Mastering Your Storm Door: Discover When to Switch Panels, Clean Glass, and More!
Dive into our guide and uncover the best-kept secrets of storm doors, glass panels, and screen door! Learn when to switch panels, keep the glass squeaky clean, and more. Your journey to mastering storm doors starts here!
Understanding the Purpose of a Storm Door
Do you have a storm door? Did you install it, or have someone install it? Then you may already know why you want one; however, for anyone debating if they should or shouldn’t install this to your front entrance, you’ll want to know these little informational tidbits.
- Storm doors generally provide additional layers of security to your home
- They are a buffer between the elements and your front door
- They are a way to let the fresh air in from your front door
- They also provide a protective shield for doors as well as the older doors that have lift left but are close to needing to be replaced.
Table of Contents
The Seasonal Effectiveness of Storm and Screen Doors
Your storm door is not just a one-season wonder! Its effectiveness varies with the changing weather patterns.
During the winter and the fall, having one provides an extra layer of insulation, protecting your home from chilly drafts. Plus, you can open your door in the fall without letting air pass in and enjoy the Light.
The Essential Switch: Glass Panel to Screen Door
Benefits of Using a Screen Door
It’s time for a switch when the seasons change and the air gets warmer. Replace the glass panel with a screen door. This allows fresh air to circulate freely through your home while keeping out unwanted bugs. Not only that, but a screen door also lets you enjoy the sunlight without compromising on indoor comfort.
Determining If A Storm Door Suits Your Home
Who Benefits the Most from a Screen and Glass Panel Door?
These doors can be particularly beneficial for homes with hot summers and winters can get cool to COLD. They work best if the door doesn’t get full sunshine and you want fresh air to circulate freely from the front door into your home.
The Unwanted Consequences of Continuous Sun Exposure
But beware! Consistent sun rays can have damaging effects on your door. The door may deteriorate over time, and gases can build up, leaving a smear on the door that won’t come clean.
This is often a sign that the paint chemicals are breaking down and releasing from the entrance to the glass panel, indicating that your door needs to breathe, i.e., it’s time to install the Screen!
Overcoming the Heat: Tackling a The Hot Glass
Do you dread the scorching touch of your door handle in summer? If your glass gets too hot, it transfers the heat to the handle and the door frame, making it so damn hot touching it feels like a burn from a firepit. Likely, you have not switched the glass to the Screen.
A sun-exposed storm door can get so hot that you could practically fry an egg on it – not that you’d want to! So, remember to make the switch to the screen when the temperatures start to rise.
Considering the Possibility of Not Adding a Storm Door
There are scenarios where this type of door might not be necessary.
- For instance, if you live in an association that doesn’t allow it (cue eye-roll)
- Or if your door is exposed to full sun instead of less for more than just a few hours a day (the frying pan discussion).
- Allergy sufferers who prefer to keep windows and doors shut
- Or those who love their AC and heating too much to bother with the switch might not see the value of installing one
Reasons to Install This Protective Exterior Door
Debating installing something new into your home is normal, and the more you know, the better the decision you can make, so we will help you make this decision easier than ever with a few insights.
But if you’re still on board the storm-door train, here are a few more reasons to consider the installation.
- You’ll get a modest level of insulation by installing one because it protects your front door from rain, sleet, snow, and the occasional stray football from next door.
- Plus, they add a touch of aesthetic appeal to your home – who doesn’t love a good-looking entrance?
Exploring the Benefits of A New Screen and Glass Panel Installation
- A well-maintained door can enhance your home’s curb appeal, saving you money from losing warm air in the winter and preventing hot air in the summer.
- It allows you to enjoy fresh air circulating through your home without the fear of pesky insects getting in and protects your front door from harsh weather conditions.
- Besides, it also adds extra security to your home, preventing unwanted visitors.
Why The Newer Models Are a Better Choice
Did you know newer doors have a more straightforward method of changing the storm glass component to the Screen? That’s right! If the thought of wrestling with your old door to make the switch is giving you a headache, consider an upgrade.
There Are a Variety of Styles That Were Not Always Available
Storm doors are not just functional – they can also be quite stylish! Consider these door-style options:
- Full – a solid panel of glass
- Half view- a panel of glass that is only 1/2 of the door
- Three-quarter view, depending on your preference. – this is 3/4 glass and 1/4 screen
Making the Switch: Glass Panel to Screen
Here’s where you have to perform a DIY when it is time to switch the glass to the screen and vice versa unless you care to pay a handyman.
