A screen door and storm door have long been used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Depending on your location, climate, and lifestyle, one or the other might be a better option.
Screen doors are typically simpler to operate than storm doors and have fewer parts. They also have the advantage of being more secure.
Weather Protection
Screen doors have been used for decades, but they offer much less weather protection than storm doors. While both can provide some level of ventilation in fair weather, only a storm door offers the ability to open and close without the risk of rain or snow entering your home.
Storm doors are designed to withstand the elements and protect your home from water, wind, snow, insects, and more. They are made of sturdy materials that can resist rust, dents, scratches, and peeling paint.
While they can be a bit expensive, storm doors are worth the investment because of how well they insulate your home and help you save on heating bills. They also boost energy efficiency by blocking air leaks around entry doors.
Durability
Screen doors are more budget-friendly than storm doors, but they can be less durable. This is because they are made from lightweight materials that can be easily damaged.
They are also prone to holes and can require frequent maintenance or replacement.
For those seeking more durability, there are storm doors available that are heavy-duty and built for use with glass. They’re constructed with frames of aluminum, vinyl-clad wood, and steel, and often come with tempered glass inserts that allow natural light into the home when it’s open.
Security
While both screen doors and storm doors are designed to protect the entry door of your home, they offer different levels of protection.
A screen door typically consists of a mesh material that covers the openings of the door frame, allowing fresh air to circulate while keeping unwanted pests out. They are typically less attractive than storm doors, which feature glass panels that allow natural light to fill the entryway while keeping out bugs and rain.
In addition to offering more security, storm doors are also an excellent insulator. They typically have double pane glass and are available with low-emissivity (Low-E) tempered glass to reduce the amount of heat and cold entering your home.
The best storm doors are heavy-duty and can withstand frequent use. They often have heavy-duty hinges, handles, and door closers to prevent damage from forceful entry attempts. Some even include a deadbolt lock and decorative metal grating to provide additional security.
Cost
The cost of a screen door and storm door can vary, depending on your specific needs. The difference between the two is that a storm door is designed specifically to protect the inner door from windstorm damage, which means it’s more sturdier and more expensive than a screen door.
If you’re thinking about installing a new storm door, the initial cost may be less than you think. Professional installation can cost from $1,100 to $2,750 on average, but some companies offer discounts if you do the entire job at once.
Homeowners also need to consider the type of glass they want for their storm doors. Low-e (low-emissivity) glass costs $25 to $50 per panel, and it diminishes UV light and infrared heat from entering the home.