Storm Door Buying Guide
Most door manufacturers sell pre-hung storm doors in kits, which include all the hardware you need to install the door. The kits come with pieces like hinges, pneumatic closers, latches, and more, giving you just what you need to install your storm door without needing more. Shop online and in-store for your next storm door, then either install it yourself or have us take care of the installation process.
Add Style & Protection with a Storm Door
Storm doors serve multiple purposes. They protect your regular entry door from weather damage, make your home more energy-efficient, provide extra security, and add a bit of subtle style.
From material to extra features, we've got what you're looking for both online and in-store. Find your door today.
Storm Door Basics
Storm doors come with combinations of screen and glass panels. Many have removable panels that can be changed depending on the season. Along the bottom, most doors have a sweep — one or more flexible strips designed to keep moisture, dirt, and outside air from entering your home.
Before you buy a storm door, check its components in the store. Open and close the door to make sure the hinges and latches operate smoothly. For long life, the components should be of the highest quality you can afford.
Security
If security is a concern, look for a model with protective grilles and deadbolt locks.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is made by inserting a vinyl layer between glass, making it highly shatter-resistant so it remains structurally intact for extra security and peace of mind. It also offers a high level of sound protection and UV-resistance. Although it is more expensive than tempered glass, laminated glass is incredibly durable, simple to maintain, and easy to clean.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass undergoes a process called "quenching" where the glass is heated then cooled rapidly, leaving it four to five times stronger than before the process. It is highly resistant to breaking; if it does break, the glass shatters into small pieces that are less likely to cause injury than larger pieces from non-tempered glass.
Multi-Point Locking System
A multi-point locking system, also known as "3-point lock", means the storm door has three locking points that all lock at the same time when you turn the key. Various types of locks are used, but common ones include: hook bolts, pins, and camrollers.
Ensuring a Proper Fit
Most storm door units can be adjusted slightly to fit into a door frame. The parameters for this adjustment vary by manufacturer, so ask a millwork associate at your local Lowe's for help in determining the best size door for you.
Height & Width
Measure the height and width of your door frame carefully before you visit the store so you will have the information needed to find the correct door size. Measure the space between the exterior brick mould trim pieces, not the inner door jamb.
Z-Bar Extender
If your opening is too big for a standard door, you can install a Z-bar extender — a device that fills in the extra space between the door and frame. Some homeowners find the look unappealing and prefer to order custom doors, which can be made to fit any size.
Inspect Before Installing
Before installing the door, inspect the wood jamb and trim around your door opening to make sure it is secure and will support the weight of your storm door. Use a level to make sure the door frame is square. If it is not, use shims — pieces of wood or aluminum — to ensure a correct fit. A Z-bar extender can also be used to square an opening.
Types of Screens & Panels
If your storm door is exposed to direct sun, change over to screens early in the spring and wait until the end of fall before putting the glass panels back on. The panels can act like a greenhouse, heating up the space between the two doors and causing weatherstripping to deteriorate quickly. In extreme cases, the heat could warp metal house doors.
When choosing metal replacement screens, check with your dealer about the compatibility of the metal screens you want to buy with the metal of your door. In some cases, different metals in contact with each other will hasten corrosion.
Galvanized Steel
Screens made of galvanized steel are the least expensive and are highly resistant to holes and tears. But galvanized coating can wear off. A spray of household lubricant once a year helps prevent rust.
Aluminum
Aluminum screens resist corrosion, except in seaside areas, but are not as strong as galvanized steel. In areas with a lot of smog, aluminum tends to darken. Aluminum screens can be protected with commercial spray products.
Bronze
Bronze screens are the most durable, but also the most expensive. Use a thin coat of varnish to protect the screen against corrosion. Renew the coating every few years by painting or spraying with thinned varnish.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass screens resist corrosion and are easy to install, making them a practical replacement screen if a metal screen deteriorates.
Door Closers & Door Stops
Most storm doors come with either a door closer or a door stop — both devices control how far your door will open.
Pneumatic Closer
A pneumatic closer not only prevents a door from opening too fast or too far, but also closes the door slowly and firmly. A sliding washer can hold the door open — a handy feature when you are carrying packages. Most doors have one pneumatic closer, but some have two for extra protection against high winds. You can add a second closer if necessary.
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