Buying a Storm Door
The first hint of cold weather is a great time to invest in a storm door to protect your exterior doors from rough winter weather while letting in natural light. But even once spring and summer come around, a storm door can help ventilate your home. When selecting a storm door, it’s important to consider energy efficiency, curb appeal factors and ease of installation. Here are our picks for the best storm doors for every need and budget.
How We Chose the Best Storm Doors
We selected the best storm doors based on high user reviews, ease of installation and special features like curb appeal and pet view doors. We gave high marks to bestsellers in their category and options with multiple finishes available.
Evaluation Criteria
- Ease of installation
- Weather protection
- View options
- Ventilation
- Price
Best Overall Storm Door
Larson Tradewinds Full-View Aluminum Storm Door
The standout feature of the Larson Tradewinds full-view storm door is easily its Low-E glass inserts. Low-E glass reduces the amount of infrared light and UV rays that enter your home, while still allowing ample light to pass, so you get the benefits of sunshine without having to break out the sunscreen. This solid built door also has a screen that retracts into the top of the storm door frame—another one of our favorite storm door features.
Pros
- Low-E glass
- Retractable screen
- Universal hinge
- Available in multiple colors/finishes
- Available in two views: full and mid
- Handle included
Cons
- On the pricey side, though the features make it worth the spend
Best Budget Storm Door
Larson Bismarck Mid-View Wood Storm Door
If you want to keep your storm door investment under $200, this mid-view storm door option is a Lowe’s bestseller thanks to its affordable price point and maintenance-free solid wood core. It boasts a heavy duty weatherstrip and universal hinge for left or right mounts. The half screen offers bottom ventilation, too. Plus, this storm door’s installation is quick and easy thanks to mounting rail extenders.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Universal hinge
- 5-year warranty
- Half screen for ventilation
Cons
- Not available in multiple colors/finishes
Best Splurge Storm Door
Pella Select Full-View Aluminum Storm Door
Featuring decorative crystal bevel glass and multiple door and handle finish options, this full-view storm door from Pella is worth the splurge. From the frame color to the glass design and hardware finish, Pella Select storm doors offers shoppers the satisfaction of customizing their door. The dual weatherstrip protects against drafts and extreme weather. Plus, the One-Touch feature offers hands-free access. Just tap the bottom button with your foot to hold the door open.
Pros
- Decorative bevel glass
- Universal hinge
- Multiple finishes available
- Handle included
- Customizable design options
Cons
- Multiple luxe features means a higher price tag
Best Full-View Storm Door
Larson Williamsburg Full-View Aluminum Storm Door
Let there be light! If you’re looking for a full-view storm door with a solid glass panel, you can’t go wrong with this aluminum model from Larson. It lets in plenty of light, plus the shatter-resistant glass adds an extra layer of home security. And it blocks UV rays to boot. The screen and glass panel are interchangeable and the door comes in white or almond.
Pros
- Full panel of shatter-resistant glass
- Blocks UV rays
- Built-in keyed deadbolt lock
- Universal hinging
- Two finishes available
Cons
- Doesn’t include warranty
Best Half-View Storm Door
Larson Savannah Mid-View Wood Storm Door
Enjoy storm door protection and screen door ventilation with this half-view storm door. The retractable screen hides in the cassette at the top of the door on cool days while the DuraTech surface adds a maintenance-free finish to protect against scratches and dents. It’s the best half-view storm door that also adds curb appeal.
Pros
- Half-view design allows light and privacy
- Decorative wood adds curb appeal
- Retractable screen door
- Handle included
- Universal hinge
- Multiple finishes available
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Some reviewers find there’s a gap in the door threshold, so measure carefully
Best Storm Door with Retractable Screen
Pella Select Rolscreen Mid-View Aluminum Storm Door
A retractable screen means there’s no need to swap out screens when cold weather rolls in. We like this retractable screen model from Pella Select because the screen pulls down and lifts up to stay out of sight and out of mind for a clear view. The Low-E glass protects against harmful UV rays, which is ideal for year-round use.
Pros
- Adjustable retractable screen
- Heavy duty weatherstrip
- Low-E glass
- Multiple finishes available
Cons
- Handle not included
Best Storm Door for Pets
Larson Pet View Aluminum Storm Door with Handle
A storm door can do double duty as a pet door. We think this pet view storm door from Larson is the best storm door if you own a pet who’s allowed outdoors on their own. The full-view door is divided into three panels, including a screen that you can position at the top or the middle of the door. The 10-inch by 17-inch flap accommodates pets up to 100 pounds, and you can close it off when you want to keep your pet inside.
Pros
- Flexible pet flap
- Tear-resistant screen
- Offers top and bottom ventilation
- Universal hinge
- Includes handle
Cons
- Not ideal for pets more than 100 pounds
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