How Much Does A Storm Door Cost [Plus Sizing, & Installation Tips]

So you've heard about the many benefits of a storm door and want to have one installed. Of course, you have to think about your budget. That's where we got you covered. We've asked around regarding the cost of a storm door including its installation and here's what we discovered.

The price of a storm door can range from $100 to $950 depending on the type, model, and features. If you'll have it installed by a professional, prepare to add another $75 to $400 for the labor. All in all, expect to spend between $175 and $1,350 for a new storm door.

Keep reading so we can tell you more about the storm doors before you make that purchase. We'll also tell you how much it'll cost you to have one installed by Lowes or Menards or if you can do this yourself.

Cost to install a new storm door

A storm door is a second door that's placed over your exterior doors. It can be installed over your front or back door. This isn't meant to be your main exterior door.

Storm doors are usually made of fiberglass, aluminum, or vinyl. They can have full or partial glass panels. Some can also be replaced with a screen when the weather is fine.

The price of a new storm door varies according to the model, material, and features of the storm door. A basic aluminum door can cost you $100 while a heavy-duty premium door with beveled glass panels can be bought for $950.

For the labor, it usually takes a professional between 1 and 3 hours to install a storm door. It depends on the complexity of the setup. It can even extend to a whole day if there are customizations needed. Prepare a budget of $75 to $400 for installation.

So, you'll need between $175 to $1,350 to have a new storm door installed in your house.

How much does Lowes charge to install a storm door?

If you purchase your storm dorm from Lowes, you can also ask them to install it for you. The average cost of door installation is between $300 and $800. The charge will depend on the complexity of the job.

The usual rate is $300 for a pre-hung door like most storm doors are but it can go as high as over $1,000 for customized jobs.

How much does Menards charge to install a storm door?

Menards also offers a wide range of storm doors that you can choose from. However, they do not provide door installation services. They can only recommend contractors that can do the work for you.

Can I install a storm door myself?

If you're comfortable with tools and have a whole morning or afternoon to spare, you can get this job done by yourself if you want to save on installation costs.

Always check the instructions provided by the door manufacturer and follow them to a 'T' and you should be fine. Here's what you need to do:

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Drill
• Hacksaw
• Utility knife
• Heat gun
• Level
• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Pencil for marking

Steps:

1. Review the installation instructions in the manual that accompanied the new door. Check the contents of your storm door kit to see if you have everything you need.
2. Choose the hinge side of your door and mark it.
3. To attach the drip cap at the top of the door opening, mark the position of the screws with a pencil before drilling. Then screw the drip cap in place. (Note: Check the manufacturer's instructions as some may require you to do this once the rest of the door is already installed.)
4. Look for the Z-bar and attach it at the hinge side of your storm door. Remove any excess.
5. Fit the door into the opening.
6. Attach the top hinge first and see if the door will open and close properly. If it's alright then proceed to attach the rest of the hinges.
7. Install the Z-bar at the latch side of the door. Make sure it fits perfectly right under the drip cap. Remove any excess.
8. Screw the handleset in place.

That's it! You have installed your storm door all by yourself. Well done!

Is a storm door really necessary?

A storm door is another investment for your home. Having one offers many advantages that make it worth your money. Below, are just some of those benefits.

Barrier against the weather

Storm doors are built to enhance your house's protection against bad weather conditions such as rain, snow, and wind. So, if your area is prone to harsh weather conditions, it is a good idea to have one for additional protection.

Energy efficiency

This door will increase your home's energy efficiency. It will help provide better insulation when it is installed properly. Depending on the weather, the heat or cold coming from the outside won't be able to get in.

Protect your exterior door

Harsh weather conditions can take their toll on your exterior doors. They can weaken it or damage its finish. When you have a storm door, your front door will have an extra layer of protection so your entry door will still look as good as new.

Natural light

You can open your front doors and allow natural light to come in. This will also help you save on energy costs since you don't need to turn on the lights when the sun is shining brightly.

Ventilation

Some storm doors have screens. When you open your exterior doors, air can pass through. You can enjoy the gentle breeze without having to invite the bugs or dirt inside your home.

These are just some of the advantages of having a storm door. However, storm doors aren't necessarily for everyone. If you're confident that your front door is sturdy, properly insulated, and energy-efficient, then it's not really necessary for you to have a second door installed.

A storm door isn't also necessary when you have a porch or an overhang before your front door.

According to the Department of Energy, a storm door isn't recommended if your exterior door is exposed to more than two hours of direct sunlight within a day. It'll cause heat to be trapped between the two doors which can do more harm than good to your front door.

Are storm doors good for security?

A storm door can also add another layer of security to your home. It is harder for a burglar to gain access inside your home when there are two doors barring the way. You can put in locks on your storm door to enhance its security features.

Storm doors are also made of durable materials so intruders cannot just take them down whenever they want to.

Are all storm doors standard size?

Storm doors come in different sizes. The most common sizes are 32" and 36" for them to fit most back and front doors. There are also storm door models that come in widths of 30" and 34". You can also have yours customized if your doorway has a different size.

This is why it's important to get the precise measurement of the opening of your doorway to get the perfect fit for your storm door.

You need to get the height and width of the door opening. Don't just measure your front door. You have to take the measurement where your storm door will sit.

Here's how to get the dimensions:

• Height: Measure vertically from the door threshold all the way to the top of the underside of the door trim.
• Width: Measure horizontally from the left of the interior door trim to the right.

Experts recommend that you measure each dimension in three separate spots within your door opening and record the smallest measurements that you got before you go to the hardware to order your storm door.

Take note also if you need your door to open on the right side or left as not all storm doors are interchangeable.

Do frames come with storm doors?

Many storm door manufacturers offer them as a complete set. They come pre-hung on a frame and with the other hardware that you need for installation. But this is only for the common sizes such as those for 36" and 32" entry doors.

If you need your storm door in another size, you have to contact your door dealer and provide the specific measurements that you need so that you can have a door and frame that would fit your opening perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Buying a storm door is another investment for your home that will pay off in the long run. You can spend hundreds or even a thousand bucks but the added protection and security that it brings will make it worth it.

For more related reading, feel free to visit the following links:

Do Storm Doors Keep Water And Cold Air Out?

Does A Storm Door Need A Frame?