Storm Doors That Protect the Door Behind Them

Is a storm door worth it?

Yes, when your entry door is older but still sound, or when you want screened air at the front door. On a newer insulated door, it adds little in energy savings: the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver guidance said a storm door over a newer, insulated door is not generally worth the expense for energy alone.

The other reasons hold either way. A storm door keeps rain and sun off the entry door’s finish, adds a screen for spring and fall, and puts one more layer between your foyer and a January wind.

If the entry door itself is failing, with sticking, a soft threshold or fog between the glass, a storm door will not fix it. That calls for an entry door replacement, and adding the storm door in the same visit costs less than doing it later on its own.

Which storm door style should you choose?

Choose by how you will use the door: full glass for light and view, a retractable screen for air without swapping panels, or a heavy screen if pets or kids push on it.

• Full-view: one piece of glass with no dividers. The Andersen 4000 Series swaps between a glass panel and a screen panel as the seasons change.
• Retractable screen: the screen rolls into the frame when you do not need it. Several Andersen 3000 Series models work this way, and ProVia Spectrum doors have retractable screens top and bottom.
• Heavy-duty screen: ProVia DuraGuard comes standard with a stainless steel screen meant to keep pets and small children inside.

How do the ProVia Decorator and Deluxe series differ?

Decorator is the dress-up option; Deluxe is the all-rounder.

ProVia Decorator storm doors

Built around decorative glass, such as beveled or art glass, with a triple-seal bottom sweep, so the decorative door still works as a storm door.

ProVia Deluxe storm doors

A triple-seal bottom sweep against drafts, with color-matched closers, bottom expander and hinges as standard.

Can a storm door damage your front door?

It can, if heat gets trapped. A full-glass storm door over an entry door that faces strong afternoon sun, especially to the west, can build up heat in the space between the two doors.

On a sun-facing door, choose a storm door that vents, such as one with a retractable or swap-in screen you can open in summer. Some entry door makers also address storm doors in their own warranty terms, so it is worth checking yours.

Will my HOA let me add a storm door?

Check first, because some HOAs set the style or color of storm doors, and storm doors come in several frame colors and hardware finishes. We supply the product data sheets and manufacturer color names. We work closely with the committees, we have a great relationship with plenty of HOAs in the area, and it has never been a problem for us.

What warranty comes with a new storm door?

Every door we install, storm doors included, carries our lifetime workmanship warranty, and the door itself is covered by its manufacturer. Manufacturer terms vary by brand and series, so see our door warranties page for the details.

Can you fix my old storm door?

No. Sunshine Contracting is a replacement company, so we do not take storm door repairs. A broken closer, torn screen or worn sweep is usually a hardware-store fix. The one exception is warranty service on a storm door we installed.

What does a storm door cost in Northern Virginia?

A storm door is the least expensive way to make a good entry door better, and it costs less still when it goes in during an entry door replacement, because the crew is already working the opening. The series, glass, screen system, color and hardware set the price.

Every door is measured twice before it is ordered. Our door replacement cost guide covers storm doors alongside entry and patio doors, there are other options, so reach out with what you have in mind, and financing is available with approved credit. You can also compare sliding glass doors, patio doors or all of our replacement doors.

Storm door questions homeowners ask us

Is a storm door worth it on a new front door?

For energy savings alone, usually not. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver guidance said a storm door over a newer, insulated door is not generally worth the expense for energy. It is still worth it if you want screened air at the front door or want to keep weather off the door’s finish, and it pays off most over an older door that is still in good condition.

Will a storm door ruin my front door?

Not if it suits the exposure. The risk is trapped heat when a full-glass storm door covers an entry door that faces strong afternoon sun. On a sun-facing door, choose a storm door that vents, such as one with a retractable or swap-in screen, and check whether your entry door’s warranty says anything about storm doors.

How much does it cost to add a storm door?

Less than an entry or patio door replacement, and less again when it goes in during an entry door replacement, because the crew is already working the opening. The series, glass, screen system and finish set the price. The estimate is free, and the written price does not change at the kitchen table.

Request a free storm door estimate or call (703) 499-8654.