Are Storm Doors Necessary? What You Need to Know

Your Blue Ridge home’s front door might do a decent job of keeping out rain, bugs, and wind. But it’s not all that versatile – for example, you can’t open your front door to let in a little fresh air without also welcoming in the occasional errant insect. Plus, most front and back doors aren’t designed to withstand storm-level winds and the heavy hail that sometimes thunders into town.

For many homeowners, the solution to these weaknesses isn't replacing their doors. It's bolstering and protecting them with durable storm doors. If you're not sure what a storm door is or whether it's necessary, keep reading because we'll break it all down for you!

Just what is a storm door?

A storm door is just as resilient as it sounds. Think of a storm door as an additional door installed right in front of your entry or back door, acting as an extra layer or shield against heavy winds, hail, and anything else a bad winter storm might throw at your home.

As a separate door, any new storm door you choose to install will have its own handle, locking mechanism, and glass panels. Depending on the style you prefer, your storm door can closely match your entry door’s shape and theme or be starkly different – it’s up to you! Or you can pick an integrated storm door, which is mounted flush with your existing door frame, like the Impressions Integrated Storm Door.

Types of storm doors

Storm doors are available from retailers in several major types. Here’s a brief breakdown:

• Full-view storm doors are fitted with one or two glass panels. These let plenty of natural light into your home if you open your original door but leave your storm door closed.
• Traditional storm doors have smaller windows. Since glass takes up less of their surface area, these are a little sturdier than full-view storm doors.
• Retractable storm doors feature retractable screens that fold up into the door’s main body when they aren’t in use.
• Ventilating storm doors could be full-view or traditional. In either case, ventilating storm doors have fixed screens for fresh air flow.
• Security storm doors include extra security measures like vault pins and heavy-duty forged hinges.

Though these storm door types have their differences, they all serve the same big-picture need: protecting your entry door and, by extension, your home.

Storm doors vs. screen doors

The big differences between storm doors and screen doors are durability and materials.

Both act as secondary exterior doors in front of your entry door. But, a storm door uses hard materials like fiberglass, glass, and/or aluminum to withstand hail, rain, and other hazards. Screen doors aren’t nearly as resilient – they have fixed mesh panels meant to allow ample airflow in and out of your house.

Storm doors can also be fitted with screens, but they always come with tough exteriors by default. Storm doors with screens have removable glass panels that you can swap in and out depending on whether you want fresh air or protection on any given day.

Do you always need a storm door?

Storm doors aren’t strictly necessary, but remember that the Blue Ridge area isn’t a stranger to hail. On top of that, storm doors often provide homeowners with extra peace of mind. It’s tougher for a burglar, for example, to break through not just one but two thick doors before they can think about stealing valuables.

So, while you don’t need a storm door, you might indeed benefit from one.

Big benefits of storm doors

Not sure the benefits are worth the installation cost of a new storm door? Here’s what you can expect once you pick a high-quality storm door for your home.

Better insulation

Since a modern storm door is an extra physical layer in front of your entry door, it always provides extra insulation. Whether you’re keeping your home cool in the summer or keeping warm air inside in the winter, a properly installed storm door will prevent air from escaping out of your house, boosting energy efficiency. Many top retailers, such as Reeb, offer storm doors in different materials to best fit your home’s energy profile.

Superior weather protection

Naturally, excellent storm doors provide enhanced protection against bad weather. Imagine having a beautiful front door made of wood like cedar. The last thing you want is for that cedar to be exposed to the rain and snow of winter. A storm door will protect your front door and help it last much longer, preserving the look and value of your property.

Controlled ventilation

Certain storm doors, like retractable and ventilating storm doors, give you the option to control airflow from your home’s entrance. Instead of having to choose between opening your door and letting all the flies inside or keeping the door closed and having to suffer through stuffiness, a ventilating storm door gives you the best of both worlds.

A storm door’s screen fixture permits air to pass through while keeping bugs out. It’s a great tool to let you enjoy the fresh air of spring, summer, and fall.

More natural light

Any storm door with glass panels or screens brings more natural light into your Blue Ridge property. If your home’s entryway is a little dark due to a lack of windows, for example, a storm door could be the perfect way to keep your house safe while also brightening up the space.

Higher property value

Installing a high-quality storm door in your home could boost its property value and curb appeal. That might not matter so much right now, but if you ever decide to sell, your storm door might let you bump up your asking price when you put your property on the market.

How much is a storm door?

The cost of purchasing and installing a new storm door depends on:

• A storm door’s type
• The materials used for your storm door
• Local labor costs
• And more

In general, expect to spend anywhere between $200 and $600 for a new storm door, especially if you’re in the market for something well-made and long-lasting.

Of course, you can also get your storm door for a great price – with installation! – by contacting the experts at Window World’s Blue Ridge location. Our specialists can help you find the ideal storm door for your home’s needs and its aesthetic, then tackle installation for you from start to finish. Visit our showroom today or contact us online to learn more!