4 Types of Storm Doors and How to Choose the Best One

You've chosen your home's entryway door, but now you may be wondering, “What is a storm door? Do I need one?” Storm doors have many purposes, including protecting your entryway door from the elements, adding insulation or air circulation in the home, and providing an extra layer of security. They are available with various ventilation options. 

Storm doors have either an aluminum frame or wood-core construction with multiple accessory options, including decorative door handles, beveled glass, and storm door closers to protect doors in high wind. Here's what you should know to choose the best storm door.

Common Timeline for Storm Door Installation

According to data from Angi, 38% of homeowners want to install a storm door within two weeks, while 29% need it installed within one to two days. The remaining homeowners are either still planning or can wait more than two weeks.

Full-View Storm Doors 

Full-view storm doors let the most light into your home, with glass running from the door's top to bottom. Full-view storm doors work well in entryways, allowing you to show off your door without obstruction while providing a beautiful view from the inside.

However, use caution if your entryway gets extensive use. Full-view doors have the least amount of protection with the most amount of glass exposure. Too much traffic could cause damage to this storm door.

Many full-view storm doors have interchangeable glass or screens, allowing you to change the door depending on the weather. You may also have various options for glass, including Low-E glass for more energy efficiency or beveled glass for a more elegant look. 

Pros 

• Provides an open view of the outdoors

• Increases your home’s curb appeal

• Lets natural light into the home

Cons

• Requires manually changing the glass or screen depending on the weather

• Requires a place to store the glass or screen safely

• Could lead to sun damage on your entryway furniture

Mid-View Storm Doors 

If you have a lot of traffic coming in and out of your home, a mid-view door provides the best of both worlds. It lets in slightly less light than a full-view door because of the kickplate or panel at the bottom of the door, which prevents damage from too much traffic. The metal plate at the bottom of the door usually measures 12 inches to 18 inches, so it’s not so big that it takes away from your entryway’s beauty, but it’s still enough to keep the door in good condition.

Like full-view doors, mid-view storm doors often have interchangeable glass and screens, but some models have retractable screens, reducing the need to change them each season. Mid-view storm doors work well as front or back doors without depleting a home's curb appeal.

Pros

• Has protection against wear and tear

• Allows natural light into the home

• Offers the same options to have either glass or screen installed

Cons

• Decreases the home’s curb appeal by blocking part of the entryway door

• Requires you to manually replace the glass or screen, depending on the weather

• Requires a safe place to keep the glass or screen (if not retractable)

High-View Storm Doors 

High-view storm doors provide a limited view of the outdoors, with glass or a screen at the top half of the door only. However, high-view doors have the largest metal panel or kick plate meant to withstand high traffic.

Unlike full or partial-view doors, ventilation in high-view storm doors is on demand. You can raise or lower the glass as needed but don't have to worry about removing or installing either, as both can exist on the door simultaneously.

Pros

• Protects from extensive use or rougher door opening and closing

• Offers easy ventilation

• Protects your entryway door from the elements

Cons 

• Not as aesthetically pleasing as a full or partial-view door

• No option to replace glass with a full screen; only part of the door ventilates 

Pet Door Storm Door 

If you have pets that go in and out often, a pet storm door may provide you with peace of mind and your pet with freedom. Pet doors are available on full-, mid-, and high-view storm doors, allowing you options when choosing the best type of storm door for your home.

Pet flaps come in various strengths and sizes to accommodate pets of different sizes or provide additional security features, including locking from inside when you don't want your pet outdoors.

Many people prefer this option over cutting into an existing storm door to install a pet door. Most manufacturer warranties become void if you cut into the door, but purchasing a storm door with a pet door doesn’t create that problem.

Pros

• Allows pets and pet parents freedom when letting pets in and out

• Some models lock from the inside to allow parents more control

• Available on most storm door types

Cons

• Can decrease your home’s energy efficiency

• Not all pets fit through the doors

Considerations for Choosing the Right Storm Door

Choosing the right storm door from all the different types of storm doors is an important decision. Your choice should factor in storm door installation costs while also considering the look you desire from the outside and the ventilation and energy efficiency you want for your home.

Here’s what to consider: 

Amount of Glass 

The more glass your storm door has, the more aesthetic appeal it provides to your home's exterior and the better views you get from inside. Full-view doors have glass from top to bottom but aren't suitable for high-traffic areas, as they are less durable than doors with metal panels at the bottom. 

Ventilation

If you prefer ventilation in your entryway, pay attention to the amount of screen offered and how you access it. Some doors have retractable screens, providing the best of both worlds. You can use the screen on demand, retracting it when not in use, without worrying about manual labor to remove an entire screen or glass panel. Other doors have fixed glass or screens that you must change for each season, storing the non-used panel in a safe place. 

Sun Exposure 

Consider the area's sun exposure when choosing the right storm door for your home. A full-view door may not be the best option if you get full sun on the front of your home for most of the day. If too much sun exposure hits your entryway, it could cause damage to your furniture and flooring while also decreasing your home's energy efficiency. 

Construction 

Carefully consider the storm door’s construction and how to install a storm door if you plan to make it a DIY project. However, some doors may require professional installation from a storm door company near you, which helps ensure proper installation and fewer issues.

Most doors are either aluminum or wood-core but come in various quality levels. If you live in an area with extreme weather, ensure you purchase a door that will withstand the weather and your intended use. 

Use 

Consider the amount of traffic the door will get. For example, front entryway doors that don't get much use may benefit from full-view storm doors, adding to your home's aesthetic appeal and providing more airflow with screens installed.

However, back doors that kids often use to run in and out of the house may last longer with partial or high-view doors, allowing the metal panel to protect the door's integrity. 

Pets

If you have pets that need to go outside, consider a pet storm door. However, keep in mind this option's security features and how it will enhance (or decrease) your home's curb appeal.