Storm doors are a second, lighter door hung in front of an exterior door, and they come in two broad forms. Full view doors have a large glass panel that can be swapped for a screen in summer, while retractable or ventilating doors have a screen that rolls or slides into the frame so you can switch between glass and screen in seconds. The first decision is how often you want ventilation, because swapping panels by hand is a seasonal job, while a retractable screen stays in the door all year.
Fit decides whether a storm door is a weekend project or a return. Measure the opening between the brick moulding or exterior trim at the top, middle and bottom, and compare the smallest number with the size range in the listing, since most storm doors are sold to fit a standard opening with an adjustable expander. Check whether the door is reversible for left or right hinging. Among the 10 products that list item weight, most fall between 0.9 and 62 pounds, and 50 pounds is typical. A heavy door needs solid trim to screw into, so rotten wood around the opening has to be fixed first.
Frame and closer are the next choice. Frames in this category are mostly Aluminum or Plastic, and the core under the skin, the hinge type and the closer decide how the door copes with wind and daily use. A door that faces full sun can trap heat against the main door, so check the maker's advice on glass and on painted or vinyl clad main doors. A wind chain stops the door from blowing open.
Before buying, check what hardware comes with the door, whether a handle and lock set are included, which side the door can hinge, and how long the warranty runs and what it covers. Check the bottom sweep and expander, which seal the gap at the threshold, and at whether a keyed lock or only an inside latch is supplied.
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