Deciding between a storm door and a screen door?
For those of us who grew up in places with all four seasons, our home’s doors were a big part of our childhood.
After all, what said summer more than the screen door slamming shut as we raced outside (and as our parents yelled after us)? And what provided us more winter comfort than pressing our faces up against a sturdy glass storm door, watching as the snow piled up outside?
Beyond the often enjoyable memories associated with the seasons, these doors play a necessary part in protecting your home. Whether it’s from summer bugs or winter breezes, they both offer a level of security that still allows sunlight in.
So, which door for your home is the right door?
That depends on a number of factors, including your home’s location, the climate, and your family’s habits. To help you decide, we’re breaking down the benefits of storm and screen doors.
Screen doors: An easy, breezy solution
Screen doors are a great way to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors during warmer months without the downsides. With a screened opening that ranges from the top half of the door to its whole length, a screen door lets in the breeze and light without the bugs. Screen doors are often lighter, made from wood or aluminum frames with simple hardware and hinges.
In places with more temperate climates, a screen door is an excellent choice as an entry door to the kitchen. As part of the hustle and bustle of one of the home’s warmer rooms, it also serves as ventilation.
In homes with porches or decks, screen doors work well, too. They’re the perfect addition for porches – especially screened porches – as they make for easy communication and easy visibility. Keep in mind that communication may also be easy for your neighbors to hear, too!
For areas that trend hotter and more humid in the summer months, screen door usage tends to be more popular in the spring and fall. Unfortunately, leaving a screen door open is like leaving a door open, and your AC costs will go up substantially.
As a note to our pet owners, a screen door may prove very tempting for those pets who like going in and out. If yours is the kind to make their own hole, consider a half-screen door or a heavier screen gauge at the bottom.
Storm doors: Protecting your home against the seasons
A storm door is well-named: these exterior doors are intended to protect your home against a whole range of weather. This includes cold, heat, sunlight, rain, wind, storms, and hurricanes.
Storm doors are more heavy-duty, often available with frames of aluminum, vinyl-clad wood, or steel. They are built with tempered glass inserts that allow natural light into your home when the front door is open. When made with double or triple panes and low-emissivity glass, homeowners enjoy greater energy efficiency. This means they’re better at keeping the heat (less AC) and cold (less heating) out of your home.
A heavier door requires comparably stronger hardware. This includes door closers, handles, hinges, and locks that are up to regular, more-than-daily use.
More than protecting your home from weather, storm doors can also double as an extra layer of security. This can range from an included built-in deadbolt security lock to security storm doors that have decorative metal grating and heavy, full-locking systems to prevent break-ins.
Given these added layers of energy efficiency and security, a quality storm door is an investment that adds value to your home.
To our pet owners, there are also versions of storm doors that have built-in pet doors that can be locked and unlocked.
Storm and screen doors: The best of both
It’s time for the memories of our childhoods to meet a modern solution: the retractable screen storm door. With a storm door’s protection and the comfort of screened ventilation, these doors present a great all-in-one option.
How do retractable screen storm doors work?
When you don’t need screened ventilation, the screen stays within the door. For ventilation, the upper window portion is unclicked and lowered down as a retractable screen takes its place.
These retractable screen storm doors are built like storm doors by prioritizing their strength and durability. They’re regularly available in both mid-view and full-view options.
Ready for a new storm door or storm screen door?
If you are looking to install a new storm door or a retractable screen storm door, we’d love to help you make the right decision for your home.
With 100 years of experience supporting the central Maryland community, we can find the option that’s right for you – we encourage you to give us a call at Johnson Lumber today.
