The main difference between screen doors and storm doors is that screen doors provide ventilation and insect protection and storm doors protect your home from harsh weather, providing additional insulation and security.
As homeowners in Ontario, we’re all too familiar with the diverse weather conditions that sweep across the province throughout the year. Extreme heat, unpredictable thunderstorms and heavy rain, or snowstorms that keep us bundled up inside for days at a time—that’s why it’s important to enhance the functionality and protection of our homes with high-quality entry doors.
In this article we’ll explore screen door vs. storm door differences, helping homeowners determine which is best for them!
Storm Doors: What You Need to Know
A storm door serves as an additional barrier against the elements, enhancing insulation and weather protection for homes.
Typically featuring tempered glass panels that can be interchangeable with screens, they offer versatility for year-round use. They also can be built with heavy-duty features, such as aluminum frames, aluminum stiffener, full-lock mechanisms and decorative metal grating, to keep harsh elements out and deter would-be thieves, all while allowing natural light into your entryway.
Advantages of a Storm Door
Here are some of the advantages of getting a storm door for your home:
- Protection From Harsh Elements: Protects your main entry door against harsh elements, such as snow, hurricanes, and rain.
- Improved Energy-Efficiency: By minimizing drafts, storm doors help lower heating and cooling costs.
- Added Security: They reinforce the entryway of your home with stronger hinges, handles, locks, and deadbolts to ensure maximum security.
- Extended Door Lifespan: Storm doors help protect the primary entry door from wear and tear, extending its longevity.
- Less Noise Pollution: Additional layer to block out external noise.
- Ideal for Cold Climate Areas: An extra layer of insulation prevents heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Image source: Shutterstock
Disadvantages of a Storm Door
While they are a good addition to any home, storm doors also have some disadvantages:
- Limited Ventilation: Unlike screen doors, storm doors restrict airflow, potentially reducing fresh air circulation in the home.
- Cost: Storm doors may be more expensive than screen doors because of their material.
- Aesthetic Impact: Some homeowners may find that storm doors detract from the architectural style of their home. Opt for full-glass storm doors if this is the case!
- Space Contraints: In small entryways, the addition of a storm door may reduce available space and create congestion during entry and exit.
Screen Doors: What You Need to Know
Screen doors offer a simply yet effective solution for homeowners seeking fresh air circulation while keeping insects out. They’re popular in Ontario, especially during warm months. Their lightweight design and ease of use make them a practical addition to any home, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Advantages of a Screen Door
Installing a screen door outside of your front door offers many benefits to your home. These include:
- Unobstructed Outdoor View: They maintain clear views of the outdoors.
- Natural Ventilation: Enables fresh air to circulate freely throughout your home, improving indoor air quality.
- Insect Protection: Prevents bugs from entering your home.
- Versatile Styles: Offers versatility in terms of designs.
- Ideal for Moderate Climates: Perfect for areas with milder to moderate climates.
Image source: Shutterstock
Disadvantages of a Screen Door
It’s important to consider the following factors if you plan on purchasing a screen door:
- Less Energy Efficient: Lets out heat compared to storm doors.
- Durability Concerns: Mesh screens can be easily pierced through or become damaged over time, requiring replacement.
- Seasonal Limitations: Screen doors offer minimal protection against heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
- Security Risks: Screen doors may be easier to breach compared to solid doors, potentially compromising home security.
Storm Door vs. Screen Door: Settling the Debate
When choosing between storm doors and screen doors, it’s crucial to compare them under the following categories:
Appearance
Storm doors come in more polished and simple designs, with many featuring tempered glass panels and decorative metal grating. They offer a classic and refined look with a variety of colours and decorative options that complement an entry door.
Screen doors offer a light and airy appearance, providing unobstructed views of the outdoors. They’re also quite versatile in terms of materials and colour.
Durability
Storm doors, constructed with sturdy materials like aluminum, steel, or vinyl, offer superior durability and resistance to wear and tear. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and provide added security for the home.
Screen doors are generally less durable than storm doors, as their mesh panels are susceptible to tears and damage over time, especially in high traffic areas.
Energy Efficiency
Storm doors provide an additional layer of protection against drafts and air leakage, improving overall energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling costs. They help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature throughout the year.
Screen doors, while promoting natural ventilation, offer minimal insulation and may contribute to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Lifespan
Storm doors can last for up to 30 years due to their durable materials.
Meanwhile, screen doors typically have a shorter lifespan compared to storm doors due to their more delicate construction and susceptibility to damage.
Return on Investment
Storm doors, although initially more expensive, offer superior durability, energy efficiency, and security features, providing a higher return on investment through long-term savings on energy bills and reduced maintenance costs.
While screen doors are generally more affordable upfront, their shorter lifespan and limited energy-saving benefits may result in a lower return on investment over time.
Protect Your Home with Canadian-Made Storm Doors
Wherever you stand in the screen door vs. storm door debate, Clera Windows + Doors is your partner in high-quality exterior doors tailored to Ontario’s unique climate.
Every replacement door is manufactured and rigorously tested at our facility in Concord, Ontario. We work with homeowners to ensure your vision becomes a reality—from design to functionality.
Learn more about our aluminum and vinyl storm door collection by contacting us today for a free in-home estimate! With over 45 installation offices across the provice, we’re your go-to Canadian window and door manufacturing experts.
