The Best Storm Doors, Vetted

When summer gives way to autumn, it’s time to open the doors and welcome fresh air into the house, which is where a good storm door with a screen comes in. Not only does a quality storm door block bugs while boosting natural light in the home, but it also serves as an insulating layer against both hot and cold weather when paired with the exterior door. 

We researched a series of storm doors to come up with our final list, and our favorite is the Andersen 3000 Series Black Full-View Storm Door. This sturdy and reliable door comes preassembled, features full-view tempered glass, and can be installed in under an hour using basic tools.   

We conducted extensive field research and consulted with an expert on doors to narrow down our options to storm doors that are compatible with standard door frames and offer a range of appealing features. Here’s an overview of some of the best storm doors currently available.

1. BEST OVERALL: Andersen 3000 Series Black Full-View Storm Door 
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Emco Universal Aluminum Storm Door
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3. BEST ¾-VIEW: Andersen 400 Series Retractable ¾ Light Storm Door
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4. BEST FULL-VIEW: Larson Tradewinds Full-View Aluminum Storm Door
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5. BEST WITH PET DOOR: Larson Pet Door XL High-View Self-Storing Storm Door
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6. BEST RETRACTABLE SCREEN: Larson Savannah Mid-View Retractable Storm Door
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Storm Doors Comparison

Our Top Picks

The best storm doors allow plenty of light into a home while still protecting its inhabitants from wind, rain, snow, and cold weather. All of the top picks below fit standard 80-inch-tall entryways and feature operable storm windows and screen options.

Preassembled and extremely durable, the Andersen 3000 Series full-view storm door has a 1.5-inch thick frame and is built with aluminum corner brackets to withstand tough winds and even abrasions. It also features a full-view window with thermally tempered glass to withstand tough bumps and wear and tear. To work with most current door frames, this right- or left-handed model comes in four different width sizes and multiple colorways for ample curb appeal.

We like that this door can be installed in as little as 45 minutes using basic tools. An integrated retainer system makes it easy for anyone to change the configuration from glass to the insect screen panel. A push-button closer can be used to hold the door open.

Get the Andersen 3000 Series storm door at The Home Depot.

Built with an aluminum frame and a heavy-duty steel closure, this Emco model is a budget-friendly and reliable option for homeowners looking for an inexpensive storm door. This storm door has a partial-view window with a fixed screen and an adjustable bottom glass panel. Sliding the glass panel up lets in a lot of light and fresh air while keeping the bugs out. When it’s slid down, it shuts for full protection.

The Emco storm door can be installed in a left or right orientation depending on the user’s preference. With the extensive range of size options available, it’s likely there will be an Emco door to fit almost any door frame. 

Get the Emco storm door at The Home Depot.

For some, a ¾-view (or mid-view) storm door is about visual appeal. For others, not having full glass is a more practical choice, as it is less likely to be damaged by the bumps and knocks inevitable with busy families.

In either case, the Andersen 400 Series is an excellent option for homeowners. It has the classic lines that suit a variety of homes, and it’s available in a range of colors. The heavy-duty aluminum construction offers durability. It can be hinged on either side, and smart nickel handles are included.

The Andersen 400 Series has tougher, tempered glass. We like that the top pane can be opened with one hand for easy ventilation, and a concealed screen is also fitted.

Get the Andersen 400 Series storm door at The Home Depot.

Shoppers who want to be able to see as much of the outside world as possible will want to check out the Tradewinds full-view aluminum storm door from Larson. It’s available in 32-, 34-, and 36-inch widths and comes in eight colors. This storm door features lightweight aluminum and a retractable screen that pulls down to let in a fresh breeze. It can be mounted to open either on the right or the left side, though the handle set is a separate purchase.

The retractable Screen Away design converts this storm door into a screen door, hiding the screen in a cassette at the top of the door when not in use. Larson’s EasyHang installation system makes this an easy DIY project that can be completed with basic tools.

