If you have a newer, energy-efficient, well-sealed front door, and your main concern is reducing energy loss, you may not need a storm door. Additionally, if your front entry is well-protected by a large overhang or covered porch, you might not need a storm door.
Fiberglass doors work well in almost any climate, even extreme cold and damp conditions. Unlike wood, fiberglass doors do not warp, crack, or rot. And unlike steel, the doors don't rust, scratch, or corrode. Fiberglass is built to last and will not require yearly re-finishing to stay in top shape.
You can definitely put a storm door over your current fiberglass door. While fiberglass doors are already sturdy enough as it is, a storm door can provide your front door extra protection from the elements, as well as added security for your home.
Adding a storm door -- particularly a non-vented variety -- to your fiberglass door may actually heighten the chance of damage in particularly hot climates, as trapped heat between the two doors may cause warpage and fading. Always consult instructions from the manufacturer for care and maintenance tips for your door.
Fiberglass doors can warp when installed incorrectly, when they have poorly structured internal frames, or when they get in direct contact with extreme heat. It's crucial to make sure you install each door properly, especially when your door's inner frame isn't sturdy enough.
Use acrylic as the exterior of your fiberglass doors because they are more resistant to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Acrylics are perfect for fiberglass doors because they are designed to withstand weathering.
Storm doors refer to the glass door installed over your existing exterior door. They can add protection from the elements and increase home security, as well as let more natural light into your home. Storm doors that feature screens instead of glass are referred to as screen doors. They are made to ventilate your home.
If your door is exposed to the elements, a screen door may be the right option. You may opt out of a storm door if you have a new, well-sealed, energy-efficient front door. Warmer climates don't need storm doors to protect the door from winter weather, but the screen would allow air to circulate during nice weather.
Fiberglass Exterior Door Pros:
Durability — In addition to minimal maintenance requirements, fiberglass doors are exceptionally durable. They don't chip or dent like a wood or steel door might, which makes them a great option for your front door — your barrier between your home and the outside world.
In a reasonably protected location, a fiberglass exterior door will never need painting or staining and can last 15 to 20 years. Although it feels lighter than wood or steel, it is extremely durable and features an extremely durable coating that is difficult to breach.
3. It Saves Energy and Money. The insulating power of a fiberglass door is superior to steel and hardwood. It keeps the weather out and air conditioning in.
Advantages of Fiberglass Exterior Doors
Durability – The material never warps, rots or rusts and can stand strong for decades. Performance – The entry system reduces heat transfer and boosts energy efficiency, thereby lowering your energy costs.
Entry doors made of fiberglass are specially engineered to withstand heavy winds and flying objects brought about by a hurricane. Fiberglass doors can be made to like wood but can protect your home for a more extended period and will not rot or warp, unlike real wood.
Cracks: During the winter season, the rigid material of fiberglass door contracts which can lead to crack and sometimes falling apart of some inexpensive and low quality fiberglass entry doors. These cracks degrade the appearance of the doors and make a passage for the cold air to enter the house.
Unlike steel doors in wet climates, they are not susceptible to rust. Unlike steel, fiberglass does not transfer heat, which makes it a better choice for areas with greater seasonal fluctuations in temperature. Both materials are significantly more resilient than wood over time.
Fiberglass entry doors are super-durable. They do not rot, shrink, warp, or swell like wooden doors. They are as secure as any other type of doors.
Installing a new storm door in your home isn't necessarily going to add the kind of value to it that, say, a new front door or a new set of windows would. But it'll still add some value nonetheless. A storm door also won't require a huge investment on your part.
However, traditional screen doors are still widely available on the market in a variety of styles. Some feature screens that cover nearly the entire door, but most feature a screened window that can be opened and closed as desired.
A storm door can help protect your primary door from rain, ice and snow, reducing the costs of maintenance and helping it last longer. All Pella® storm doors also come with a built-in keyed lock that is separate from a home's primary door adding an additional barrier against intruders.