Comparing Storm Doors at Lowe's: Which One Fits Your Home Best in 2024

Real Estate Investment View
May 17, 2024
9 min read

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With summer fast approaching, this season doesn’t always mean sunny skies and ideal temperatures. For many across the country, summer comes with unpredictable weather like storms and high humidity. When it comes to protecting your home or rental property from these harsher conditions while enhancing its energy efficiency, selecting the right storm door is crucial. With a wide variety of storm doors at Lowe’s, you have many options to choose from.

This blog is designed to help simplify the process by comparing these options, so you can understand their features and benefits, allowing you to make an informed decision that best suits your needs.

Why Choose a Storm Door?

Storm doors serve several vital functions. First, they provide an extra layer of security, protecting your front door from harsh weather conditions and shielding your main entry from potential intruders.

Storm doors can also help save energy by providing an extra insulation layer, minimizing drafts, and reducing heat transfer. They also add to your home’s curb appeal with different styles and finishes that focus on aesthetics.

Storm Door Technology Trends for 2024

In 2024, storm door technology trends reflect broader advancements in home improvement and smart home technology, focusing on enhancing energy efficiency, security, and user convenience.

Here’s a look at some of the key technology trends in storm doors for this year:

Smart Technology Integration

Storm doors are incorporating smart technology features. This includes doors equipped with built-in cameras, sensors, and connectivity that allow property owners to monitor their doors from anywhere via smartphone apps.

Features like automatic locking systems that can be controlled through smartphones and devices are also becoming common, enhancing convenience and security.

High-Durability Materials

Materials technology continues to change, with newer, more durable materials being used in storm door construction. Fiberglass and composite materials are being used more because they offer durability, are lightweight, and require minimal maintenance.

These materials also hold up better under changing weather conditions and resist wear and tear over time.

Customization and Aesthetic Enhancements

With advancements in manufacturing technology, customization options have expanded. Homeowners can now choose from a wider range of colors, finishes, and glass panel designs.

Technology that enables more precise and varied cutting of materials means that decorative elements are more intricate and tailored to individual tastes without compromising the door’s structural integrity.

Touchless and Gesture-Based Features

In response to the demand for more hygienic home environments, some storm doors now include touchless features, like gesture-based opening where the door unlocks or opens with a simple gesture. This is useful when your hands are full and you're trying to enter your home.

What to Look for in A Storm Door

When selecting a storm door, it's essential to consider several key factors that impact its performance and suitability for your home. Understanding these elements will help ensure that you choose a storm door that meets your needs and lasts for years.

Here are some key features to consider:

Materials: Look for doors made from durable materials like aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass. These materials are weather-resistant and require minimal maintenance.
Glass Options: Consider doors with interchangeable glass and screen panels to switch between ventilation in warmer months and insulation during colder periods with ease. Tempered safety glass is also a good option for added durability and safety.
Energy Efficiency: Choose doors with good insulation features, like double-pane glass or energy-efficient cores. Weatherstripping and tight seals are essential to prevent air leaks and improve energy conservation.
Security Features: Opt for doors with reliable and strong locking mechanisms like deadbolts or multi-point locks. Some doors also come with reinforced frames and impact-resistant glass for enhanced security.
Aesthetic Compatibility: Select a door that complements the architectural style of your rental property or home. Customizable options for colors, finishes, and panel designs can help match your space’s exterior decor.

Types of Storm Doors Available at Lowe's

Lowe's offers a huge selection of storm doors, catering to many needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for enhanced security, increased energy efficiency, or a new aesthetic, there's sure to be a model that fits your requirements. This variety ensures that property owners can find the right door to protect and enhance their home throughout the year.

The storm door options at Lowe’s can be categorized into three types:

Full-View Storm Doors: These doors feature a full glass panel that can be switched with a screen as needed, perfect for enjoying clear, unobstructed views.
Mid-View Storm Doors: With a smaller glass panel, these doors are more durable and provide better protection against kicked-in doors, making them suitable for households with pets or children.
High-View Storm Doors: These feature a glass panel at the top and solid insulation at the bottom, ideal for extreme weather conditions.

Material Choices and Their Benefits

Selecting the right material is vital when choosing a storm door, as it affects the door's durability, maintenance, and insulation properties. Understanding the benefits of each material will help you choose the best option for your storm door based on your specific needs.

The available materials include:

Aluminum: Lightweight yet strong, aluminum doors are rust-resistant and great for a maintenance-free option that lasts many years.
Vinyl: Vinyl doors are energy efficient and weather-resistant, ideal for climates with extreme weather conditions.
Wood: For a classic look, wood storm doors bring a traditional charm, though they require more maintenance than other materials.

Energy Efficiency and Weather Resistance

Modern storm doors at Lowe's come equipped with features such as double-pane glass and thermal breaks that improve energy efficiency. These features help keep your home comfortable year-round, reducing the cost of heating and cooling.

Weather-resistant technologies and seals are critical components of storm doors, designed to enhance their effectiveness in protecting homes from the elements.

Here’s a detailed look at these features:

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is a common feature in storm doors, used to seal gaps between the door and the door frame. It prevents air leaks and blocks water ingress, helping maintain the indoor temperature and keeping the interior dry.

Materials often used for weatherstripping include vinyl, rubber, and silicone, each providing a tight seal against wind and moisture.

Sweep Strips

Sweep strips are installed at the bottom of storm doors to seal off the gap between the door and the threshold. They prevent drafts, water, and debris from entering the home. Sweeps are often adjustable to ensure a perfect fit, enhancing their effectiveness in blocking out the elements.

