Storm Doors Selection

There are many storm door companies. Some storm door companies are national like Andersen, Emco, Gerkin and Larsen.

Styles - 3 basic styles of storm doors
Many storm door companies make over 20 models of storm doors. They offer so many choices of storm doors that the consumer sometimes has a hard time decideing what they want. With 3 basic styles of storm doors, start with what you want the door to look like, then select the features

Removable glass storm doors. The removable glass storm door has a glass that can be removed. The glass is held in with either plastic retainer strips or some type of hardware or parts that are removed and reinstalled when the screen is installed.
Non-removable glass storm doors. This type of door usually costs less. The glass is fixed into the door and can not be removed.
Self storing glass storm doors. This type of storm door does not require the glass to be removed and stored. The glass panel just sides up and down to open or close for ventilation.

Installation
Who is going to install your storm door? The best product is only as good as the installation. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone proper performance comes from a proper installation.

Features - Choose Wisely!

Storm Door Hardware: The first feature that should be addressed when selecting your storm door is the Hardware. The hardware comes in a variety of styles and finishes. The finish is what you notice the most after a year. Most brass hardware will tarnish, corrode and discolor. The new ?PVD? Finish is what you want if a bright brass finish is desired a year from now. The new ?PVD? storm door hardware is designed not to tarnish, corrode or discolor.

Bottom Vent Panel: One option of fullview storm doors is a small vent panel at the bottom of the storm door. This is a good thing for several reasons. first, it makes the door more rigid. Secondly, it allows the door closure to mount somewhere stronger that the surface of the storm door. Finally, it allows the homeowner to get some ventilation.

Top Vent Panels: Some storm door companies offer a special top vent hardware options. The idea is the top vent will keep the heat from building up between the storm door and your primary door. The truth is this option could be a waste of money. The reality is that the hot air just sits there and can not escape except on those windy days and even then it does very little.

Tinted Glass: Tinted and Low E Glass do a great job of offering some U-V protection and cutting down on the heat between the storm and entry door. The cost could be around $100 but if your door faces the sun it may be a good investment Among other things it may prevent damage to the main entry door.

Insulated Main Frame: A Storm door is over 90% glass. The benefit of an insulated frame is outweighed by the cost. This should not be a deciding factor in the storm door.