Storm doors are a normal look for the front door of just about any house.
Just like a storm window, that gap of air between the storm door and the main door provides insulation helping to keep in the heat during the cold weather.
The front door is an important part of the house. While the windows are the eyes of the house the front door is the soul of the house that welcomes your guests.
How a Front Door “Works”
When standing at the street, a sidewalk and proper landscaping should draw your attention towards the house.
The sidewalk then directs you to wide porch steps, These elements work together as they play a part in drawing a person’s attention to the front door entrance.
The interplay of these features work on your sub-conscious and create a welcoming and pleasing feeling as you approach the entrance.
1920’s – 30’s Tudor door.
The front door entrance is what makes a first impression on the guest before entering the house. The front door must be clean and well maintained. No decals or clutter. Sticking those “donated to the police decals will not provide any additional protection or favor from the police. You want to show off your front door not how sloppy one can be. This entrance prepares your mind for what to expect on the interior of the house. Hopefully your interior reflects the beauty and style of the exterior.
What is Wrong With a Storm Door?
A storm door has a huge negative impact on curb appeal. A storm door unfortunately hides your front door. Your front door does not have to be anything special to want it to be seen. People think that a full glass storm door will allow the front door to be seen and enjoyed. Wrong! The full glass storm door makes a 3 dimensional door into a flat appearing image. Depending on the light, the glass can create a complete glare totally hiding the main door.
You can’t see the door with all the glare from the storm door.
A storm door creates a flat bland effect. Just like windows, a door is set back in the door casing about several inches. A recessed door in a casing creates a strong shadow at the edges. This is similar to the depth of an original wood window compared to a new replacement window.
Notice the flat look of the window on the right compared to the left.
It may sound silly but these shadows are what gives any building character. The combination of a door in its casing creates a pattern of light and shade that begins to dance as it changes during the day making buildings come alive.
1930’s Colonial Revival entrance. The set-back of the door is visible and the bordering shadows make it appear strong.
Storm doors can cheapen the appearance of a house making it look flat and unreal as if drawn in.
I have never seen a storm door no matter what style or paint color, ever make an improvement. Instead, the storm door cheapens a very important part of the house.
Now you may have every legitimate reason to use a storm door – the need for more light, your dog likes to look out the door, or there is no overhang to protect the door from the elements. The reasons do not matter. Do what you need to do but understand that a storm door will have a negative impact on curb appeal.
Storm Doors can Warp Your Front Door
When the sun shines on your storm door, that air space between the main door and storm door really heats up especially from the low winter sun on the west side of the house. This trapped heat can cause your front door to warp. During the summer that air temperature can get up as high as 200 degrees.
What About a Historic Wood Storm Door or Screen Door?
No difference. Old or new it still covers your door. I know it is nice to have a screen door in the summer but understand it will not help the look. Even if the door is a historic Victorian screen door which can look beautiful. I am not saying don’t use it but understand the flat look it will create. It is your decision.
For those that love their screen door, why not remove it during the winter months. That’s what I do to my back door. If you must have a storm door, try doing the same.
How to Improve the Appearance of a Storm Door with Paint
For those who plan to keep their storm door, there is a way to make it looks like it belongs. A storm door should match the main door color. If your front door is painted red then your storm door should also.
Ugly aluminum storm door unpainted.
Storm door detracts from wood door.
Stained door looks small when covered with a storm door.
Storm door painted to match wood door.
Storm door painted to match wood door.
Storm door is painted to match the wood door.
Conclusion
Although storm doors remain very popular, did you ever notice that the more elegant homes in the better neighborhoods do NOT have storm doors? Think about this. A beautiful front door is important and the money you save in heat may not be worth the price for loss of good curb appeal.
My recommendation is to stay away from storm doors. Use them on your secondary doors but let your front door be seen and allowed to shine. Now you know what to look for so do what you feel is best.
Sources for Minnesota winter proof wood outdoor doors. Within range of St Paul? My contractor wants some plastic & wood amalgum. Sez it lasts longer, which I doubt.Thanks!
My house has a small vestibule in front. There is a glass storm door to enter, the vestibule has 8 panes of glass on each side, then the front door a step up. The house is from 1929. Should I remove the storm door and leave the vestibule open to the elements? I had thought of getting a wooden storm door with 7 panes of glass, but don’t think that is really the answer. What would have been original? Thank you so much.
It sounds like the vestibule is maybe not original but quite old. It serves a very good purpose but does not provide curb appeal. It would be best to remove the entire vestibule. It also depends on the direction your door is facing. Does wind and rain blow on it? Nothing is best for looks but you know what you have to deal with.
Thank you for your comments! It faces West and is actually very attractive on my little bungalow in Bergen County NJ. It has a beadboard ceiling with ancient light fixture, each side has panels on the lower portion with inlays, over that 8 pane windows. I removed the post light fixture on the lawn because it was totally inappropriate for the house. My only light is the one in the vestibule. (There is a street light near the road). I believe it’s original and does serve a purpose. I have painted the storm door green to match the trim on the house. I’m sure this is more than you care to know, but I’m a fan and value your opinion.
I have a mahogany Craftsman door that has a couple coats of polyurethane (glossy Helmsman Spar Urethane). The door is exposed to sun and the elements and the polyurethane only lasts a couple years. The indentations on the door collect water and have to be touched up every year. I’m sure it would be much better protected with a storm door, but I want to preserve the look. Any suggestions for how I can keep from having to re-polyurethane every year?
I do the same – every October I apply a quick coat to protect the door from the winter sun. I did miss a year and the varnish flaked pulling out the stain color. Not an easy fix.
I completely agree!! Thank you for validating my belief. My mother has been imploring me to get a storm door for my house and even sent money to pay for it. I want to get a more exquisite wood door and show it off. I will do this.