What’s the Difference Between Storm Doors vs. Screen Doors?

Which type of door is best for you?

Screen Doors vs. Storm Doors: Is There a Difference?

Nothing says summer in Athens like the smell of fresh-cut grass wafting in through the screen door or that time-honored thwack as the kids run outside to play. But while screen doors may be as southern as grits and sweet tea, they’re not the only exterior door option available.

Storm doors are designed to protect your home’s entry door while screen doors mainly keep out bugs while allowing for air to circulate through your house. Storm doors are also typically heavier and made out of aluminum and tempered glass. While both exterior doors offer differing levels of protection for your home and entry door, they both come with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s dig a little deeper into these options to see which exterior door is right for your home in Georgia.

Screen Doors: Southern Simplicity at Its Finest

Screen doors usually consist of a wooden or aluminum frame that houses some kind of mesh screening. These exterior doors often feature simple hardware and hinges, and the screened portion of the door can span the full length or just the top half.

Years ago, screen doors were the original air conditioning. Just like you would open a window on a beautiful day to enjoy the fresh air, screen doors are perfect for bringing the fresh outside air inside — minus all the bugs. That means that screen doors are the perfect exterior doors for things like screened porches and covered patios. They’re also a wonderful addition to homes in temperate climates, providing excellent ventilation while still offering some protection from nature and the elements.

That said, screen doors do have their limitations. Naturally, in hotter and more humid climates, the benefits of a screened door start to dwindle. Take Athens, Georgia, for example. While many of us grew up with screen doors, the idea of leaving the front door open on a sweltering summer day sends us running for the nearest air conditioner. (And don’t even get us started on the utility bill.)

For that reason, homeowners in Athens may find they only make use of their screen door during the spring and fall, and that begs the question: Is there a better, less seasonal option available?

Storm Doors: All-Year Protection for Your Doorway

Storm doors offer many of the same benefits as screen doors (like letting in natural light) while delivering significantly more protection for your entryway.

Traditional storm doors typically feature a pane or two of low-emissivity (Low-E) tempered glass. These glass doors offer a wide range of benefits that can help protect your front door and your wallet.
Storm Door Benefits

• Low-E glass keeps out the heat for greater energy efficiency
• Protect your entry door against sunlight, heat, cold, rain, wind, super-storms, and hurricanes (they are called storm doors, after all)
• Feature heavy-duty hardware and hinges
• Can include built-in deadbolt security locks
• Styles with built-in pet doors are available

It is always recommended to have storm doors installed by a professional. Incorrectly installed storm doors can cause the heat between the door and storm door to rise exponentially under direct sunlight to the point of damaging the doors. A professional will be able to determine whether your storm door needs to be vented to protect from heat damages.

While storm doors are designed to stand up to mother nature and daily wear and tear, some storm door designs take protection to the next level. Security storm doors feature decorative metal grating and heavy, full-locking systems to help prevent any unwanted guests from accessing your home. Storm doors are also constructed with a stronger glass to prevent easy breakage.

As an added bonus, installing a storm door can be a cost-effective way to increase the value of your home, just like installing new windows. Plus, there are a variety of storm doors available to suit your needs and your style, including full-view storm doors and ventilating storm doors.

While ventilating storm doors offer the breeziness of a screen door, they lack the protection from bugs and airborne debris that a screen or retracting screen provide.

Retractable Screen Storm Doors: The Best of Both Worlds

For those who want the protection of a storm door but still want to enjoy that sweet Southern breeze, retractable screen storm doors are the perfect option. These versatile exterior doors offer an all-in-one solution that combines the best features of both options.

In a retractable screen storm door, the screen stays protected and hidden from view when not in use. This is accomplished by having the screen rolled up protective mechanism similarly to an old fashion shade. When you want some fresh air, just unclick the window on the upper half of the door and slide it down. The screen is attached to the top pane and rolls down as the pane is lowered to protect the vented opening. Now you have a screen door on top and a storm door on the bottom, providing natural light and a pleasant breeze in seconds.

Retractable screen storm doors are built with all the same benefits and durability features as a traditional storm door, plus the flexibility to convert your exterior door into a screen door whenever you like.

One important thing to know is that measuring a storm door for installation can be a bit challenging. You’ll need to be sure of a tight fit in order to maintain energy efficiency and maximize those protective benefits. The overlapping edges of most of these designs conceal hinges and gaps, and storm doors also feature a bottom expander that conforms to uneven door sills. In other words, when it’s time to install a storm door, it’s best to reach out to a professional installer for help.

If you’re considering a storm door or retractable screen storm door for your home in Athens, the team at Window World of Athens would love to discuss all your options with a free quote. With more than 16 years of trusted experience, you can rest assured that your new door will be installed with expert care. Get in touch with our local team today.