You can find storm doors in local home centers, major home improvement chains and lumberyards. Storm doors are generally sold in pre-hung kits in standard door widths of 30, 32, 34 and 36 inches. The kits include all the hardware such as hinges, latches and pneumatic closers that you will require to properly install the door. All storm doors are manufactured with a combination of screen and glass panels, but the features may vary. Decide what kind of storm door you want based on the style of your house and how you will use the door. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Select what type of screen system you desire. Galvanized steel screens are the least expensive; they are resistant to tears but the coating can fade. Aluminum screens withstand corrosion (except in seaside areas) but are not as strong as galvanized steel and have a tendency to darken. Fiberglass screens are impervious to corrosion and the easiest to install. Bronze screens are the most long-lasting and the most expensive.
2. Choose what kind of window panels you want. A full-height glass panel is great if you want to enjoy a view or welcome light in. The mid-view type has a solid panel at the bottom of the door that offers you ventilation control. The high-view door contains a glazed section that reaches to half the door's height. On some storm doors, you can remove and replace clip-in glass panels with insect screening. Other panels bypass each other on tracks and some panels can even be stored inside the door when not in use.
3. Look at the door's construction. Storm door frames are usually made of aluminum, fiberglass, steel or wood. Solid-wood core doors can be painted (high maintenance), encased in a permanently bonded sheath of aluminum with an enamel finish (virtually maintenance-free) or vinyl-clad (not as durable as aluminum). Quality metal-framed storm doors may have foam insulation in their frames.
4. Decide if you want a storm door for weather protection or for personal security. If you prefer security, look for a screen door with heavy-gauge protective grilles, laminated security glass, tamper-proof deadbolt locks and/or a multi-point locking system.
5. Test the sample doors in the store. Check how each door opens and closes; the hinges and latches should operate effortlessly and quietly. A good door will have solidity and its corners and moldings will be close-fitting. Also look for a limited lifetime warranty.
Tags: storm doors, glass panels, hinges latches, storm door, what kind
