Best Storm Door Brand?

[BleedingBlue]

I noticed my front door is a bit drafty last night and decided I need to get a storm door for the main entry.

What are the best storm door brands? I am assuming I will be purchasing the door at lowes, Home Depot, or menards unless someone recommends an alternative place.

I live in Indianapolis if that matters for climate reasons.

Thanks!


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[Parrothead]

I'll take a look when I'm out at the rental property as we have one out there but not at my current home. The one there is fantastic and has held up great. It's the full glass variety and the stops are much better than the one recently purchased by my parents.

 

[Pack Rat]

Larson makes most of the storm doors in the country. They make them for most door companies.
Provia makes high end doors but you will pay for the quality. I just had my entry doors replaced.
There are no drafts but I like using storm doors to protect the door finish.

 

[ratdoggy]

Be aware that the handle might hit your door knob and it might not be able to be moved up or down...
Had that problem on one one time

 

[maxpower_hd]

I have a Pella I bought at HD or Lowes. I can't remember which. But it is about two years old and so far has been a great door. I have the one that is two half glass panels with a screen that rolls up into the top like a window shade. My wife made me get one the cats could see out of.

I did use longer, 3" screws to screw into the jam/frame instead of the short ones that came with the door. It is the Montgomery if memory serves.

 

[Pack Rat]

Larson makes the storm doors for Pella but they are made to fit a Pella door jamb.

 

[BleedingBlue]

Be aware that the handle might hit your door knob and it might not be able to be moved up or down...
Had that problem on one one time

I am concerned about this, is there a way to measure to ensure there is adequate space?


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[BleedingBlue]

Larson makes most of the storm doors in the country. They make them for most door companies.
Provia makes high end doors but you will pay for the quality. I just had my entry doors replaced.
There are no drafts but I like using storm doors to protect the door finish.

I was leaning towards Larson bc i worked at Menards through college and didnt see many get returned.

We definitely want want one that has a screen that can be operated easily.


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[tomd]

Larson.

They make many 'lines' and variations in quality. Prices can range for a 36" storm door from $50 to over $200. Quality is usually reflected in cost. Full lite is more $$, magnetic weatherstripping, etc. more $$

 

[BleedingBlue]

Larson.

They make many 'lines' and variations in quality. Prices can range for a 36" storm door from $50 to over $200. Quality is usually reflected in cost. Full lite is more $$, magnetic weatherstripping, etc. more $$

Are they pretty easy to install? I try to do most of my work around the house, but really haven't had to tackle anything door rated yet.


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[Jon_E]

Larson.

Also, consider swinging the storm door opposite of the entry door (i.e. storm door hinges on the knob side of the entry door). It actually makes entry to the house much easier in my opinion, and there is no knob interference.

 

[gungatim]

Are they pretty easy to install? I try to do most of my work around the house, but really haven't had to tackle anything door rated yet.


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haven't done one in a while, but the few I did do were pretty simple. aluminum frame screws into the existing wood frame. I recall having to trim a couple pieces with a hacksaw, but other than that, a level, and a screwdriver, there isn't much to it.

you can probably pull the instructions out of the box at HD or wherever on a stock door and look at them to get a better idea.

 

[vtwinjunkie]

I too am getting quite the draft from my storm door. I will have to check into larson as well

 

[vavet]

I prefer the storm door handles on the same side as the entry door handles, just personal preference I guess.

I've installed both Pella and Larson. They're both designed, engineered, and manufactuered to be pretty easy to install. It'll be easier with 2 people at certain points, but possible with one as long as you're reasonably strong.

We had one at our old house that was starting to flake apart at the bottom (aluminum). I went to Lowe's, planning to buy a new one. I fell for the pitch and ended up wanting one that was WAY more expensive, so I didn't buy anything that day. The pitch went something like this - for $200, you buy this half glass/screen door with aluminum around wood for the bottom 30". It'll work great, and then in 3-5 years, the aluminum will flake apart and you'll buy a new one. Wash, rinse, repeat. For $350, you can buy this other one that looks exactly the same, but it's solid aluminum at the bottom - no wood. It'll last ~10 years. I bought the more expensive unit. I still have that house - it's a rental unit now. The door still looks the same as it did the day I installed it about 9 years ago.

On the new house, I installed one Pella and one Larson. They've been up for about a year each, no issues. I opted for the more expensive units for each one to gain more life. My time to redo these is limited and valuable.

 

[vtwinjunkie]

I prefer the storm door handles on the same side as the entry door handles, just personal preference I guess.

I've installed both Pella and Larson. They're both designed, engineered, and manufactuered to be pretty easy to install. It'll be easier with 2 people at certain points, but possible with one as long as you're reasonably strong.

