Storm Doors Explained

Storm doors serve a dual purpose. They help protect the interior of the house from debris that might kick up during high-wind storms. They also provide ventilation, and in some designs, visibility from inside the home to the outside world. These doors are crucial in some parts of the country, but almost any home can find a use for one. Here is a more detailed explanation of storm doors, including their uses and styles.

Styles

Storm doors come in three basic varieties:

• A full view door usually features a glass or fiberglass panel that stretches across the length of the door, so that patrons inside will be able to look outside. These doors typically block air from passing through the doorway, but the glass can be removed sometimes to let the breeze in.
• Ventilating doors use one or two glass panels, which can be slid to an open position to allow some extra air into the space. It’s preferable to a full view door in cases where you want cross ventilation without the hassle of striking the door each time you need it.
• Rollscreen doors are a fairly new kind of door that is like a hybrid of full view and ventilating doors. The screen is typically connected to the top or side of the frame, and then pulled down or across to lock into place.

Construction

Storm doors come in the same materials that a regular door does, but may be heavy duty. Wood looks the most appealing, but does require some staining and protection to remain viable long term. Aluminum resists corrosion and can be painted easily, but they are the thinnest doors and may buckle under intense winds. PVC doors are the most common type, and they are nearly impossible to bend or break.

Article submitted by Interior Design Houses.com