Storm Door Basics
- Most storm doors either have an aluminum frame or a solid, wood-core construction.
- You can find doors offering different ventilation options to help you enjoy fresh air and cool breezes.
- You’ll find simple installation options perfect for the do-it-yourselfer.
- Many models include storm door weatherstripping to reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency.
- The most common storm door sizes are 32 or 36 inches wide, but Lowe’s also offers a wide range of custom storm door sizes.
- For extra peace of mind, consider a security storm door, complete with a protective grille, a welded steel frame and an anti-removable pin system. For even more security, deadbolt locks for storm doors are the most secure locks you can have.
How to Fit a Storm Door
While storm doors typically allow some adjustment to fit your home, you need to carefully measure your door frame to find the correct storm door size. Measure from the space between the exterior brickmould or trim, not the inner door jamb. Note the height of the door frame and the width at the top, center and bottom. Use the narrowest width as your guide for finding the right size door. Once you know how to measure a storm door, you can decide on the features and style you want.
Most storm doors include all the hardware needed for DIY installation, including the door, frame components, hinges and one or two pneumatic closers. Most doors are universally hinged, meaning you can choose to install the door with either a left-hand outswing or a right-hand outswing to match the way your exterior door opens.
Our storm door installation guide will help you install a storm door, but before you begin installation, inspect the wood jamb and trim around the door opening. The door will screw into the outer casing, so it needs to have space for installation and needs to be solid enough to support the weight of your storm door. Use a level to make sure the door frame is level and plumb.
Choosing a Storm Door Style
Whether you want your front entrance to make a great first impression by beautifully framing a black front door or you simply want additional protection for a back door that gets a lot of use, you can find a storm door that works for your home.
Door Frames and Glass
Different frame styles allow different views of the outdoors (and your entry door). Look for fullview, petview, midview and highview storm doors.
- A fullview door, also sometimes referred to as a glass storm door, has glass running from the top to the bottom of the door. It allows the most open view of the outdoors and is the best storm door for highlighting an entry door. Look for decorative beveled glass for extra elegance or Low-E glass (low-emissive glass) to keep your home more comfortable and reduce energy use. Low-E glass keeps warmth in during the winter and reflects heat away during the summer. While allowing natural light in, a glass storm door helps block ultraviolet rays, reducing fading of your entry door or entryway furnishings.
- A midview door offers a good view as well, but the glass doesn’t fill the frame. A metal panel or kickplate helps prevent damage to the door. This type of door can be a good option for a back entry that gets a lot of daily use.
- A highview storm door has a glass panel at the top of the door for outdoor views and a solid panel at the bottom that helps resist damage. Highview doors are another great option for entries that get a lot of use, combining protection from the elements with sturdy design.
- A storm door with a pet door built into the bottom panel (sometimes called a petview door) allows your pet easy entry and exit.
Want to control the amount of natural light that enters your storm door? Consider a storm door built with blinds between the glass.
Storm Door Colors
Storm doors come in a variety of colors that let you find the best look to complement your home, including white, brown, black, almond, sandstone and graphite.
Storm Door Ventilation Options
Most storm doors include a screen for ventilation and you can find different combinations of glass panels and screens for a variety of ventilation options.
Glass gives you clear views of your outdoors, allows the most light in and helps keep your home comfortable throughout the year. Using screens in addition to glass panels makes the door more versatile.
Screens allow outside views but also provide ventilation so you can take advantage of cool breezes while keeping insects out of your home.
- You can find fullview doors with interchangeable screens that let you switch the glass with a screen according to the season.
- Doors with retractable screens let you easily enjoy fresh air with a screen that offers instant ventilation when needed and retracts into the top of the door when not in use.
- Traditional or standard-vented doors offer a fixed screen for air flow.
Storm Door Handles
Storm door handles don’t have to be purely functional. You have several options to consider.
For the most convenience, look for storm doors with handles included.
For a more custom look, choose a storm door without handles and purchase a matching handle with a finish and design that fits the style of your home. Note that these matching handles don’t include the lock body; this assembly is built into the storm door. However, some handles include a deadbolt.
Not all handles work with all doors. For example, LARSON Tradewinds, Signature or Platinum doors need a compatible LARSON storm door handle. A Pella® Select, Rolscreen or Venetian storm door needs a compatible Pella storm door handle. Always check the handle information to make sure it works with your door.
Storm Door Handle Replacement
If you purchase a door that includes handles, storm door handle replacement is an option when you want to update or upgrade the look of your door. As with matching handles, you need to check the replacement specifications and make sure you purchase one that’s compatible with your door. For example, some doors require replacement handles that include a mortise lock body.
Storm Door Handle Finishes
Handles for storm doors are available in several different finishes, including nickel, satin nickel, brass, bronze, matte black and more.
Storm Doors With Pet Doors
Storm doors with built-in pet doors, sometimes known as petview doors, allow you to take advantage of the protection and style of a storm door while enjoying the convenience of your pet being able to enter or exit whenever they want. A security panel blocks the pet door when it’s not in use, keeping the pet in and unwanted animals out. This built-in configuration means you can give your pet some independence without cutting into your exterior door. A storm door with a dog door or storm door with a cat door also showcases a sleek, professional look without the time and effort of installation.
Storm Door Closers
A closer prevents the door from opening too far or opening and closing too quickly. The closer also allows you to choose how slowly and firmly the door closes. Most storm doors include a pneumatic closer, but some include two closers for extra protection against high winds. You can always add a second closer.