Storm Doors Taking On Elegant Look

New thermal door technology has reduced the need for the old storm door, which plainly provided extra protection to conventional doors from wind, rain and debris.

But over the past several years, the appearance of storm doors has caught up with the look of exterior doors. While most of us are familiar with the low-end white aluminum storm door, new models feature wood and foam cores, solid brass hardware, full-view, beveled glass panels, brass inlays, and etched or stained glass.

“The solid wood core makes the door sturdy,” said Mary Ann Holler, marketing communications manager for Larson Doors in South Dakota. “They are also weatherstripped and don’t rattle.

The baked-on enamel finish gives an elegant look to the sheet aluminum that covers the wood core.

“In the last five years, the hardware has been upgraded to brass levers and locks to accent the front entry.”

Holler said the heavier storm door still adds another barrier to the front door.

“When you open your front door, you’re not exposed to the person on the other side,” Holler said. “Many of the new storm door models also come with a keyed deadbolt lock.”

Storm doors also double as screen doors in summer. Just switch the glass panel to the companion screen panel. Some storm doors feature a triple-track system to hold both the screen and glass panel.

A good storm door begins at approximately $100 and goes up to $250, and high-end models can reach $500 or more.