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 Secure Doors - Secure doors links and information for your home or business. Whether you're looking for a storm door or an security door to keep your belongings safe you'll find information here. Entry doors, storm doors, Stanley doors, steel doors and secure doors.
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The storm doors page is a review of storm door products, their manufacturers incl. Larson, special door features including screens, construction and security as well as access to other online information about storm doors.
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introduction
In cold-winter regions, storm doors block drafts, minimize energy loss and
add an extra measure of security. They protect the prime (main) door and, when that door is open, allow more controlled
ventilation and light and they can be helpful at keeping pests out and pets in. But beyond practicality, the new breed
have great appeal.
The new range of storm doors
The evolution began several years ago, when the familiar aluminum mill finish gave way to white and dark
brown. Then other colours crept into the market: sand, almond, green and others. "The offering of colours was a major leap
forward," says Mike Gottsacker, Director of Marketing Services at Cole Sewell, a top storm doors manufacturer. "Next, we looked for
ways to improve the overall look of the product." This movement brought major changes in construction and decoration.
Visible screws disappeared, materials became more sophisticated and a variety of options entered the market. Now you can
choose great looking, durable storm doors with solid brass hardware, keyed deadbolt locks and full-sized glass panels
with etched, stained, beveled or camed glass--and more.
the manufacturers
Though most storm doors are made by only a handful of companies, each major manufacturer offers several lines of doors
and, within each line, scores of models. Larson Manufacturing, for example has seven lines with a total of over 40 models,
of storm doors ranging in price from $79 to $450. Cole Sewell's line is similar, ranging from $99 to $400. According to Gottsacker,
"Whether you buy our $100 door or a $400 door, the basic construction is the same. But the bells and whistles are
different. On the $400 storm doors door, you'll get special hardware, keyed exterior deadbolt, decorative molding, two door closers
instead of one and special glazing."
features
Most storm doors are sold as pre-hung units in standard door widths--30, 32, 34 and 36 inches. They may be hinged on
either side and double-door kits are available. These pre-framed modules are relatively easy to screw onto existing door
jambs; a do-it-yourselfer with reasonable skills can generally install one in an afternoon.
The major storm doors manufacturers also offer design-your-own-door programs, where you can mix and match components. Larson's
Designer Door series lets consumers pick the frame and its colour, then choose from six styles of glass and six styles of
designer hardware. "You leave the store with three boxes--door frame, glass and hardware," says Advertising Manager Mary
Ann Holler. Both Cole Sewell and EMCO have similar storm doors programmes.
screen systems
When choosing a storm door, one of your first choices will be the type and size of window and screen system. Many are
made so that you can remove and replace the clip-in glass panels with insect screening, and vice versa. Some have panels
that bypass each other in tracks. Still others storm doors are made so that the unused panel stores in the door. EMCO has a patented
self-storing window that easily slides down inside the door, out of view.
A full-height glass panel is best if you want to display your front door or maximize light and views through the storm
door. More common is the mid-view type of storm doors that have a solid panel at the bottom third of the door; this gives you
more ventilation control because you can open or close each section independently. A high-view door is similar, but the
glazed section only extends to about half the door's height.
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 Larson Storm Doors - Larson storm doors are featured on this page describing their style, ventilation, security, durability, energy efficiency and warranty features on the range of Larson storm doors.
construction
Another key issue is the door's construction. All major storm door makers produce storm doors that have a solid wood
(particleboard) core, clad with a permanently-bonded skin of aluminum and given a baked-on enamel finish. The wood core
makes them feel sturdy; they don't twist, rattle or dent. The aluminum surface is nearly maintenance free but can scratch.
New this year are composite storm doors called the Forever(R) Ultra-Core, made by EMCO. "We call these the doors of the 21st
Century," says Jay Glasnapp, VP of Sales & Marketing. "The material is very similar to what they make Humbies out of.
It's tough, with a molded-through colour so when the door is scratched, the colour still remains. It's impervious to water.
" This door is priced mid-range at from $155 to $190.
Larson also make 1 1/2-inch heavy-gauge foam-filled aluminum storm doors, called Classic View, that are lighter in weight and
allows for a full-frame glass panel. This is a good choice if you want to show off your prime door or have greater colour
selection--it's offered in eight colours. You can get it with any of several different glazings and fitted with solid-brass
levers and keyed locks. They cost from $200 to $250.
Vinyl-clad doors tend to be less expensive--in the $75 to $150 range. Some people like the fact that vinyl doesn't rust
and scratches barely show. On the other hand, vinyl doesn't have the durable feel of aluminum cladding and vinyl-clad
doors are often warranted for only 5 years or less.
Security
If security is an important issue, you'll want to opt for substance over style. Security doors often have a heavy-duty
aluminum frame with foam or solid-wood core. Choose heavy-gauge aluminum bars, designed to withstand pulling forces
greater than 250 pounds or--better--steel bars that have been welded in place. Hinges and deadbolt should be tamper-proof.
Suppliers
Storm doors are sold through home centres, lumberyards, and major home-improvement chains. You can also look up door and
window companies in the Yellow Pages. In all but the warmest regions, large chains typically have a broad selection,
often 20 or 25 models on display, then additional offerings through catalogues. Larson offers their entire line in a
point-of-purchase display and promises delivery of special orders in two weeks or less. Also you can check out online.
Quality
How do you recognize a quality door? According to Mary Ann Holler at Larson, "It's really easy. You can feel the door,
and feel how it opens and closes. A quality door will have more heft, it will close more smoothly, and you can see
quality of construction. The corners and moldings will be tight and finished looking." Also pay attention to the
warranty. The best doors have a limited lifetime warranty.
The most relevant links we could find, placed here free
 HomeTips Home Repair
- a review of storm doors. www.hometips.com
Pella Windows and Doors - Pella Products
- featuring the Pella storm door system. www.pella.com
Larson Storm Doors
- Larson also offer storm windows. www.larsondoors.com
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