We had one at our old house that was starting to flake apart at the bottom (aluminum). I went to Lowe's, planning to buy a new one. I fell for the pitch and ended up wanting one that was WAY more expensive, so I didn't buy anything that day. The pitch went something like this - for $200, you buy this half glass/screen door with aluminum around wood for the bottom 30". It'll work great, and then in 3-5 years, the aluminum will flake apart and you'll buy a new one. Wash, rinse, repeat. For $350, you can buy this other one that looks exactly the same, but it's solid aluminum at the bottom - no wood. It'll last ~10 years. I bought the more expensive unit. I still have that house - it's a rental unit now. The door still looks the same as it did the day I installed it about 9 years ago.

On the new house, I installed one Pella and one Larson. They've been up for about a year each, no issues. I opted for the more expensive units for each one to gain more life. My time to redo these is limited and valuable.

Interesting you say this...my storm door handle is on the opposite side...is this normal? It has always been quite annoying!

 

[BleedingBlue]

I prefer the storm door handles on the same side as the entry door handles, just personal preference I guess.

I've installed both Pella and Larson. They're both designed, engineered, and manufactuered to be pretty easy to install. It'll be easier with 2 people at certain points, but possible with one as long as you're reasonably strong.

We had one at our old house that was starting to flake apart at the bottom (aluminum). I went to Lowe's, planning to buy a new one. I fell for the pitch and ended up wanting one that was WAY more expensive, so I didn't buy anything that day. The pitch went something like this - for $200, you buy this half glass/screen door with aluminum around wood for the bottom 30". It'll work great, and then in 3-5 years, the aluminum will flake apart and you'll buy a new one. Wash, rinse, repeat. For $350, you can buy this other one that looks exactly the same, but it's solid aluminum at the bottom - no wood. It'll last ~10 years. I bought the more expensive unit. I still have that house - it's a rental unit now. The door still looks the same as it did the day I installed it about 9 years ago.

On the new house, I installed one Pella and one Larson. They've been up for about a year each, no issues. I opted for the more expensive units for each one to gain more life. My time to redo these is limited and valuable.

Great insight - thank you. I think putting the handle on the same side is my best option bc of my layout. Doing it that way will have the door open towards a wall.


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[cdestuck]

Larson does make Pella. But buy buying the Pella vs Larson, I believe you get lifetime warranty even against brass tarnishing.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Larson storm doors in some models have a core of pressed wood. It is not weatherproof like you would expect a storm door to be. I have had to replace all three of the Larson doors I had because they rotted out from water coming into the door through the seams in the door. Sorry made, I bought another brand that was all metal/glass does not have pressed board covered with lightweight rotted metal.

 

[BSTON]

I had one of the Larson full glass security storm doors at my previous house and I was very happy with it. The latching mechanism felt very sturdy and had a nice solid feel to it. The door also held out the cold Wisconsin air very well.

 

[Pack Rat]

Larson does make Pella. But buy buying the Pella vs Larson, I believe you get lifetime warranty even against brass tarnishing.

Don't count on it. I have Pella. They make a good product but support and service *****.
I've never had a more miserable experience than dealing with Pella. I'll never buy another
one of their products again. It's just not worth the trouble.

 

[wasfuzz]

I am concerned about this, is there a way to measure to ensure there is adequate space?


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Since you install the storm door latch ( drill holes, etc) just move it so it clears!

 

[Radix2]

Larson storm doors in some models have a core of pressed wood. It is not weatherproof like you would expect a storm door to be. I have had to replace all three of the Larson doors I had because they rotted out from water coming into the door through the seams in the door. Sorry made, I bought another brand that was all metal/glass does not have pressed board covered with lightweight rotted metal.

Had this exact thing happen on two Larson doors. I hope they don't make these anymore because the doors are perfect...but the bottom is completely destroyed...shame and not very old.

 

[Firebird 1]

I have installed dozens of Andersen storm doors, purchased from Home Depot. They may be made by Larson. I prefer the 4000 series. The glass/screen swap out in a matter of seconds by simply flipping a switch and lifting the handle. The are just about idiot proof as far as installation goes. By far the easiest storm door I have ever installed. They are a bit pricey, but its worth it to me. The 3000 series are very nice as well, they install almost as easily and are a bit cheaper. Changing from screen to glass is a bit more difficult though.

 

[jetnow1]

I have installed storm doors with the swing reversed from the main door due to the prevailing winds catching the door and damaging it, by reversing it the wind actually blows
it closed instead. finally put up a fence on that side of the door to block the wind even more, but tenants can destroy cast iron, never mind an aluminum door.

 

[csp]

Installed a Larson Tradewinds full view just today. It was super simple, even for just one person.

There are a couple of Larson install videos on youtube.