Get the Larson Tradewinds storm door at Lowe’s.

Larson’s factory-fitted large pet door is the ideal solution for pet owners with pets weighing up to 220 pounds. The flexible flap provides minimum resistance, yet an interior security panel controls access and ensures the home is secure when the pet door is not in use.

This storm door with dog door​ is constructed from vinyl over a wood core and finished with acrylic enamel to resist scratches or fading. The top glass panel has a half screen and allows for ventilation. The door can be hinged for either left or right opening, and color-matched handles are provided. However, the door is only available in white or almond. A heavy-duty weatherstrip helps keep out winter drafts.

Get the Larson pet door storm door at Lowe’s or Wayfair.

A retractable screen door keeps out the worst of the weather, but it also allows for pleasant ventilation when desired. On the Larson Savannah, a discreet cassette at the top of the door conceals the screen when it’s not in use and provides smooth, and easy operation.

Other key features are a color-matched closer with variable speed, an adjustable bottom bar for uneven sills, and universal hinges for left—or right-side mounting. Energy-efficient tempered glass and a heavy-duty weather strip are fitted. The Larson Savannah comes in four colors, though non-white models, and one of the handle options incurs a small additional charge.

Get the Larson Savannah storm door at Lowe’s.

How We Chose the Best Storm Doors 

We researched the most sought-after storm doors in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their materials, size options, style, and other special features included by the top brands, like screen doors for French doors, double door storm doors, mobile home storm doors, and security storm doors. 

As we were searching for the best doors and door manufacturers available, we found the most popular types among users were steel and aluminum storm doors with full-view styles. While not as popular, partial- or mid-view storm doors are also viable options for those who want a little less light coming in through. 

Most of the doors on our list also come in multiple sizes to fit shoppers’ current door frames and are offered in many colors to complement a home’s curb appeal. As for special features, select options included above come with adjustable screens, tempered glass on their windows, and even doggy doors for pet-friendly households. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Storm Door

While most of the storm doors on our list share similar characteristics, there are several differences among the types of storm doors, and this can impact a shopper’s choice. The following sections explain the key features that may help anyone interested in buying a storm door for their home select the one that’s best suited for them.

Storm Door vs. Screen Door

While some people use the terms “storm door” and “screen door” interchangeably, that doesn’t really apply here; a screen door’s security and features often pale in comparison to storm doors, so switching one out for the other won’t work. 

“A storm door and a screen door serve different purposes,” says Jesse Baldwin, business manager for Andersen Windows & Doors’ Storm Doors Division in Des Moines, Iowa.  “A storm door is designed to protect the main entry door from weather elements such as rain, snow, and wind, while providing an extra layer of insulation and security.” He adds that storm doors have glass panels that can be switched with screens during warmer months to allow for ventilation. In contrast, “a screen door is primarily used for ventilation while keeping insects and debris out.” A screen door consists of a simple frame with mesh, he explains.

Screen doors let in air and light in the warmer months while keeping bugs at bay. Exterior storm doors do the same thing, but are generally a bit sturdier. While storm doors often have a screen—some have interchangeable screens that can be switched out seasonally—they also add an extra layer of protection in the form of glass against rain, snow, and wind, improving energy efficiency. Installing a screen door is usually a little easier than installing a storm door, simply because screen doors tend to weigh less, making them easier to handle. 

Here’s another bonus shoppers will want to consider: Storm doors are more likely to enhance front door design than an average screen door, especially in comparison to magnetic screen doors. This option for homeowners can be enticing, both from an efficiency and an aesthetic standpoint. 

Materials 

Most quality storm doors are made from lightweight aluminum over a rigid foam core. They’re corrosion-resistant and require virtually no upkeep, contributing to a maintenance-free home exterior. Steel- and vinyl-clad storm doors and wood core options are also available. Higher-end models can serve as a home’s front door. Keep in mind, however, that there are many different types of storm doors available. 