Potential Issues with the Screen Panel
Changing the glass panel to a screen can come with its own set of challenges. You might find the Screen hard to put in or the glass panel difficult to remove. The glass panel is breakable and must be handled and stored safely.
Moreover, if the heat buildup from the glass panel causes the handle to heat up, you might end up with a surprise ‘hot potato’ situation on your hands. The heat buildup between the glass panel and the door may deteriorate your door and transfer paint residue that is not easy to clean from the entrance to the glass panel.
Efficient Ways to Clean a Glass Panel Storm Door with Haze
Is your glass panel looking a bit hazy? Don’t fret! Cleaning the glass of your door is easier than you think. Windex might not be your best friend in this situation, but a few other household items can do the trick.
Use a microfiber cloth or paper towels with a solution of a few cups of warm water, a few drops (not more than 3) of Dawn Platinum, and 1/4 cup of cleaning vinegar.
Mix half a cup of water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or equal parts water and clean vinegar. Then spray the solution on the door and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Voila! Your glass on the door will look as good as new.
FAQs About Your Storm Door And Screen Door
1. Q: What seasons do you switch out the glass panel to the screen panel?
A: You should switch to the Screen when the weather starts warming up, usually in spring and summer. Then you can enjoy the fresh air and the sunshine without inviting the entire insect kingdom into your home.
2. Q: What can I do if my storm door handle gets too hot in the summer?
A: If your door handle is getting too hot, it might be time to switch to a screen door. Additionally, consider painting your main door a lighter color to reduce heat buildup. Use potholders to open the door.
3. Q: How often should I clean the glass panel of my storm door?
A: Cleaning frequency largely depends on the dust and dirt your door is exposed to. Clean it once every few months or when you notice a haze or dirt buildup.
4. Q: My storm door would be exposed to the sun for several hours daily. Should I still install one?
A: If your door is exposed to full sun for more than a few hours, it’s better to avoid installing this kind of door as it may lead to heat buildup and potentially damage your main entrance. But if you are hell-bent and devoted to putting one in, add some taller trees to add that shaded protection or even a retractable awning!
5. Q: Can I install a storm door or hire a professional?
A: While it’s possible to install it yourself (A DIY) if you’re handy, we suggest hiring a pro because it’s a door and alignment matters, plus you could void the warranty. If your door is not installed correctly, you can expect issues, from leaking to the door not closing correctly after a while.
If you’re convinced that a storm door is the way to go, don’t delay! Protect your home, enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunshine, and enhance your house’s curb appeal.
Pro Tips for Storm Door Care
And before we wrap this up, here are a few parting tips on caring for your glass panel and screen door. Whether you’re a storm door veteran or a newbie, these nuggets of wisdom will help you make the most of your door.
- Paint it Light: If your main door is darker, consider painting it a lighter shade. Not only does it give your entrance a fresh look, but it also helps reduce heat buildup between the storm door and the main door. It’s a win-win!
- Switch it Up: Remember to switch between the glass panel and the screen seasonally. Use the glass panel for the cooler fall and winter months, and switch to the Screen during spring and summer.
- Clean it Right: When cleaning your door, ditch the Windex. Instead, whip up a homemade cleaning solution with warm water, a few drops of Dawn Platinum, and some cleaning vinegar. Spray on the mixture, and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth for a sparkling clean finish.
- Handle with Care: Your door is more than just a door; it’s a protector, an insulator, and a provider of fresh air. So treat it well, following our suggested tips, and it will treat your well for years.
The better care you take of this type of door, the better it will care for your home and utility bills!
Now Are You Ready To Master Your Storm and Screen Door?
So there you have it, the A-Z of storm and screen doors and all their benefits, care, and maintenance. We use these tips to maintain our door, and we hope they are as helpful to you as they are to us.
Whether you’re looking to install a new storm door or want to learn more about the one that might already be installed on your main doorway, we hope our guide is as illuminating as the sunlight your storm door lets in (or keeps out).
Stay calm, stay fresh, and remember to switch to that Screen when summer comes knocking. Your storm door (and potentially your fingertips) will thank you! That’s all for now! Stay tuned for more home improvement tips and tricks. Until then, happy homemaking!
Tell us below if we forgot anything or if you have other questions! ~ Dana XO
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