as rain, drafts from cold climate conditions, or snow.
A storm door acts as a barrier against bad weather and helps prevent cold or warm air from leaking into your house because of poor insulation in your main door. Besides intruders, storm doors are also great for keeping out bugs.
When the weather is nice, you can open your main entry door and keep the storm door closed to let light in but keep bugs out. When appropriately installed, a storm door can contribute to an additional layer of insulation, creating a warm hub that retains warm air in and cold air out.
Essentially, a storm door acts like another window, except this is one you can walk through.
Do I Need a Storm Door?
When you are contemplating if storm doors is the way to go for your home, there are a few factors to consider.
Consider the climate conditions in the environment you live in. If your exterior door is vulnerable to the elements mentioned earlier, then a storm door may be a considerable option to protect your door.
Most front doors are subjected to everything from severe winter storms and torrential downpours to high winds. Exposing your main door to these elements can result in higher energy costs, a colder home, and a door that looks old before its time.
On the other hand, if you have a pre-existing, well-insulated, energy-efficient exterior door, you may not need or want a storm door for your house. If you live in an environment surrounded by a warmer climate, a storm doors may not be the best option as well.
According to experts in the Energy field, those whose entry doors receive more than a couple of hours of direct sunlight every day should not consider installing a storm door. The glass in the storm doors will retain the heat, which could possibly cause damage to the entry door.
It’s not mandatory for doors that are located on a porch, or under an overhang that protects the door from the elements, to have a storm door.
Pros and Cons of Storm Doors
It is necessary that before going ahead to purchase a storm door, you must have done your research to find out if a storm door is going to be the best investment for you and your home and indeed what you need.
As the name implies, the primary duty of storm doors is to protect against weather. While there are many benefits that are attached to installing or owning a storm door, they are not for everyone. Some of the pros and cons of storm doors are:
Pros:
1. Airflow in good weather
2. Adds visibility of outdoor and natural light to indoor
3. Keeps pests out
4. Facelift for the appearance of your house
5. Adding to home security
6. Comes with openings for pets
7. Guard against intrusion from the elements
Cons:
1. Retains in heat, which could damage the entry door
2. Not important for doors that are already covered and protected
3. Creates inconvenience when trying to access whilst carrying a child or groceries in
How Do I Find the Perfect Storm Doors?
Here are some tips to help you find the perfect storm doors for your home:
1. Look through sites with a variety of storm door options or get referred by a friend
2. Consider the type of view you want your storm doors to offer
3. Consider storm doors that provide great insulation or those with Low-E efficiency class
4. Consider the style you need that will either blend or stand out in your home
5. Select long-lasting handles
Conclusion
Storm doors can be a useful addition to your home, but they aren’t for everyone. They invite in summer breezes and allow you to let in additional light when the weather is fair.
Storm doors will ensure the durability of your front doors by keeping out the cold. Only the exterior of your house will be affected. When it’s cold, from the front door to the interior, it’ll be comfortable throughout.
If you feel that storm doors would be a good addition to your home, speak to professionals to get more details on which storm doors are best for you.
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