• Vinyl-clad storm doors are both inexpensive and weather-resistant. Baked-in colors may fade, though, especially if the storm door is on a house’s sunny side. White and almond are typically the most fade-resistant colors.
• Steel-clad storm doors are rugged and long-lasting, strong enough to resist bumps and slams without denting. They’re available in a variety of colors.
• Aluminum storm doors are nearly as durable as steel but more lightweight, which is why they’re popular. Aluminum-clad storm doors are available in several colors, too. Steel doors are another option, although they are less common.
• Wood-core storm doors feature vinyl, steel, or aluminum over a wood frame. Doors with wood cores are budget-friendly but not quite as sturdy as other types.

Storm Door Styles

When it comes to glass panels, storm doors come in a variety of styles. Here’s a look at the types of door styles available.

• Full-view storm doors feature a narrow frame around the perimeter and a full-length glass panel. Some full glass storm doors include a single pane of glass, but most offer two: one at the top and one at the bottom. The top pane slides down to open and a retractable screen covers it. Baldwin says that “this configuration maximizes visibility and natural light, as well as enhances a home’s exterior appearance.”
• Half-view storm doors are solid on either the bottom half or bottom third and feature a glass pane or two at the top. This style is sometimes called mid-view storm doors, or three-quarter-view storm doors.
• French storm doors are designed to fit standard French patio doors, protecting them from the elements. They feature double storm doors that can be either full-view or half-view.
• High-view storm doors are solid except for a glass panel at the top. They may be self-storage or the window may be fixed in place.

Size and Opening Type

Storm doors come in standard sizes to fit entry doors. To ensure the right size, shoppers will need to measure the height and width of the existing entry door. Standard exterior doors are 80 inches tall, but the width can vary. While most entry doors are 36 inches wide, some are either 34 or 38 inches wide. Most back and side doors measure 32 inches wide.

As for opening options, many quality storm doors are reversible, meaning they can be installed to open either on the right side or the left side. For example, if a storm door is labeled as “right-opening,” that means the handle is on the right side when facing the door from outside the home. Users often prefer a storm door to open on the same side as the entry door. 

Other Design Details

Virtually all of today’s storm door glass is tempered, meaning that if broken, it will shatter into tiny pieces rather than dangerously sharp shards. Some storm doors feature double panes and include low-emissivity (low-e) glass to block heat transfer and conserve energy. Storm doors offer plain full or top glass panels or etched, frosted, or stained glass. Some even boast double glass panels with operable mini-blinds between the panes. 

The two most common storm door colors are almond and white, but custom doors are available in a variety of colors, such as brown, evergreen, brick, sandstone, and many more, to complement the exterior aesthetic of a wide variety of homes. While some storm doors include a handle set, others require the handles to be purchased  separately. Storm doors with built-in pet openings are suitable for animal lovers who want to let their furry family members come and go as they please. There are also mobile home storm doors available, as well as double storm doors for homes in exceptionally cold climates and storm doors with retractable screens available for those looking for a versatile design.

Installation 

Anyone looking to purchase a storm door will want to be aware that there will be some assembly involved (unless you have custom storm doors fashioned and installed for you). Unlike exterior entry doors, storm doors do not come prehung in their jambs. Rather, they are a boxed kit that includes the storm door frames,  top STORMjamb (drip cap), a hinge jamb, a latch jamb, installation instructions, and a closer, which is a pneumatic bar that allows the door to close slowly without slamming shut. An adjustable expander may also be included in the kit. This is an extra bar that fits at the bottom of the door and allows for compensation when there are uneven sills. Installing a storm door​ is a job most experienced DIYers can tackle.

FAQs

This guide addressed all of the factors anyone will want to keep in mind when choosing the best storm door. Despite this, questions may remain, and it’s always good to ask more about a product before buying. Here are some of the most common questions shoppers usually ask about choosing, using, and installing a storm door.

 

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