|
What do you picture when you think of storm doors? If you think of flimsy, aluminum doors that clatter closed, it's time for an update. Like sneakers, ice cream and coffee, storm doors have gone upscale.
Of course, storm doors are meant to be practical. In cold-winter regions, they block drafts, minimize energy loss and add an extra measure of security. They protect the prime (main) door and, when that door is open, allow more controlled ventilation and light. And they can be helpful at keeping pests out and pets in. But beyond practicality, the new breed of storm doors have great curb appeal.
The evolution of storm doors began several years ago, when the familiar aluminum mill finish gave way to white and dark brown. Then other colors crept into the market: sand, almond, green and others. "The offering of colors was a major leap forward," says Mike Gottsacker, Director of Marketing Services at Cole Sewell, a top manufacturer. "Next, we looked for ways to improve the overall look of the product." This movement brought major changes in construction and decoration.
Visible screws disappeared, materials became more sophisticated and a variety of options entered the market. Now you can choose great looking, durable storm doors with solid brass hardware, keyed deadbolt locks and full-sized glass panels with etched, stained, beveled or camed glass--and more.
Though most storm doors are made by only a handful of companies, each major manufacturer offers several lines of doors and, within each line, scores of models. Larson Manufacturing, for example has seven lines with a total of over 40 models, ranging in price from $79 to $450. Cole Sewell's line is similar, ranging from $99 to $400. According to Gottsacker, "Whether you buy our $100 door or a $400 door, the basic construction is the same. But the bells and whistles are different. On the $400 door, you'll get special hardware, keyed exterior deadbolt, decorative molding, two door closers instead of one and special glazing."
Most storm doors are sold as pre-hung units in standard door widths--30, 32, 34 and 36 inches. They may be hinged on either side and double-door kits are available. These pre-framed modules are relatively easy to screw onto existing door jambs; a do-it-yourselfer with reasonable skills can generally install one in an afternoon.
The major manufacturers also offer design-your-own-door programs, where you can mix and match components. Larson's Designer Door series lets consumers pick the frame and its color, then choose from six styles of glass and six styles of designer hardware. "You leave the store with three boxes--door frame, glass and hardware," says Advertising Manager Mary Ann Holler. Both Cole Sewell and EMCO have similar programs.
When choosing a storm door, one of your first choices will be the type and size of window and screen system. Many are made so that you can remove and replace the clip-in glass panels with insect screening, and vice versa. Some have panels that bypass each other in tracks. Still others are made so that the unused panel stores in the door. EMCO has a patented self-storing window that easily slides down inside the door, out of view.
A full-height glass panel is best if you want to display your front door or maximize light and views through the storm door. More common is the mid-view type of door that has a solid panel at the bottom third of the door; this gives you more ventilation control because you can open or close each section independently. A high-view door is similar, but the glazed section only extends to about half the door's height.
Another key issue is the door's construction. All major storm door makers produce doors that have a solid wood (particleboard) core, clad with a permanently-bonded skin of aluminum and given a baked-on enamel finish. The wood core makes them feel sturdy; they don't twist, rattle or dent. The aluminum surface is nearly maintenance free but can scratch.
New this year is a composite door called the Forever(R) Ultra-Core, made by EMCO. "We call this the door of the 21st Century," says Jay Glasnapp, VP of Sales & Marketing. "The material is very similar to what they make Humbies out of. It's tough, with a molded-through color so when the door is scratched, the color still remains. It's impervious to water." This door is priced mid-range at from $155 to $190.
Larson also makes a 1 1/2-inch heavy-gauge foam-filled aluminum door, called Classic View, that is lighter in weight and allows for a full-frame glass panel. This is a good choice if you want to show off your prime door or have greater color selection--it's offered in eight colors. You can get it with any of several different glazings and fitted with solid-brass levers and keyed locks. They cost from $200 to $250.
Vinyl-clad doors tend to be less expensive--in the $75 to $150 range. Some people like the fact that vinyl doesn't rust and scratches barely show. On the other hand, vinyl doesn't have the durable feel of aluminum cladding and vinyl-clad doors are often warranted for only 5 years or less.
If security is an important issue, you'll want to opt for substance over style. Security doors often have a heavy-duty aluminum frame with foam or solid-wood core. Choose heavy-gauge aluminum bars, designed to withstand pulling forces greater than 250 pounds or--better--steel bars that have been welded in place. Hinges and deadbolt should be tamper-proof.
Storm doors are sold through home centers, lumberyards, and major home-improvement chains. You can also look up door and window companies in the Yellow Pages. In all but the warmest regions, large chains typically have a broad selection, often 20 or 25 models on display, then additional offerings through catalogs. Larson offers their entire line in a point-of-purchase display and promises delivery of special orders in two weeks or less.
How do you recognize a quality door? According to Mary Ann Holler at Larson, "It's really easy. You can feel the door, and feel how it opens and closes. A quality door will have more heft, it will close more smoothly, and you can see quality of construction. The corners and moldings will be tight and finished looking." Also pay attention to the warranty. The best doors have a limited lifetime warranty.
Installation tips
Storm doors come with full instructions and a template for mounting the hardware. Major manufacturers offer assistance by phone and instructions or troubleshooting information on the World Wide Web. EMCO operates a telephone consumer hotline, staffed both weekdays and weekends so they can help with your weekend installation if necessary.
The most important tip is to be sure you get the right size door. "The key to a really good installation is to remember that you're measuring the door opening and not the existing door," says Mary Ann Holler of Larson.
Gottsacker notes that there are two areas where you can make mistakes that are difficult to solve. The first can occur when cutting the vertical mounting frames--these must fit your openings. "If you cut them too short, you've compromised your job," he says. "Then again, if you do, call us up and we'll work with you." The second critical step occurs when drilling a wood-core storm door for the hardware; the holes must be precise. Manufacturers supply a template to make this job easier.
Just take your time and follow the instructions. If you do, the job will go smoothly and you'll soon have a new storm door that was well worth the effort.
Dealing with Storm Door Problems
Storm and screen doors sometimes develop warped or damaged frames. To prevent problems caused by excessive force, keep hinges oiled and check that the latches connect properly. Be sure to keep door closers adjusted and working smoothly to prevent the screen or storm door from banging back and forth. To adjust the closing speed of a pneumatic closer, turn the adjustment screw in the end cap.
When replacing a hydraulic closer, be sure you buy the appropriate kind, depending on whether your door opens right or left.
If you have the type of storm-and-screen door that has interchangeable glass and screen panels, check the panels before you install them each season. Tighten any clips holding screens or glass in place and replace any panels that are missing or broken with identical types.
Repair small holes in screen door fabric just as you would repair a window screen. If holes are large, you may want to replace the entire screen.
If your screen or storm door is always slamming shut, consider installing a closer. Installation instructions come with most packaged types. Here are a few basic guidelines:
Make sure all the other door hardware is in good working order.
To install a snubber, fasten the door-mounting bracket to the door’s top rail. Mount the jamb bracket to the head jamb. Adjust the length of the chain. Too short and you won’t be able to go in and out easily; too long, and the door will keep slamming shut.
To install a pneumatic closer, fasten the door-mounting bracket to the door’s top rail. Adjust the closing speed by turning the adjustment screw in the end cap.
To install a hydraulic closer, attach the bracket and cylinder and the jamb-mounting bracket. Adjust the closing speed by inserting a screwdriver in the adjustment screw. Push in and turn the screw 180°.
|
