When you select new storm doors, you’re enhancing your home’s curb appeal, boosting its security, increasing its energy efficiency, and protecting your entryway from harsh weather. There’s a lot to think about! And with so many different styles and features available, it can be difficult to nail down the perfect option for your home. If you aren’t sure where to start, scroll down to learn how to choose storm doors. We’ll review all the basics.
What to Consider When Purchasing Storm Doors
Storm doors must perform on several fronts, including aesthetics, strength, efficiency, and safety. So, as you shop for the best doors for your home, keep the following factors in mind:
Material
You want a storm door that’s strong, secure, and reliable. For that, we recommend steel as it offers maximum security. While it’s a little heavier than other materials and more prone to rusting, steel is typically sturdier than materials like vinyl and fiberglass. It provides excellent protection against strong winds, heavy rain, and snow. Additionally, despite requiring minimal upkeep, it won’t warp, crack, or rot, making it a great long-term investment.
Glass vs. Screen Panels
Do you prefer glass panels, screen panels, or a combination of both? While full-view glass offers a clear, stylish look and unobstructed views, it may require a separate screen for ventilation. It also requires more frequent cleaning due to inevitable fingerprints and smudges. Screens, on the other hand, allow excellent airflow but may tear over time. They’re also less insulating than full-glass doors. For the best of both worlds, consider self-storing screens, which allow you to easily switch between glass and screen panels. Just slide the window up or down for optimal comfort.
Energy Efficiency
Look for storm doors with low-emissivity glass, also known as Low-E, to help reduce heat loss in the winter and block UV rays in the summertime. Weather-tight seals are also essential. These will lower your energy bills and improve your home’s comfort.
Security
To boost your home’s security, look for a storm door with a multi-point locking system or reinforced metal frames. Tempered or laminated glass and welded corners (as opposed to screw-type corners) could also increase the doors’ strength, durability, and safety. At Liberty Home Solutions, our storm doors also include an interlocking hinge system to prevent the door’s tendency to pull away from the frame and provide extra stability.
Aesthetics & Sound
When shopping for exterior doors, consider your home’s architecture and curb appeal to create a cohesive look. Would you prefer a traditional, timeless design or something more modern and sleek? You can also find doors with decorative elements, like etched glass or metal accents. Consider the movement and sound of the door as well. Our storm doors feature hydraulic closers to ensure a smooth, non-jarring closing action. They also use a unique fold-back windstrap, which is attached to the top of the door, replacing the annoyingly noisy chain found on many storm doors.
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At Liberty Home Solutions, you’ll find storm doors with sleek styling, wide door frames, removable heavy-duty screens, and weather-stripping around the glass and screen panels. They’re a perfect fit for homes with provincial and colonial architecture. A perfect combination of form and function, these storm doors are strong, beautiful, and reliable. Plus, you can trust Liberty Home Solutions to provide exceptional quality and service. Our friendly team would be delighted to answer your questions and guide you through your search. We can help you find the ideal entry and exit solution for your home, whether storm doors, French doors, patio doors, or steel and fiberglass doors. For more information or to request a quote for your project, contact us today.