You might have heard of the term “storm door” or “winter storm door” and wondered what this type of door is. Storm doors can keep cold air out during the chilly months to keep your house warm, potentially leading to lower utility bills and a big boost in terms of comfort.
Get the lowdown on winter storm doors and see what installing one could mean for you.
What Is a Winter Storm Door?
A winter storm door is a second door installed in front of an existing or standard exterior door to shield it against damaging weather, such as rain, snow, or hail.
While winter storm doors are available in many materials, including wood, vinyl, and fiberglass, aluminum is the most popular choice because it offers the best protection against corrosion. When choosing a winter storm door, opt for one made of thicker aluminum, as it provides better durability and thermal insulation.
Winter storm doors typically have glass panels that let sunlight into your home when you open your main door. A full-view storm door comes with a glass panel spanning the entire door length to provide the most visibility. A half-view door features a glass panel on the upper half only, offering those inside the home more privacy.
The Benefits of Winter Storm Doors
A key benefit of winter storm doors is that they act as an extra layer of protection between harsh weather and your main door. Ideally, this prevents weather-related damage and improves that inner door’s lifespan.
These sturdy doors also increase your home’s energy efficiency by keeping warm air in and cool air out. This can lower your heating bill in the winter, and those savings may even cover the cost of your investment.
A well-made winter storm door can also increase your house’s curb appeal while providing an extra security barrier to keep your family safe.
Who Needs a Winter Storm Door?
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether you need a storm door.
- Do you live in an area with frequent rain and snow storms?
- Is your entryway currently exposed?
- Do you often feel drafts near your front door and crank the heat up as a result?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, a winter storm door may serve up some much-needed protection.
Why You May Not Need a Winter Storm Door
A winter storm door isn’t always necessary. If you have a newer, well-insulated entry door, a storm door may not improve your house’s energy efficiency or lower your utility bill by a significant amount.
If your entryway is accessed via a porch or if the existing door sits under an overhanging roof, it’s already well-shielded. In this case, a winter storm door may not add enough protection to justify the cost.
Homeowners in sunny areas should also think twice about installing winter storm doors. According to the Department of Energy, if your entry door gets more than a few hours of direct sunlight daily, a storm door can actually damage it by trapping heat.
Finding Your Ideal Winter Storm Door
Thompson Creek offers professional-grade storm doors made of aluminum 20% thicker than the consumer-grade doors from home improvement stores, leading to much better thermal insulation and energy efficiency. Contact us today to explore winter storm doors in a wide range of colors and styles.