As far as door handle interference, measure one at the big box store from the top of the frame to the center of the handle. Compare this measurement to the distance from the brick moulding on the house to the doorknob.

 

[DC73]

I have the Andersen 4000 series storm doors from Home Depot. Awesome doors. I special ordered them from HD with security glass and a three point locking system. I then special ordered a Schlage keyway direct from Andersen so I could have the storm doors keyed the same as the entry doors (they come with a Kwikset keyway). Highly recommended.

DC

 

[Reese]

I like Larson, they have an adjustable plastic feature on the frames so you don't have to cut the aluminum to size. I use the vinyl covered particle board models on my rentals. The idiot tenants can't dent them like aluminum covered. For my personal house I like the aluminum covered, I think they look nicer.

If you have an older house without pre hung exterior doors check the door frame for plumb and square and the width of the door frame at the top and bottom. If it is not close buy lattice or other thin moulding when you buy the door to allow you to shim the opening. You might also need the moulding to shim the door latch out to catch correctly.

No need to measure for the storm door handle, just make sure it is higher or lower than the lockset on the storm door. If you can read and use a drill, tape measure, and pencil you should be able to install the door in around an hour if the existing door frame is reasonably close.

Menards normally has the best price in the Indy area.

 

[dkauf]

Thanks for all the replies, I am in the market again for a storm door for my neighbor and was leaning toward Larson & or Pella. Good to know about the wood problem.

 

[BleedingBlue]

Thanks for all the replies, I am in the market again for a storm door for my neighbor and was leaning toward Larson & or Pella. Good to know about the wood problem.

I ended up going Larson and dont regret it. Easy installation and it has held up perfectly.


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[CStern55]

Hello
I really like the Anderson 4000 as I want a full view and the 3000 seems too hard to replace
However, the reviews on line are not all that good and I have heard that replacing from screen to glass is not good

Any comments

 

[DC73]

Hello
I really like the Anderson 4000 as I want a full view and the 3000 seems too hard to replace
However, the reviews on line are not all that good and I have heard that replacing from screen to glass is not good

Any comments

The Anderson 4000 doors I ordered and installed are fixed glass only and can't be converted to screen. However, they've been great doors. Have had no issues and would highly recommend them.

DC

 

[69supercj]

I've had two Larson doors in the last 15 years and both of them started leaking and eventually the vinyl on the bottom third of the door has split in a few places so its just a matter of time before I'll be installing my third door. Not sure this one is gonna be a Larson.

 

[PinkJohn]

I put in 3 of the higher end Larson ones from Menards about 4 years ago with the sliding glass/screen and thought it was worth the extra expense. Solid, reliable. Air tight, no, I don't think most storm doors are, but it made a significant difference over the older ones I had. There's a big difference in quality/flimsiness between the cheaper and more expensive models. Looking at the Menards site, it's the Lakeview ones that I went with. Zero regrets.

 

[Notgrownup]

I bought 2 Larson with the built in screen with Low “E” glass I have been very satisfied, they were not cheap at around $300 and special ordered but I wanted nicer this time, I had Pelli before and they were nice also...here it’s shown with the screen almost fully opened...whatever brand you buy make sure you can get replacement parts like the little rubber sweep at the bottom,

 

[foodie]

I have a Trapp storm door. Very heavy duty especially the hardware/handle. The screen is made out of fiberglass so it does not bend or tear.

 

[yeldogt]

I have the Andersen 4000 series storm doors from Home Depot. Awesome doors. I special ordered them from HD with security glass and a three point locking system. I then special ordered a Schlage keyway direct from Andersen so I could have the storm doors keyed the same as the entry doors (they come with a Kwikset keyway). Highly recommended.

DC

I did not know they made a three point ... So the glass is fixed?

The Andersen is like the old "Forever" -- I think they bought them. I like the full glass.

 

[rburke65]

Wow....this is like Stormdoor 101. Great info.

 

[brownbagg]

i got larson, they are about ten years old, they are falling apart both of them, handles broken, closer gone.

 

[DC73]

I did not know they made a three point ... So the glass is fixed?

The Andersen is like the old "Forever" -- I think they bought them. I like the full glass.

Yep. Glass is fixed and security laminated glass was an available option when I ordered mine so I opted for it.

DC

 

[bullnerd]

Larson gets my vote.

I did two Andersons on my MIL's house about a month apart, and was not impressed with the quality or fit and finish. Very easy to install, but seem hard to open and a bit clunky. Lock mechanism is ****.

Then I needed one for my own house and went with Larson from Lowes. A little harder to install because the frame is multiple pieces, but WAAY nicer fit and finish. Opens easier and closes much nicer, solid click. Lock and door handle are solid and function easy.

I just added a mudroom onto the house and need another storm door so I will be installing another Larson soon.