The Best Storm Doors

Keep out pests while letting light into your home with the best storm doors.

By Glenda Taylor | Updated Nov 2, 2022 7:48 AM

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The Best Storm Door Option

Photo: istockphoto.com

When summer gives way to autumn, it’s time to open the doors and welcome natural light and fresh air into the house. Of course, an open door also invites flying insects, creepy crawlies, and other potential pests—that’s where a good storm door comes in. Not only does a quality storm door block bugs while letting in light, but it also serves as an insulating layer against both hot and cold weather when paired with the exterior door.

Here’s a look at the features shoppers will want to consider and some of the best storm doors available today.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Andersen 3000 Series Black Full-View Storm Door
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Emco 100 Series Self-Storing Storm Door 
  3. BEST ¾-VIEW: Andersen 400 Series Three-Quarter-View Storm Door
  4. BEST FULL-VIEW: Larson Tradewinds Full-View Aluminum Storm Door
  5. BEST FOR EASY INSTALLATION: Pella Rolscreen Full-View Aluminum Storm Door
  6. BEST WITH PET DOOR: Larson Pet Door XL High-View Storm Door
  7. BEST FOR COLD WEATHER: Pella Venetian Full-View Storm Door
  8. BEST WITH RETRACTABLE SCREEN: Larson Savannah Mid-View Storm Door
The Best Storm Door Option

Photo: istockphoto.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Storm Door

While most of the storm doors on our list share similar characteristics, there are several differences among them, and this can impact a shopper’s choice. The following sections explain the key features that may help anyone interested in buying a storm door for their home select the one that’s best suited for them.

Storm Door vs. Screen Door

While some people use the terms “storm door” and “screen door” interchangeably, that doesn’t really apply here; a storm door is not the same thing as a screen door, so switching one out for the other won’t work.

Screen doors let in air and light while keeping bugs at bay. Storm doors do the same thing but are generally a bit sturdier. While storm doors often have a screen, they also add an extra layer of protection in the form of glass against rain, snow, and wind. Here’s another bonus shoppers will want to consider: Storm doors are more likely to enhance front door design than an average screen door.

Materials 

Most quality storm doors are made from lightweight aluminum over a rigid foam core. They’re corrosion-resistant and require virtually no maintenance. Steel- and vinyl-clad storm doors and wood core options are also available. Higher-end models can serve as a home’s front door.

  • Vinyl-clad storm doors are both inexpensive and weather-resistant. Baked-in colors may fade, though, especially if the storm door is on a house’s sunny side. White and almond are typically the most fade-resistant colors.
  • Steel-clad storm doors are rugged and long lasting, strong enough to resist bumps and slams without denting. They’re available in a variety of colors.
  • Aluminum storm doors are nearly as durable as steel but more lightweight, which is why they’re popular. Aluminum-clad storm doors are available in several colors, too.
  • Wood-core storm doors feature vinyl, steel, or aluminum over a wood frame. Doors with wood cores are budget-friendly but not quite as sturdy as other types.

Storm Door Styles

Storm doors come in various glass-panel options. Here’s a look at the design options available.

  • Full-view storm doors feature a narrow frame around the perimeter and a full-length glass panel. Some full-view doors include a single pane of glass, but most offer two: one at the top and one at the bottom. The top pane slides down to open and a retractable screen covers it.
  • Half-view storm doors are solid on either the bottom half or bottom third and feature a glass pane or two at the top. This style is sometimes called mid-view or three-quarter-view.
  • French storm doors are designed to fit standard French patio doors, protecting them from the elements. They feature double storm doors that can be either full-view or half-view.
  • High-view storm doors are solid except for a glass panel at the top. They may be self-storage or the window may be fixed in place.

Size and Opening Type

Storm doors come in standard sizes to fit entry doors. To ensure the right size, shoppers will need to measure the height and width of the existing entry door. Standard exterior doors are 80 inches tall, but the width can vary. While most entry doors are 36 inches wide, some are either 34 or 38 inches wide. Most back and side doors measure 32 inches wide.

