These exterior doors are designed to protect. They protect the front door against the effects of sunlight, heat, cold, wind, rain, superstorms and hurricanes. A storm door is a type of door that is installed in front of an external access door to protect it from bad weather and allow ventilation. Storm doors generally have interchangeable glass panels and mosquito net panels to provide visibility and prevent flying insects from entering the house.
Consider your climate when deciding if a storm door makes sense for your home or not. If your door is exposed to the elements, a screen door may be the right choice. You can choose not to use a storm door if you have a new, well-sealed, energy-efficient front door. Warmer climates don't need storm doors to protect the door from winter weather, but the screen would allow air to circulate in good weather.
It requires you to open two doors instead of one, which could be a hassle if you have young children, pets, or elderly family members. Storm ventilation doors generally include a full or half screen that is always placed on the storm door. However, the strength and rigidity of the door are limited by the relatively fragile aluminum alloy corners that hold the frame together. According to the Department of Energy, if your outside door gets more than a few hours of direct sun each day, you probably shouldn't go through the storm door.
PVC or vinyl storm doors often require internal steel frames to provide the necessary strength to the door. A storm door is a second exterior door that is commonly installed to protect against bad weather and allows ventilation in good weather. While wooden mosquito doors may be the most visually appealing, wood itself requires paint or some other type of coating to protect it from the elements. They can also be molded to realistically mimic wood grain to provide the appearance of a wooden storm door.
In addition, if your door is on a porch or under a cantilever where it's protected from the elements, you may not need a storm door. If you have a solid exterior door and want the option to watch the children play outside or let light into the house, a storm door provides that flexibility. Storm doors provide an additional barrier against the elements and prevent cold or hot air from entering your home, especially if the front doors are poorly insulated. The handles and hinges can be found in a variety of finishes, such as oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass, or you can choose to match the color of the door.
Adding a storm door can be a good investment, but it may not be worth it if you have a newer, well-insulated front door. The additional door can also protect the main front door from rain, ice and snow, if properly installed. The main advantage of aluminum over wood as a material for storm doors is the resistance of aluminum to environmental degradation.