By Glenda Taylor | Updated Apr 4, 2022 10:10 AM

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When the heat of summer gives way to autumn, it’s time to open the doors and welcome natural light and fresh air into your home. Of course, an open door also invites flying insects, creepy crawlies, and other potential pests—that’s where a good storm door comes in. Not only does a quality storm door block bugs while letting in light, but it also serves as an insulating layer against both hot and cold weather when paired with the exterior door.

If you’re in the market for a storm door, read on for the features you should consider and some of the best storm doors available today.

While most of these storm doors share similar characteristics, there are a number of differences that can impact choice. The following sections explain the key features that may help you select the best storm doors for your home.

While some people use the terms interchangeably, there’s a difference between a screen door and a storm door. Screen doors let in air and light while keeping bugs at bay. Storm doors do the same but are generally a bit sturdier and, while they often have a screen, they also add an extra layer of protection in the form of glass against rain, snow, and wind. Storm doors are more likely to enhance front door design.

Most quality storm doors are made from lightweight aluminum over a rigid foam core, but steel- and vinyl-clad storm doors are also available, as well as those with a wood core. Higher-end storm doors can be nearly as attractive as entry doors and serve as a valuable asset when considering front door ideas and plans.

Storm doors feature a variety of glass-panel options either to let in as much light as possible or to block light at the bottom of the door and let it in only at the top. A number of design options are available.

Storm doors come in standard sizes to fit entry doors. To ensure the right size, 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.

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 a separate purchase. 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.

When you get a storm door, be advised that there will be some assembly involved. Unlike exterior entry doors, storm doors do not come pre-hung in their jambs. Rather, they are a boxed kit that includes the door, a top jamb (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.

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 existing entryways and feature an operable window and screen option.

Pre-assembled and extremely durable, the Anderson 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 4 different sizes and multiple colorways for ample curb appeal.

Get the Anderson 3000 door at The Home Depot.

Built with an aluminum frame and a heavy-duty steel closure, the EMCO 100 Series Self-Storing Storm Door is a budget-friendly and reliable option for your next storm door. With a partial view window with a fixed screen and an adjustable bottom glass panel, this door lets in lots of light and keeps the bugs out. It can be installed in a left or right orientation depending on your preference. But, it only comes in one size option so it may not fit some door frames.

Get the EMO 100 Series storm door at The Home Depot.

To let in plenty of light but have more privacy than with a full-view storm door, consider EMCO’s ¾-View Aluminum Storm Door. It comes in 32-, 34-, 36-, and 38-inch widths and is available in six colors. Manufactured from lightweight aluminum, this storm door can be mounted to open on the right or the left and features a retractable screen that rolls into the top of the doorframe when not in use. Its two glass panes feature clear glass, with optional colonial grills for a traditional look, and a choice of a nickel or a brass handle set.

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

Alternatively, to see as much of the outside world as possible, check out the Tradewinds Full-View Aluminum Storm Door from Larson. It’s available in 32-, 34-, and 36-inch widths and comes in six 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.

Get the LARSON storm door at Lowe’s.

Those concerned about DIY installation should consider Pella’s Rolscreen Full-View Aluminum Storm Door, which boasts an exclusive Express Install system that makes short, simple work out of either a right or left opening installation. This lightweight aluminum door comes in 32- and 36-inch widths and is available in multiple colors. It also includes a retractable screen and features Low-E glass panels to reduce heat transfer and conserve energy. The Pella handle set is sold separately.

Get the Pella storm door at Lowe’s.

To allow a pet plenty of freedom, EMCO’s K900 Series White Vinyl Storm Door features a convenient 10.5-inch by 15-inch pet door at the bottom. It also provides easy-to-clean vinyl cladding over a durable composite core, half-view glass panels, and a removable screen panel. The door can be installed for either a left or right opening. A black handle set is included, but the door is available only in a white finish.

Get the EMCO K900 storm door at The Home Depot.

For a top-notch, reliable storm door, we recommend the Anderson 3000 door with its durable aluminum design, left or right side mounting, as well as multiple colorways and sizes. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly option, the EMCO 100 storm door is made with aluminum and steel, comes with a partial view window, and can also be installed on the left or right side.

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.

While searching for the best options available, the most popular type among users were the steel and aluminum storm doors with a full-view style. While not as popular, those with partial- or half-view styles are also viable options for those that want a little less light coming in through their doors.

Most of the doors in our list also come in multiple sizes to fit your current door frames and are offered in many colors for curb appeal. As for special features, select options come with adjustable screens, tempered glass windows, and doggy doors for pet-friendly households.

Now that you’ve learned some of the important factors to consider when choosing the best storm door, questions may still remain. Additional information about choosing, using, and installing your new storm door is listed below.

Storm doors add protection to your current front, back, or side door from rain, sleet, and snow thus reducing the overall maintenance needed on your door over the years.

While a storm door won’t add a significant amount of value to your home, it will add some. Protecting the integrity of your front door is a plus for potential buyers to your home and keeps your curb appeal intact.

Storm door installation is a relatively simple DIY task that involves the following steps:

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