Do you hear that noisy racket? Is that knocking coming from your front door? Now wait just a minute, this isn’t meant to be the first scene of a scary movie. We just don't want you to forget that your front door is your first line of defense against both New England weather and unwanted visitors.

So what's the secret to deflect both more effectively? Custom storm doors.

I know what you’re thinking:

You know storm doors are important but is there really that much to consider when selecting the right one for your home?

Sure, storm doors may seem straightforward, but after fabricating and installing countless custom storm doors over the years, we’ve compiled three crucial considerations that often go left unnoticed.

What are the Differences in Storm Door Materials?

Storm doors are typically made of aluminum, plastics (fiberglass or vinyl), or wood. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each material:

Custom Wooden Storm Doors:
Pros:

  • Visually appealing
  • Wooden storm doors >1 inch can accommodate glass panels
  • Durability and rigidity increases with the storm door’s thickness

Cons:

  • Require painting/coating for added protection and beautification
  • Wooden storm doors < 1 inch can only accommodate for screens

Custom Aluminum Storm Doors:
Pros:

  • Medium corrosion resistance
  • No additional paint/coating required
  • Accommodates glass and screens regardless of thickness
  • Durability and rigidity increases with the storm door’s thickness

Cons:

  • Less durable and rigid than other materials (especially thinner options)
  • Prone to damage when facing intense weather

Custom Plastic Storm Doors:
Pros:

  • Highest corrosion resistance
  • Can be molded to mimic the look and feel of wooden storm doors
  • Extruded PVC storm doors offer exceptional strength

Cons:

  • May release toxins, especially at the end of the door’s life
  • More expensive than other materials

What styles and colors are available?

Contrary to popular belief, you can use custom storm doors to make a stylized statement.

If you have meticulous taste and care deeply about what the quality of your home’s exterior says about you as a homeowner, you’ll want to give a second thought about the style and color of your custom storm door. It’s the equivalent of a first impression.

A collection of custom storm doors

Another collection of custom storm doors

How long do storm doors last?

If you choose to go the custom storm door route, you’ll want to consider your long-term plans for home improvement and renovation. We covered some of the common styles and colors for your potential storm door above, but those are only two variables of a longer equation. Make no mistake about it, the look and overall fit of your storm door are important factors, especially when you consider it’s going to last at least 20 years.

However, you should also noodle over other important factors:

  • How fortified do you need your door to be (think about guests and pests alike)?
  • Do you need your storm door to be insulated (reduces noise infiltration and increases thermal efficiency)?

So, what’s the bottom line?

There are more considerations than first meets the eye when buying a custom storm door for your humble abode. Think style, sturdiness, color, material, and, most importantly, long-term fit.