Storm Door Energy Efficiency

Just as your primary exterior door can add style and energy efficiency to your home, adding a storm door is generally a good investment and can complement your entry door. They can add beauty and security to your entry, and let in light - allowing you to enjoy the view from inside your home.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency, there are a number of considerations:

• Don't add a glass storm door if the door gets more than a few hours of direct sun each day. The glass will trap too much heat against the entry door and possibly damage it.
• Adding a new (or more expensive) storm door to a modern foam core door is not generally worth the expense since the added energy saved is very small.
• Patio storm doors aren't readily available, and generally not economic. However, the addition of insulated drapes can make a difference.

Materials make a big difference:

• High quality storm doors and windows use low-e glass. Low-emission glass is clear, with an ultra thin metallic coating on one side of the glass in a dual-pane window. The low-e glass allows sunlight to pass trough the glass, but dramatically lowers heating or air-conditioning loss. It filters ultraviolet light, which damages wood, fabrics, and fades colors. Low-E glass reduces condensation on the glass surface and keeps outside temperatures outside!
• Manufacturers give you a wide choice of frames, including aluminum, steel, fiberglass, vinyl or wood (which requires more maintenance). Ask your dealer if the metal-framed storm doors include foam insulation.
• Remember to add weatherstripping, available in foam rubber, felt, metal, and plastic. Consider durability along with considerations on what works best with your door type. Older doors feature durable metal, but aluminum or brass conduct heat easily and don’t usually seal as well as other materials. Plastics have similar characteristics as metal weatherstripping, but are cheaper and less durable. Rubber will maintain its flexibility for many years, is inexpensive and effectively seals air leaks.

Storm doors are available in a number of styles, and some doors feature self-storage of the glass window (slides away for the summer, replaced by a screen). Some feature half- or full-length windows or screens. Look for features that meet your needs - do you want a panel that easily slides out for ventilation? Do you prefer half glass with half screen? How simple is it to clean the screens and glass?

Consider maintenance-free models to keep your life simple. There are storm doors for every budget - in a wide range of styles - and can be professionally installed or put in by the do-it-yourself handyman.