Security storm doors are a very good way to keep your home and your family safe without needing an added alarm, security cameras, and other such complicated features around the home. Security doors come in a wide range of styles and materials, including traditional wood, so you can have one installed without making your home look like a fortress!
If you're thinking of getting a security storm door for your home, note a few common misconceptions that many homeowners have about these doors. This will ensure you find the right one for your needs and know what to expect with their use over the years.
Security doors and insulation
A security door will usually fit very snugly inside its own frame, reducing cold drafts in the wintertime. A thick and dense wood door may also help to keep the home's interior insulated year-round.
However, don't assume that all security doors will insulate your home, as some security doors are made of just a wood skin over a steel core. Some steel security doors may also have a hollow centre. These doors might add some insulation to your home, but may not provide the protection against outside heat and cold that you assume. If you want a security door that is well-insulated, ask an installer about your options for a solid wood door, or one with an insulating foam core.
Glass inserts
If you like the look of glass inserts in your home's storm door, don't assume that you can't have one with your new security door. Many security storm doors will have glass inserts, made of toughened safety glass that is virtually impossible to break.
If you prefer something more fragile, such as stained glass, you might get a security storm door custom made, with a smaller insert that sits well away from the door's handle. In this case, if someone were to break that glass, they still would not be able to reach in and unlock the door to gain access to your home.
Maintenance
Security storm doors are tough and durable, but this doesn't mean they won't need maintenance over time. Wood doors may need a fresh coat of paint or sealant, and steel doors may need to be checked for developing rust. Also, while the frames of security storm doors are very strong and rigid, your home itself might settle and sink, so that the bolts connecting the doorframe to the home's framework may need occasional tightening.