Storm Door Key Terms

Breeze through the ins and outs of storm doors terms

By Jennifer Ehlenfeldt, Freelance Writer

Storm doors are the secondary doors placed outside an entry door to add style, but more important, they serve as protection from the outdoor elements. Storm doors come in many designs made of many different types of materials. Learn what types of window options, installation choices and screen versions are available. Understanding the basic terms associated with storm doors, their windows and protection capabilities can help contractors and consumers decide which door best suits their needs.

Ventilating

Ventilating storm doors are doors with basic air ventilation capabilities. They are usually simple one- or two-window storm doors with glass and screen combinations that can be opened or closed to allow air in or out at the user's discretion.
Try: Ventilating storm doors are defined and sold at Larson,a leading manufacturer of storm and entry-door systems as well as quality windows.

Weatherstripping

When it comes to protecting against the outside elements, a door is only as good as its weatherstripping. Storm doors are installed to form a barrier between the outdoors and indoors, but the weatherstripping must be secure and in good shape. Weatherstripping can be foam, plastic or metal. It is placed around the parameters of the door to fill air gaps and prevent air from passing.
Try: Read about weatherstripping at DoItYourself.com. The section defines weatherstripping and explains how to install it properly.

Tempered glass

Tempered glass is a special glass that is heat-treated to create a stronger break-and-shatter resistance. Glass that is tempered will also shatter into smaller pieces, making it safer if it is broken
Try: Read the definition of tempered glass in the glossary at Gorell, manufacturer of windows and doors.

Low-e glass

Low-e glass is short for low emission glass. Low-e glass is made to insulate better than regular glass. The special insulating glass reflects thermal energy and keeps warm air out during summer months and in during colder months. Low-e glass is often used in windows and can be installed into storm doors for additional benefits.
Try: Read the definition of low-e glass at Capitol Window And Door.

Self-storing

Self-storing refers to the type of screen/window system in a storm door. A self-storing system has a screen with a window that can be completely opened, thus stored in the door. The glass window can also be closed tightly with the screen still intact to protect against winter elements.
Try: Pella, a manufacturer of windows and doors, explains the self-storing door on its product page.

Pre-hung

The term "pre-hung" refers to how the door is manufactured. Storm doors that come pre-hung can save the installer a lot of hard work and time because they are already in the frame. A pre-hung door is sold as a frame-and-door unit that is installed in a door opening that's the correct size.
Try: The pre-hung door is explained at RemodelGuide.com. A complete storm door buyer's guide is also included.