As for opening options, many quality storm doors are reversible, meaning they can be installed to open either on the right side or the left side. For example, if a storm door is labeled as “right-opening,” that means the handle is on the right side when facing the door from outside the home. Users often prefer a storm door to open on the same side as the entry door.

Other Design Details

Virtually all of today’s storm door glass is tempered, meaning that if broken, it will shatter into tiny pieces rather than dangerously sharp shards. Some storm doors feature double panes and include low-emissivity (low-e) glass to block heat transfer and conserve energy. Storm doors offer plain full or top glass panels or etched, frosted, or stained glass. Some even boast double glass panels with operable mini-blinds between the panes.

The two most common storm door colors are almond and white, but custom doors are available in a variety of colors, such as brown, evergreen, brick, sandstone, and many more, to complement the exterior aesthetic of a wide variety of homes. While some storm doors include a handle set, others require the handles to be purchased separately. Storm doors with built-in pet openings are suitable for animal lovers who want to let their furry family members come and go as they please.

Installation 

Anyone looking to purchase a storm door should be aware that there will be some assembly involved. Unlike exterior entry doors, storm doors do not come prehung in their jambs. Rather, they are a boxed kit that includes the door, a top jamb (drip cap), a hinge jamb, a latch jamb, installation instructions, and a closer, which is a pneumatic bar that allows the door to close slowly without slamming shut. An adjustable expander may also be included in the kit. This is an extra bar that fits to the bottom of the door and allows for compensation when there are uneven sills.

Our Top Picks

The best storm doors allow plenty of light into a home while still protecting its inhabitants from wind, rain, snow, and cold weather. All of the top picks below fit standard 80-inch-tall entryways and feature operable window and screen options.

Best Overall

The Best Storm Doors Option : Anderson 3000 Series Black FullView Storm Door
Photo: homedepot.com

Preassembled and extremely durable, the Andersen 3000 Series Full-View Storm Door has a 1.5-inch thick frame and is built with aluminum corner brackets to withstand tough winds and even abrasions. It also features a full-view window with thermally tempered glass to withstand tough bumps and wear and tear. To work with most current door frames, this right- or left-handed model comes in four different sizes and multiple colorways for ample curb appeal.

This door can be installed in as little as 45 minutes using basic tools. An integrated retainer system makes it easy for anyone to change the configuration from glass to the insect screen panel. A push-button closer can be used to hold the door open.

Product Specs 

  • Style: Full-view
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 30, 32, 34, and 36 inches by 80 inches

Pros

  • Durable design
  • Multiple size options and colorways offered
  • Thermally tempered glass
  • Comes with right- or left-handed design

Cons

  • Door handle sold separately

Get the Andersen 3000 Series storm door at The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

The Best Storm Door Option: Emco 100 Series Self-Storing Storm Door
Photo: homedepot.com

Built with an aluminum frame and a heavy-duty steel closure, the Emco 100 Series Self-Storing Storm Door is a budget-friendly and reliable option for homeowners looking for an inexpensive storm door. This storm door has a partial view window with a fixed screen and an adjustable bottom glass panel. Sliding the glass panel up lets in a lot of light and fresh air while keeping the bugs out. When it’s slid down, it shuts for full protection.

The Emco 100 Series storm door can be installed in a left or right orientation depending on the user’s preference. With the extensive range of size options available, it’s likely there will be an Emco Series 100 door to fit almost any door frame.

Product Specs 

  • Style: Three-quarter-view
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 32 or 36 inches by 80 inches

Pros

  • Partial view window with screen
  • Comes with right- or left-handed design
  • Affordable price point

Cons

  • Handle comes in black only

Get the Emco 100 Series storm door at The Home Depot.

