It is important to install all possible home improvements to ensure that your house is protected. An example of such improvement that enhances protection is a storm door. But do storm doors really protect you from elements, especially water and cold air? We've done some research to give you the answer.
Yes, storm doors, with their glass panels, keep cold air out during the winter by insulating your house. They also keep water out as they protect your main door from rainwater. Storm doors provide your house, especially your main door, with an extra layer of protection against different kinds of elements.
Keep reading if you want to learn more about a storm door's functions. Along the way, we'll discuss the benefits of a storm door and how it helps with drafts. Sounds interesting? Well, it doesn't end there because we'll also discuss how it helps in insulating a house and explain what a low E means on a storm door.
Storm Door Configuration
A storm door serves as a secondary door that is installed in front of the main exterior door. The storm door frame is usually made of either aluminum, fiberglass, or wood. It commonly has a retractable screen and glass panels. It is made up of three layers, namely: the front layer; the back layer; and the center layer.
Storm doors are available in different sizes with unique designs suitable to your taste. Its glass panel can be replaced with a screen door during summer or springtime for added ventilation.
During a storm or rainfall, it prevents the water from damaging the interior door and entering the house because of its overall structure. It is usually made of aluminum or a fiberglass frame, plus it has a glass panel that totally seals the entire door, leaving no room for any water or cold air to enter.
Are you now planning to install a storm door for your own house? Check out this post to guide you on your quest on finding the best storm door: What Is The Best Material For Storm Doors?
Do Storm Doors Help Insulate?
A storm door's front and back layers are composed of the exterior frame, which is usually made up of aluminum. The center layer is where the foam insulation is located, which is responsible for the insulating power of these doors.
Because of their construction, storm doors keep out harsh weather, including rainwater and cold air.
When a storm door and the main door are securely placed, they will create some kind of an airlock that makes an effective seal whenever they are tightly closed. This prevents any outside damage from penetrating your house and your primary door.
Will A Storm Door Help With Drafts?
During cold days or the winter season, the storm door helps in making the interior of your house warmer since it primarily serves as a barrier that lessens the effects of air leaks from the main door.
Storm doors create insulating air pockets that prevent the cold breeze from coming in and warm air from going out.
Hence, it helps in keeping drafts from entering your house.
What Is The Benefit Of A Storm Door?
Aside from keeping water and drafts out, the following are additional benefits of having a storm door installed:
- It enhances energy efficiency and thus saves you a good money on electricity bills. It reduces heat loss of up to 50%.
- It protects your main door from inclement weather.
- During summer, it keeps out bugs or any unwanted pests from entering your house because of its screen door panel.
- It provides the inside of your house with better air flow and ventilation when you leave the main door open.
- It is an added home security feature for your house.
- It lessens the amount of outdoor noise that enters your house.
- It increases the life span of your entry or main door.
- It increases the amount of light entering your house.
- It appraises the value of your house by enhancing its curb appeal.
- It is more affordable and low maintenance compared to replacing your entire main door.
- Since it blocks UV and infrared rays, it helps in preventing your furniture from fading.
What Does Low E Mean On A Storm Door?
Low E on a storm door stands for low emissivity. A Low-E storm door uses a microscopically thin coating on its glass panel. It blocks out infrared and UV lights while still allowing light to pass through.
What To Consider When Installing A Storm Door
In order to have the best quality storm door in your house, you should take into account the following:
- Your storm doors should have a weather stripping to ensure a tight seal.
- Make sure to hire a professional to measure your storm doors in order to achieve the perfect fit.
- Your storm door should be hinged on the same side as your main door.
- When choosing a glass panel, choose a glass with a Low-E glass coating for added protection and benefit.
- Make sure to add a foam insulator inside your storm door frame for a better quality.
- When needed, your storm doors should also have a feature that allows you to hold the door in place while opening.
- Before buying, make sure that your storm door's model matches up with your main door.
- Make sure that there is still enough space to install your storm door. Some exterior door installations might be placed near the edge of the door jamb which impedes you form installing storm doors.
- Since storm doors serve as the first line of defense from all kinds of outdoor damage, make sure to do some maintenance. Clean the glass, and check the hinges and the latches.
- It is better to install storm doors on all your entry doors at home for better protection.
Drawbacks Of A Storm Door
We've already provided you with the list of benefits a storm door offers for your house. Now, let's discuss a few downsides in having this outer door:
- First, the storm door can cause heat buildup. With prolonged exposure to the heat of the sun, the glass panel tends to trap heat that might cause damage to the main door.
- Second, it can cause inconvenience to some. Having an extra door to open and shut, especially when carrying groceries or children, is a hassle.
- Lastly, it can only be a waste of money if it doesn't serve its purpose. If your main door is located under an overhang or a covered porch, installing a storm door is unnecessary. Or if you have a newer and insulated main door, you can't save that much energy if you add a storm door, making it not worth the expense.
The disadvantages, however, don't outweigh the benefits a storm door provides to the overall protection of your home.
In Closing
Storm doors, with their coated glass panels, keep your house warm during the winter by trapping the heat inside and disallowing any kind of elements, including drafts, heavy rains, and flooding, to enter and damage your house.
Before you go, you may want to check out this post to learn more about doors: Can You Put A Screen Door On The Inside?
