#1. Door Frame Width
Depending on your region can change what the standard is for your doors width. But the most popular sizes in most regions include 30”, 32”, and 36” width doors. For measuring purposes, you’ll want to measure from inside the edge of the frame to the other inside edge of the frame. See our diagram below:
#2. Storm Door Styles
The next item to consider is what style of ventilation options you’d find most useful. There are 3 main options for your ventilation in your storm door.
Fixed
A non-removable laminated glass panel that offers a weathertight seal and added security year around.
Interchangeable
Fullview opening that can be interchanged between an insect screen and a glass panel using the quick-release system.
Single-Vent
Glass panel that slides down from the top of the door revealing a retractable screen for anytime ventilation. Climates that stay colder for a majority of the year might benefit more from a Fixed storm door. That will provide the consistent insulation since you’ll be utilizing it for ventilation less frequently. Temperate and warm climates might benefit more from the Interchangeable storm door or Single-Vent storm door where you can choose whether to have ventilation or not in the moment.#3. Glass Type
All three storm door styles include an insert that contains glass. The pieces of glass used within the storm door insert have different qualities that can play a factor in your purchasing decision.
Clear
The clear glass is a tempered glass which is a type of safety glass that is designed to increase strength. It is 5 times stronger than regular clear glass. If broken, the tempered glass will crumble into small granular chunks rather than the large jagged shards that you’d see in a annealed glass, making the glass much safer if broken.
Low-E Clear
Low-E Clear glass is also a tempered glass but also contains an element that significantly reduces the amount of radiant heat that passes through the glass. This bounces heat back at your home instead of leaving, increasing efficiency 29% from clear glass.
Laminated
Laminated glass includes a permanent laminate sealed for added security which also makes it impact resistant. This is especially useful in certain climates that can sometimes experience extreme weather. The laminated glass also offers UV protection to help fight fading of the main entry door that is behind the storm door.#4. Storm Door Color
The last attribute to consider will be the actual color of the storm door itself. The color is referencing the frame around the insert of the storm door. There are many color options to choose from in order to match the style of your entryway and the rest of your home. The most common color is white, but that doesn’t mean you always have to go with white.
Still not sure what storm door is best for your home? Visit our Andersen Storm Door page to review the most important aspects of storm door features and utilize our product selection guide to help with your selection. Or if you need further information, feel free to contact us and a Zabitat representative will be happy to assist.
Interested in finding the perfect storm door? Check out our guided selling table to help you find the perfect storm door for your home.
