Upgrading your entryway can be a great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. When planning your renovation, you will inevitably arrive at the question of whether to replace your front door – and if so, with what. Storm doors and entry doors each perform important roles in your home. In this blog post, Jaeger Lumber discusses the difference and when both make sense.
Key Takeaways
- An entry door is your main front door. It provides security, improves your home’s energy performance, and boosts your curb appeal.
- A storm door is installed on the exterior of your entry door. It provides extra protection, insulation, and flexibility for ventilation.
- Consider your lifestyle and entryway conditions when deciding whether you need an entry door, a storm door, or both.
What Is an Entry Door?
Your entry door is synonymous with your front door. It’s the main entrance and the primary barrier between your home and the outdoors. Most entry doors are made of fiberglass, steel, or wood for strength and visual appeal. They perform several important functions:
- Security: Entry doors are made from heavy-duty materials such as fiberglass or steel, making them strong barriers against unwanted intrusion.
- Thermal performance: Entry doors are insulated to prevent drafts, keep your entryway comfortable, and help you save on monthly energy bills.
- Curb appeal: Entry doors are stylishly designed as the focal point of the front of your home, boosting your curb appeal with an impressive entrance.
Because entry doors are built for strength and style, they tend to be more expensive than storm doors. That said, they last for a long time. High-quality entry doors can last for up to 70 years before needing a replacement, so it’s worth investing in a door you love.
What Is a Storm Door?
Storm doors are a second door installed on the exterior of your front door. They are more lightweight than entry doors, with common materials being aluminum, steel, vinyl, or screen. Instead of acting as your home’s primary entry, they fill a more supplementary role:
- Weather protection: Storm doors provide an extra barrier between your front door and the elements, protecting it against weather and debris.
- Ventilation: Storm doors often feature large amounts of screen, giving you another ventilation option when the weather is good.
- Efficiency: While storm doors aren’t built for thermal performance, they can provide some extra insulation to improve your entry door’s performance.
Even high-quality storm doors are usually more affordable than entry doors. While some lines prioritize practicality over appearances, many storm doors are designed to be as stylish as they are functional.
When Do Both Make Sense?
While entry doors and storm doors are designed to work together, you don’t always need both. Storm doors are useful in a handful of situations where they add functionality and value. Occasions when you might want both types of doors include:
- Your entry door is exposed to the weather and needs extra protection
- Your entry door is old and benefits from extra insulation
- You like opening the door for airflow, but don’t want to leave your home unprotected
- You enjoy entertaining and want to make your home more inviting
On the other hand, a sheltered entry door that is built to modern energy efficiency standards may not need any extra protection or insulation. In this case, the storm door only obstructs traffic and blocks the view of your gorgeous front door. Similarly, if you don’t plan on leaving the entry door open for ventilation or entertainment, then you might choose to skip the storm door.
Shop for Storm Doors and Entry Doors in NJ
Upgrade your entryway with storm doors and entry doors from Jaeger Lumber. We provide high-quality building and home renovation products for New Jersey homeowners. We also offer professional advice and remodeling resources if you need help determining your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our door products or to start shopping.
FAQs about Storm Doors vs. Entry Doors
What is the difference between a storm door and an entry door?
An entry door is the primary entrance into your home, providing security and boosting your home’s curb appeal. A storm door hangs on the exterior of your entry door for extra protection against the weather.
Do you need a storm door if you have a new entry door?
If you have a new entry door, you may not need a storm door. New entry doors are built to current energy standards with excellent insulation. A storm door won’t improve your efficiency much. That said, a storm door can still be useful against full weather exposure.
How do I choose a storm door?
Choose a storm door for your unique home and priorities. For weather protection, for example, look for a storm door with less glass and screen coverage. For ventilation, meanwhile, more screens are beneficial.