Do I Need a Storm Door?

Dog looking outside through a storm door

Why do some houses have storm doors? Do you actually need one? While a storm door isn’t a total necessity, it can indeed add a lot of value to your home. Storm doors can be a great addition to your front or back entrance — or both. However, at New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., we know that installing one means extra money and time, so it’s important you feel confident in your decision. Here, our experts in northern New Jersey break down all the pros and cons of storm doors.

The Purpose of Storm Doors

Storm doors serve many purposes, which is why they’re such a value-add for your home. If you’re not familiar, a storm door goes in front of your entry door. Walking into a house, you’ll open the storm door first, and then the main door. Storm doors are typically made with expansive glass panels or screen panels. This allows you to see through them. Essentially, a storm door acts like another window, except this is one you can walk through.

As the name implies, the primary duty of a storm door is to protect against weather. For homeowners in northern New Jersey especially, extra protection from snow and rain is a must. But there are many other benefits of storm doors, too. Here are some advantages:

Protect Against Main Door Damage

When bad weather hits, a storm door is one of your home’s first lines of defense. It will protect your entry door from getting battered and exposed to moisture. Newer entry doors, made of fiberglass or steel, aren’t vulnerable to water, but this is extra important if your main door is made with wood components, as wood can swell and rot over time when exposed to too much moisture.  Not only do storm doors keep away snow, rain, and frost, but they can also effectively protect against the sun. At New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., we offer storm doors with tinted glass panels designed specifically to block the sun and reduce glare.

Add Extra Insulation

Did you know storm doors can improve your home’s energy efficiency? It’s true. High-quality storm doors are made with special glass that’s rated for low emissivity. On top of that, storm doors provide another barrier to prevent heat from leaking out of your home. Reduced temperature loss means it’ll be easier and more cost-effective to cool and heat your home.

Enhance the Beauty of Your Home

Since most storm doors are made almost entirely of clear glass, main entry doors are not obstructed. Rather, the storm door highlights and enhances the beauty of your entryway. With many colors and styles to choose from, you’ll be able to pick out a storm door that complements your home perfectly. New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., offers HGI storm doors, which come with color matching. This makes it easy to find a product that coordinates with your door exactly.

Enjoy a Better View of Your Yard

As mentioned earlier, storm doors can serve as another window. Having a storm door gives you a better view of the beautiful nature surrounding your home. Many families especially love having a storm door because it allows them to keep an eye on pets and children playing outside. Speaking of pets, some storm doors even come with a pet door already installed. Your furry friend will be able to come and go as they please.

Add Another Layer of Security

Doors are one of the most common entry points for intruders. Naturally, two doors are more secure than one. Storm doors are even available with their own lock and keyed deadbolts to give you peace of mind. Plus, they’re made with tempered safety glass which is three times stronger than regular glass. Besides intruders, storm doors are also great for keeping out bugs. When the weather is nice, you can open your main entry door and keep the storm door closed to let light in but keep bugs out.

So, Is a Storm Door Worth It?

The verdict is in. Storm doors are definitely worth it for many homeowners. In addition to weather protection, they provide enhanced beauty, security, energy efficiency, and even convenience. Explore the complete catalog of storm doors available from New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., to learn more about all the different options available and find the best style for you. If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help. We’re a family-owned company that’s been serving the local North Jersey community for more than 20 years. To learn more about how we can help make your home improvement projects easier, contact us today.