Interlocking Frame Technology

Some storm doors feature interlocking frame designs that create a tighter seal around the door. This technology minimizes air and water infiltration by locking the door panel into the frame, which can boost the door’s insulation properties.

Low-E Glass

Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is a technology used in some storm doors to reduce the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through the glass without minimizing the amount of light that enters the home. This glass has a micro-thin coating that reflects heat, helping keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while also protecting against UV rays that can fade fabrics and furniture.

Thermal Breaks

Thermal breaks are features designed to prevent thermal energy transfer through the materials of the storm door. They are common in metal doors, where a non-conductive material is placed between the inside and outside of the door to reduce heat loss.

Triple-Layer Weatherstripping

For higher-end models, triple-layer weatherstripping offers an even greater barrier against the weather. This involves multiple strips of sealing material, often along the top, bottom, and sides of the door, providing superior protection compared to standard single-layer strips.

Installation Tips

Installing a storm door can be a DIY project if you're handy. Lowe’s provides detailed guides and videos that walk you through the installation process. You can also take advantage of Lowe's installation services for a hassle-free setup.

Here’s a basic guide on how to install a storm door if you’re willing to do the job yourself:

Measure Your Doorway: Before purchasing a storm door, measure the height and width of your doorway to ensure the new door will fit. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom, and use the smallest measurement. Measure the height on both sides and use the smallest measurement here as well.
Choose the Right Storm Door: Select a storm door that fits your measurements and meets your needs regarding materials, features, and appearance. Ensure the door’s swing direction is appropriate for your entryway.
Gather Tools and Materials: You will need a tape measure, level, drill, screwdriver, hammer, and maybe a saw if adjustments are needed. The storm door kit should include all necessary screws and hardware.
Install the Hinge Frame: Attach the hinge side of the frame to the door. Some storm doors come with the hinges pre-attached. Hold the door up to your door frame to mark the placement of the hinge screws. Remove the door and pre-drill holes if necessary, then attach the hinge frame to the door frame with screws.
Attach the Door to the Hinge Frame: With help, lift the door and set the hinge pins into the hinge frame attached to the door frame. Check to ensure the door opens and closes freely.
Install the Drip Cap and Sweep: The drip cap (a metal strip that goes at the top of the door frame) directs water away from the top of the door. Install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. At the bottom of the door, attach the door sweep, which seals the gap between the door and the threshold to prevent drafts and water ingress.
Secure the Latch and Strike Plate: Install the latch hardware on the door according to the instructions. Close the door to determine the correct position for the strike plate on the door frame, mark it, then screw the strike plate into place. Test the latch to ensure the door closes as it should.
Adjust for Fit and Movement: Check the door’s fit and operation. Adjust the hinges and latch hardware as needed to ensure smooth movement and a tight seal all around the door. Use shims or additional screws if needed to secure the frame and prevent sagging.
Apply Weatherstripping: Apply weatherstripping around the door frame to seal any remaining gaps. This will help improve the door's insulation and prevent drafts.
Final Checks: Open and close the door several times to check for any issues with alignment or operation. Adjust as necessary until the door operates as it should.

How to Choose the Right Storm Door

When selecting a storm door, consider the size and orientation of your property, your local climate, and your style preferences. Think about the level of visibility and ventilation you want. A door with interchangeable glass and screen panels offers flexibility for changing seasons.

Here are some tips to help you make the best choice based on your specific needs:

Consider Your Climate

Choose features that align with your local weather conditions. If you live in an area with harsh winters, look for storm doors with thermal insulation and energy-efficient glass to help keep the cold out. In warmer climates, doors with full or half screens can promote airflow and help cool your home.

Evaluate Maintenance Level

Consider the maintenance required for different materials and features. Aluminum and vinyl require less upkeep compared to wood, which may need regular painting or staining to maintain its appearance and durability.

Determine Visibility and Light Preferences

Select the glass type based on how much visibility and natural light you want to bring into your home. Full-view glass doors offer maximum light entry and visibility, while mid-view or high-view doors provide more privacy and are more durable.

Think About Usability

For households with pets or children, consider a door with a built-in pet door or lower screen panels that resist damage from pets scratching. Doors with easy-to-use handles and locks can make day-to-day operation simpler for everyone in the family.

Plan for the Future

Think long-term about how your needs may change. Features like interchangeable glass and screen panels provide flexibility for different seasons and can adapt to changing needs over the years.

Review of Top Storm Doors at Lowe's in 2024

Lowe's continues to offer a wide selection of storm doors in 2024, each designed to meet specific home and property owner needs, from enhanced security to improved energy efficiency. Whether you're looking for durability, style, or advanced technology, Lowe's assortment of storm doors is sure to have a model that aligns with your requirements.

Let’s look at some of the top-rated storm doors available at Lowe's this year:

The Larson Tradewinds Full-View Aluminum Storm Door: Known for its retractable screen, this model is ideal for enjoying breezy days without the hassle of swapping out glass panels.
Pella Select Mid-View Wood Storm Door: Offers a strong design with customizable glass designs, making it functional and stylish.
Andersen 3000 Series Full-View Aluminum Storm Door: Features a one-hand retractable insect screen and built-in security locks for peace of mind.

Conclusion

Storm doors are an essential addition to any home, providing security, energy efficiency, and aesthetic value. With the diverse options available at Lowe's in 2024, you can find the perfect storm door that meets your needs and enhances your home's overall functionality and appeal.

Visit your local Lowe's or explore their online collection to view the latest in storm door innovations. If you need more personalized advice, Lowe's home improvement experts are always ready to assist you in making the best choice for your home!