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Adding a storm door is now easier

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“A new storm door can add significant value to a home both functionally and aesthetically. A new storm door is a quick and inexpensive solution that enhances the important first impression of the home and protects the entry door from the weather. It’s truly a wise investment in many ways.”

Kathy Krafka Harkema
Pella Corporation spokesperson

When to replace or add

Ask these questions to evaluate whether to invest in a new storm door:

• Is it difficult to open and close the existing storm door?
• Is there warm or cold air leaking in or around the storm door?
• How does it look? Is there warping? How smoothly do the hinges operate?
• Does the entry door have air leaks in and around it?
• Is there a desire to have more natural light in the entry area of the home?
• Do you want a storm door that allows you to bring fresh air into your home?
• Is there a desire to make a “fashion statement” with the front entryway?
• Is the old storm door finish worn off or showing other signs of deterioration?

If the answer is yes to any or all of these questions, the home is a good candidate for a new storm door. It’s money well spent to improve the energy efficiency of the home and maintain an excellent appearance for the outside of the home.

How to measure

• Measure the space between the exterior brick mold trim pieces, not the inner door jamb; the brick mold is the external casing that frames the door; the jamb is the vertical piece that frames the outer edges of the door
• Measure the width of the entry door opening in three places; across the top, middle and bottom — use the smallest of the three measurements as your width
• Measure the height down the middle of the opening
• Most homes will need a standard size 32 inches by 81 inches or 36 inches by 81 inches door, but custom size doors can be ordered to fit a variety of opening sizes

Choices

• Style — Many companies, including Pella, allow the customer to design their own storm door by selecting the color, glass and handle preferences. Pella’s Select® series features many popular colors, decorative glass patterns, and solid brass handle choices to allow a homeowner to customize his/her entryway.
• Frame styles — Homeowners can choose from several frame styles to fit their needs
  • Fullviews feature the most glass area and allow the most light and air into the home. Pella’s Express Install installation system for all fullview storm doors cuts what was once a half-day labor- and time-intensive project to only about one hour. Pella’s Express Install gives customers the pre-assembled parts; no cutting is required and pre-drilled installation and assembly holes eliminate any guesswork. Pella’s innovation requires only five tools to complete the storm door installation.
  • Midviews feature slightly less glass area
  • Highviews are half doorframe, half glass, allowing the most privacy; both highviews and midviews are great for high-traffic entryways
• Ventilation — A homeowner can choose between several ventilation styles
  • Interchangeable fullviews feature a full expanse of glass that can be switched to a full insect screen for seasonal ventilation, allowing plenty of natural light into the entryway
  • Energy efficiency — Many storm doors feature overlapping frames with weatherstripping for a tight seal and better energy efficiency. Pella features several models with double weatherstripping for improved performance. According to independent testing, a Pella storm door added to an entryway can reduce energy loss through the entryway by up to 45 percent.
  • Hardware — Storm door handles range from basic to upscale — solid brass and pewter handles; consumers now have many choices in affordable accents for their storm door

Tips

• Decide what you can afford and what you plan to spend before going shopping
• Evaluate your lifestyle and select the type of storm door that best suits your needs; is a fullview, midview or highview best for you and the type of use your new storm door will receive?
• Storm doors that lock from the inside of the home provide an added sense of security, yet allow fresh air and natural light to enter your home
• Do your homework; decide what storm door qualities are important to you and research how various brands compare in terms of function and performance
• Before installing, be sure to inspect the wood jamb and trim around the opening to make sure they are secure and in good condition for a proper installation.
• Be sure the door frame is square — use a level to decide; if it’s not, use shims to correct the fit

Further questions?
Contact your local Pella® Window & Door Showroom or call 888-847-3552 or visit www.pella.com.

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