You need to replace your front door, but you’re unsure if you should get a storm door or a screen door. It can be tough to decide which type of front door is right for your home. Storm doors offer protection from the elements, but they can be heavy and difficult to open. Screen doors allow fresh air into your home, but they can’t keep out the rain or snow.

We’ve put together this guide to help you decide which type of front door is best for your needs. We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each option and help you choose the perfect door for your home.

Storm Door vs. Screen Door: What’s the Difference?

Both storm and screen doors are designed to cover your primary entry door. The main difference between the two is that a storm door provides some level of water protection while a screen door does not. A standard screen door has no frame, so it doesn’t protect against rain or snow while still allowing fresh air into your home.

Storm doors are made with frames that provide an additional layer of protection from the elements. They also come with screens or glass panels, which allow you to keep your primary door closed while still enjoying some fresh air. Storm doors are typically more durable than screen doors and can be more aesthetically pleasing for your home.

While both options have their pros and drawbacks, various factors will impact which door type is best for you. Let’s look at some of the different factors that can help you decide if storm or screen doors are suitable for your home.

Weather Protection

One of the major differences between storm and screen doors is weather protection. Storm doors are designed to prevent water, snow, leaves, dirt, and other debris from entering your home, while a screen door has little to no protection.

If you live in an area that experiences heavy rain or snowfall during certain seasons throughout the year, then it might be best for you to choose a storm door. Storm doors are designed to protect your home against all types of weather conditions.

On the other hand, if you live in an area that has mild weather, then a screen door could be good enough for protecting your home. If you are uncertain about which one is better suited for your home, note how often inclement weather occurs throughout the year where you live.

Selection & Appearance

Screen doors are usually made of lightweight materials, making them easier to open and close than storm doors. In addition, screen doors often offer a better view as no frame or door panel obstructs the view. In contrast, storm doors tend to be bulky and heavy because they are made of several panels and usually have multiple glass panes.

On the other hand, storm doors often have a more modern or updated look as it offers more glass area than screen doors. As such, many homeowners choose to go with storm doors because of their sleek, modern look.

Durability

Storm doors are often made of high-quality materials like aluminum, steel, fiberglass, and wood. These materials make storm doors more durable than screen door models because they make them resistant to rust, dents, scratches, peeling paint, and other forms of weather damage.

Screen doors are usually made of lightweight material that can easily be damaged. If you want a more durable screen door, then they are typically made of aluminum or steel frames with fiberglass or wooden panels.

Ventilation

If you live in an area where the weather is mostly sunny, then having a screen door with mesh panels may be good enough for ventilation. Screen doors allow air to circulate within the home, which can help cut down on your energy bills because you won’t need to run your air conditioner as much during hot summer months.

However, if you choose to install a screen door with heavy mesh material, then it will be more difficult for cool air to circulate inside your home. If you live in an area with cold temperatures during winter, then a screen door may not be the best option for ventilation purposes.

Security & Ease of Entry

Some homeowners believe that storm doors are better for security purposes because they are designed to keep people out. It has several glass panes and a deadbolt lock that can be harder to break than screen doors.

There’s also the option to install security film on your storm door’s glass panels. This will make it more difficult for criminals to shatter your door’s glass, which will ultimately protect the door from breaking into pieces during a forced entry attempt.

If you want something that’s more secure but also easy to open and close, then a screen door could be your best option. You can get one with a simple latch or magnet security locks that will make it easier for you to get in and out of your home.

Price

Storm doors are more expensive than screen doors because they have more features and better durability than their counterparts. On the other hand, screen doors can be purchased at relatively lower prices because they offer fewer features and are less durable.

Homeowners who want a reliable door that provides better weather protection and has a modern look may opt to get storm doors instead of screen doors. However, if you want a more affordable option with basic functionality, then a screen door could be the right choice for you.

The Best of Both Worlds

As a homeowner, you have the important task of choosing the right door type for your home. Do you go with a screen door or a storm door? What if there’s a way to get the best of both worlds?

Retractable screen/storm doors combine the benefits of storm doors and screen doors to give you a product that delivers weather protection, security, and ventilation.

These retractable screen/storm door models allow you to switch from a sturdy, secure storm door to a mesh screen door whenever necessary. You can choose between manually or automatically deploying the screen panels depending on your preference and requirements. With this type of product, you get all the benefits that each type has to offer without compromising quality and convenience.

By installing a retractable screen/storm door, you can maximize your home’s insulation capabilities while giving yourself easy access to the outdoors. You can get one with classic wood or fiberglass panels, an aluminum frame, heavy-duty hinges and locks, high-quality mesh materials, and more.

Contact America’s Best Choice

If you’re considering replacing your front door, contact America’s Best Choice today for a free in-home consultation. we are the home improvement specialists to hire for quality, low-priced products and solutions. We can assess your home and help you find the best choice for a new front door.