Larson Tradewinds Black Full-view Aluminum Storm Door With Retractable Screen

The 7 Best Storm Doors of 2021

Add an extra layer of protection to your home

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If you live in the South, the Great Plains, or anywhere else that sees annual hurricanes, tornadoes, or derechos, you're wise to get a storm door. This type of door attaches to the exterior of your existing front door and offers robust protection from inclement weather.

Storm doors can also provide insulation, helping your home stay cool in the balmy summer and warm in the dead of winter. What's more, they double as bug screens to keep flies, bees, mosquitos, and other buzzers at bay. When you shop around, you'll find various options, including those with full-view windows, partial views, built-in screens, and even blinds.

"When it comes to storm doors, frame and glass strength are important, but you should also make sure the hardware is premium as well," says Matt Blashaw, licensed contractor and host of HGTV's Professional Grade. He recommends selecting doors with Grade A or Commercial Grade hardware. "Hinges, door closers, and handles need to be able to withstand the wear-and-tear of everyday use."

Here, the best storm doors for every home and every budget.

Our Top Picks

This pre-assembled option boasts a 1.5-inch-thick frame with reinforced aluminum corner brackets for optimal durability.

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This heavy-duty steel door is a must-have for anyone looking to protect their home on a budget.

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This storm door has a partial window on the top with a half screen for adjustable ventilation.

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A number of exterior finishes and hardware choices allow you to customize the look of this door.

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The cordless design makes it easy to raise, lower, and tilt the blinds.

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The door has a composite core and a weather-stripped aluminum outer shell, making it lightweight yet durable and insulating.

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This storm door features a retractable screen, so you can easily let the breeze in and keep the bugs out.

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Size: Multiple sizes available | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Glass and interchangeable insect screen

What We Like

• Four size options

• Available in six colors

• Extremely durable

• Thermally tempered glass

• Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like

• Handle not included

Blashaw prefers aluminum storm doors, like the Andersen 3000 Series. "They are extremely high-strength and typically easier for installing," he said. This pre-assembled option boasts a 1.5-inch-thick frame with reinforced aluminum corner brackets for optimal durability. Additionally, the full-view window features thermally tempered safety glass. It's not only stronger but safer than traditional glass, so you can have peace of mind as you prep your home for an emergency.

To accommodate a variety of door frames, it comes in four of the most common sizes. Plus, you can choose from six neutral colors and finishes so you can find the best fit for your home. This particular model has a right-handed design, but the 3000 Series includes a left-handed option as well. We also appreciate that Andersen backs this long-lasting storm door with a lifetime warranty.

Size: 36 x 80 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Half glass and half fixed insect screen

What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Left or right orientation

• Built-in screen

• 10-year structural warranty

What We Don't Like

• Only one size

For households on a budget, we recommend the Emco 100 Series. This storm door has an aluminum frame, a heavy-duty steel closure, a partial-view window, an adjustable bottom glass panel, and a fixed screen. It can also be installed with either left or right orientation depending on your preferences. While this particular model only comes in one size, Emco offers other affordable storm doors with different dimensions.

Size: 34 x 81 inches | Material: Solid wood core | Door Type: Half glass, half fixed screen

What We Like

• Built-in screen

• Easy to install

• Left or right orientation

• Durable handle

• Night lock

What We Don't Like

• Only one size

For those interested in a mid-view model, consider the Larson Bismarck. This storm door has a partial window on the top with a half screen for adjustable ventilation. Though it only comes in one size, this storm door features an adjustable expander to conform to uneven sills and tight fits. Plus, it can be installed with a left or right orientation.

We also appreciate that it has a durable push-button handle with a night lock feature."This will not only extend the lifespan of the door but also provide the ultimate safety and security for your family," Blashaw said.