Best ¾-View

The Best Storm Door Option: Andersen 400 Series Three-Quarter-View Storm Door
Photo: homedepot.com

For some, a 3/4-view (or mid-view) storm door is about visual appeal. For others, not having full glass is a more practical choice, less likely to be damaged by the bumps and knocks inevitable with busy families.

In either case, the Andersen 400 Series is an excellent option. It has the classic lines that suit a variety of homes, and it’s available in a range of colors. The heavy-duty aluminum construction offers durability. It can be hinged on either side, and smart nickel handles are included.

The Andersen 400 Series has tougher, tempered glass. The top pane can be opened with one hand for easy ventilation, and a concealed screen is also fitted.

Product Specs 

  • Style: Three-quarter-view
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Sizes: 32 or 36 inches by 80 inches

Pros

  • Upper panel opens for ventilation
  • Can be fitted as left or right opening
  • Nickel handle set included
  • Good range of colors

Cons

  • Some find installation more difficult than suggested
  • Limited sizes

Get the Andersen 400 Series storm door at The Home Depot.

Best Full-View

The Best Storm Door Option: Larson Tradewinds Full-View Aluminum Storm Door
Photo: lowes.com

Shoppers who want to be able to see as much of the outside world as possible will want to check out the Tradewinds Full-View Aluminum Storm Door from Larson. It’s available in 32-, 34-, and 36-inch widths and comes in eight colors. This storm door features lightweight aluminum and a retractable screen that pulls down to let in a fresh breeze. It can be mounted to open either on the right or the left side, though the handle set is a separate purchase.

The retractable Screen Away design converts this storm door into a screen door, hiding the screen in a cassette at the top of the door when not in use. Larson’s EasyHang installation system makes this an easy DIY project that can be completed with basic tools.

Product Specs 

  • Style: Full-view
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Sizes: 32, 34, or 36 inches by 80 or 81 inches

Pros

  • Can be mounted on the left or right side
  • Pull-down retractable screen
  • Comes in multiple sizes and colors a

Cons

  • Pricey compared with similar options
  • Handles not included

Get the Larson full-view storm door at Lowe’s.

Best for Easy Installation

The Best Storm Door Option: Pella Rolscreen Full-View Aluminum Storm Door
Photo: lowes.com

Homeowners who are concerned about DIY installation may want to consider Pella’s Rolscreen Full-View Aluminum Storm Door, which boasts an exclusive Express Install system that makes short, simple work out of either a right- or left-opening installation. Its thick, overlapping frame and heavy-duty weatherstripping keep out drafts and moisture, and two closers provide smooth closing. This storm door’s durable aluminum frame has reinforced corners, keeping the door square.

This lightweight aluminum door comes in 32- and 36-inch widths and is available in multiple colors. It also includes a retractable screen and features low-e glass panels to reduce heat transfer and conserve energy. The Pella handle set is sold separately.

Product Specs 

  • Style: Full-view
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Sizes: 32 or 36 inches by 81 inches

Pros

  • Express Install system
  • Can be mounted on the left or right side
  • Comes in multiple sizes and colorways
  • Retractable screen and low-e glass panels

Cons

  • Handle sold separately
  • Pricey

Get the Pella Rolscreen storm door at Lowe’s.

Best with Pet Door

The Best Storm Door Option: Larson Pet Door XL High-View Storm Door
Photo: lowes.com

Larson’s factory-fitted large pet door is the ideal solution for those with pets weighing up to 200 pounds. The flexible flap provides minimum resistance, yet an interior security panel controls access and makes sure the home is secure when the pet door is not in use.

The door is constructed from vinyl over a wood core and finished with acrylic enamel to resist scratches or fading. The top glass panel has a half screen and allows for ventilation. The door can be hinged for either left or right opening, and color-matched handles are provided. However, the door is only available in white or almond. A heavy-duty weatherstrip helps keep out winter drafts.

