Are Storm Doors Right for Texas Homes?

Imagine a hot summer day in Texas where the temperature in your home steadily rises with the exterior. Then, as it descends into the evening, a cool breeze begins to wind its way from the North. If you have a storm door, you are free to open it up and enjoy the cool air for the evening. If you don't, then you can open the door but risk leaving the entire portal open to the world of strangers and bugs. 

There are both benefits and drawbacks to adding a storm door to your Texas home. We'll explain more in this post.

Use the links below to skip ahead:

• What is a Storm Door?
• Storm Door FAQs
• Storm Door Pros & Cons

What is a Storm Door?

First, what is a storm door?  A storm door is a second door attached to the doorframe on the exterior side of your door. They can be added to any door that is on the outside of your home. Their purpose of a storm door is twofold: to provide enhanced protection to a potentially vulnerable part of your home during inclement weather and allow ventilation through the home during fair weather.

Storm Door Construction

A storm door is typically made from a changeable or retractable pane of glass and a screen panel. Both of these are available in many shapes, sizes, and material types. You can have a primarily metal storm door, with only the upper half containing the glass panel or screen or you can have a storm door with full height glass or screen. Remember that it does go outside the door, so this will be what people see as they walk up to your home.

Storm doors can be made from wood, aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass materials. Aluminum is one of the most popular choices for its balance in cost, durability, and versatility.

Basic Storm Door Styles

• Full-view with fixed or interchangeable full screen or glass panel
• Half-view with fixed or interchangeable half screen or glass panel

Storm Door FAQs

A storm door might seem like an excellent idea. However, there are certain considerations to consider before installing one of your own in a home in Texas. They are quite a common addition in the Upper Midwest, but what about for Texas? Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers if you are curious about your home and a storm door.

Can You Open Doors?

Yes. You can open storm doors just as wide, if not more so, then a typical door. Normally, your exterior door will open in towards the home, and your storm door opens outward. Many storm doors offer the option to fix them open if you need it since they can sometimes be attached with a spring instead of a simple set of hinges.

Will Storm Doors Reduce My Energy Bills?

A storm door will only reduce your energy bills if your exterior door is older or a budget option that is not very energy efficient in itself. If it is newer and a higher standard model, the likelihood is that the storm door won't help very much. If an overhang shelters your front door, it already receives a similar amount of protection compared to a storm door.

Do All Storm Doors Have Screens?

No, not all storm doors have screens, although it is more common for them to have a screen panel. Some of them will only have a glass panel on the exterior.

Can I Get a Storm Door With Glass?

Yes. There are various options for the type and style of glass you can get in a storm door. The entire door can be a glass panel, or you can get smaller paneling that only runs along the top half of the door. These are just two of the many options.

Do Storm Doors Need Two Closers?

No, storm doors do not always have to have two closers. The closers are the pneumatic or spring-operated devices that allow your door to swing open and shut without slamming. You can lock these into place if you want the door to remain open. You can also adjust the closers' speed to swing shut faster or open with more or less resistance.

Do I Need a Left-Hinged or Right-Hinged Door?

Stand facing your door from the outside, looking inward. Whatever side your interior door is hinged and opens from is the same side your storm door should be hinged. 

Pros and Cons of Storm Doors

There are positives and negatives associated with storm doors, particularly for the region in and around Texas. Consider these before making your final decision.

Storm doors offer lots of benefits but consider the location of the door and how much exposure to sun it has before making your decision.