Size: 36 x 80 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Glass and retractable screen

What We Like

• Available in seven sizes

• Built-in deadbolt

• Left or right orientation

• Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like

• Standard glass isn't very durable

Andersen's 2500 Series is a great full-view option. This storm door has a 1.25-inch-thick aluminum weather-stripped frame and a sizable window that comes in your choice of standard or high-performance Low-E glass. What's more, it has a retractable insect screen that rolls back up into the frame when you want a full view.

We also like that this door has a built-in deadbolt lock for added security. It's easy to install as well, and can be configured to a right or left-handed orientation. Like its other storm doors, Andersen backs this model with a limited lifetime warranty.

Size: 36 x 81 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Glass

What We Like

• Full-view window

• Cordless, adjustable blinds

• Energy-efficient

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

• Handle not included

When buying a full-view storm door, you might consider getting one with built-in blinds, like the Pella Venetian. You'll get a large insulated window, plus shades strategically placed between the glass for light filtration and privacy when you need it. The cordless design makes it easy to raise, lower, and tilt the blinds.

As for the actual door, it's got a durable aluminum frame with weather-stripped seals and overlapping edges for optimal energy efficiency. This model doesn't come with a handle, but if you buy one from Pella you can choose from five different finishes.

Size: 32 x 80 inches | Material: Aluminum, composite wood core | Door Type: Glass, retractable screen

What We Like

• Pet door

• Easy to install

• Left or right orientation

• 10-year structural warranty

What We Don't Like

• Only one size

• Doesn't accommodate larger dogs

Got a pooch at home? Your best bet is the Emco K900 Series. It features a partial-view window at the top and a 10.5 x 15-inch pet door on the bottom and can be installed with a right or left orientation. Needless to say, all household members were taken into consideration when this storm door was designed.

The door has a composite core and a weather-stripped aluminum outer shell, making it lightweight yet durable and insulating. It's also easy to install and comes with all the hardware you need.

Size: 36 x 81 inches | Material: Aluminum | Door Type: Glass, retractable screen

What We Like

• Retractable screen

• High-performance glass

• Easy to install

What We Don't Like

• Handle not included

As its name suggests, the Pella Rolscreen features a retractable screen that you can pull down when you want to let in a breeze. For a full view through the window, give the screen a gentle tug, and watch it glide back up.

As for the window, it's made of high-performance glass that offers superior year-round insulation while preventing sunlight from fading your entryway furnishings. Not only that, but it's super easy to install, taking less than half the time as most other storm doors.

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the Andersen 3000 Series Aluminum Storm Door (view at ome Depot) because the door is offered in multiple sizes and colors, is made with thermally tempered glass, and has a lifetime warranty. For a budget-friendly option, consider the EMCO 100 Series Self-Storing Storm Door (view at Home Depot). The door has a built-in screen, left or right orientation, and a 10-year warranty.

Hardware

Though it may seem like just a small part of the door, the hardware is a key consideration when it comes to choosing a storm door. After all, you'll want handles and hinges that can withstand everyday use. Be sure to confirm if the door includes the necessary hardware before purchasing—some units don't include handles, so you'll need to purchase it separately. Regardless, you'll want to be sure it's either Grade A or Commercial Grade as those will be the most durable.

Frame and Glass Strength

Since the purpose of a storm door is to offer protection from inclement weather, you'll certainly want one that's made with a durable frame and glass. Most doors are made of either solid wood and/or aluminum, two strong options that'll be able to withstand the elements. In terms of glass, consider thermally tempered options. They're stronger than traditional glass and should be able to resist any inclement weather.

Additional Features

In terms of additional features, it all comes down to your preferences and lifestyle. If you have pets, there are options with dog doors built in. Additionally, some doors will have built-in blinds, retractable screens, and additional locks.

Theresa Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home improvement, outdoor living, cleaning products, and commerce deals. You can check out more of her stories on Verywell Family, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. To make this list, she considered each pick's hardware, frame and glass strength, and any additional features.

Continue to 5 of 7 below.

Larson Tradewinds Black Full-view Aluminum Storm Door With Retractable Screen

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/best-storm-doors-4800099

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