Product Specs 

  • Style: High-view with twin panels
  • Material: Vinyl
  • Sizes: 32 or 36 inches by 80 or 81 inches

Pros

  • 14-inch by 23-inch pet door for larger animals
  • Inner panel controls access and ensures security
  • Color-matched handles included
  • Rail extenders help ensure precise fit.

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Only 2 size or color options

Get the Larson pet door storm door at Lowe’s.

Best for Cold Weather

The Best Storm Door Option: Pella Venetian Full-View Storm Door
Photo: lowes.com

When the temperature drops and winds get stronger, good insulation is a key element in keeping the house warm. The Pella Venetian storm door helps block out cold weather in two ways. First, it uses heavy-duty weather strips to produce an efficient seal between the storm door and frame. Second, it employs two layers of insulated glass to minimize heat loss.

In between those two layers is a lever-operated venetian blind that offers privacy when required, and it doesn’t have dangling cords that might endanger children or pets. Blinds can be awkward to keep clean, but putting them within the door makes this tiresome chore unnecessary. A convenient foot-operated closer gives hands-free access, and universal hinging allows opening on either side.

Product Specs 

  • Style: Full-view
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Sizes: 32 or 36 inches by 81 inches

Pros

  • Heavy-duty weather strips
  • Insulated glass
  • Integrated cordless blind
  • Closer allows hands-free operation

Cons

  • Handles cost extra
  • Relatively expensive

Get the Pella Venetian storm door at Lowe’s.

Best Retractable Screen

The Best Storm Door Option: Larson Savannah Mid-View Storm Door
Photo: lowes.com

A retractable screen storm door keeps out the worst of the weather, but it also allows for pleasant ventilation when desired. On the Larson Savannah, a discreet cassette at the top of the door conceals the screen when it’s not in use and provides smooth, and easy operation.

Other key features are a color-matched closer that has variable speed, an adjustable bottom bar to compensate for uneven sills, and universal hinges for left- or right-side mounting. Energy-efficient tempered glass is fitted, as is a heavy-duty weather strip. The Larson Savannah comes in four colors, though non-white models, and one of the handle options, incur a small additional charge.

Product Specs 

  • Style: Three-quarter-view
  • Material: Vinyl
  • Sizes: 32, 34, or 36 inches by 80 or 81 inches

Pros

  • Discreet screen design
  • Adjustable-speed closer
  • Scratch and fade-resistant finish
  • 4 colorways

Cons

  • Some options cost extra

Get the Larson Savannah storm door at Lowe’s.

Our Verdict

The Andersen 3000 Series storm door is our top choice, with its durable aluminum design, left- or right-side installation option, and multiple colorways and sizes. Alternatively, the Emco 100 Series storm door is a budget-friendly pick, with a partial- view window and a left- or right-side installation option.

How We Chose the Best Storm Doors 

We researched the most sought-after storm doors in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their materials, size options, style, and other special features included by the top brands.

As we were searching for the best options available, we found the most popular types among users were steel and aluminum storm doors with full-view styles. While not as popular, those with partial- or half-view styles are also viable options for those who want a little less light coming in through their doors.

Most of the doors on our list also come in multiple sizes to fit shoppers’ current door frames and are offered in many colors to complement a home’s curb appeal. As for special features, select options included above come with adjustable screens, tempered glass on their windows, and even doggy doors for pet-friendly households.

FAQs

This guide addressed all of the factors anyone will want to keep in mind when choosing the best storm door. Despite this, questions may remain, and it’s always good to ask more about a product before buying. Here are some of the most common questions shoppers usually ask about choosing, using, and installing a storm door.

Q:.What is the purpose of a storm door?

Storm doors add a layer of protection to a front, back, or side door by keeping rain, sleet, and snow out.

Q.Does a storm door add value?

It does, but not too much. A storm door protects the integrity of a front door, which is a plus for many potential buyers.

Q. How do you install storm doors?

Install the drip cap and hinge rail then position the storm door, attaching hinges with screws. If it opens and closes smoothly, attach the latch bar and install the handle.