Screen and storm doors are secondary exterior doors—that is, doors that fit over your primary exterior entry doors. They are often made of metal or vinyl and sometimes of wood. In severe climates, you may have to install a screen door in the summer and swap it for a glass storm door in the winter; some secondary exterior doors come with removable panels that can be changed with the season.
Storm doors may have two glass panels or an upper glass panel and a lower metal panel with a crossbar dividing the two. Screen doors may also have an upper screen panel and lower metal panel.
Storm and screen doors connect to their frames with hinges and have closers that automatically—and smoothly—close the door. They may also have springs and chain stops that keep them from slamming shut or being pushed open with too much force. Closers may be hydraulic or pneumatic.
Storm doors increase your home’s energy efficiency by keeping cold out; screen doors allow natural, bug-free ventilation.
