Storm Door Benefits for Colorado: Extra Protection Your Home Deserves

Colorado weather does not pull its punches. We get hail, intense UV radiation, driving rain, snow, wind that rattles the house, and temperature swings that can cover 50 degrees in a single day.

Your entry door takes the brunt of all that punishment. And while a quality entry door is built to handle Colorado conditions, a storm door gives it a valuable layer of backup protection.

Here is why storm doors make so much sense for homes along the Front Range.

What a Storm Door Actually Does

Think of a storm door as a shield for your entry door. It mounts on the exterior of your door frame, creating a protected buffer zone between the outside weather and your primary door.

A good storm door serves multiple purposes at once:

• Blocks wind and rain from hitting your entry door directly
• Creates an insulating air pocket that reduces energy loss
• Filters UV radiation that would otherwise fade and damage your door’s finish
• Provides an extra layer of security
• Lets you open your main door for fresh air while the storm door’s screen keeps bugs out

Energy Savings You Can Actually Feel

During a Colorado winter, your entry door is one of the biggest weak points in your home’s thermal envelope. Even a well-insulated door loses heat through the surface, the weatherstripping, and the sidelight glass.

A storm door with Low-E glass creates a dead air space between it and your entry door. That air pocket acts as insulation, slowing heat transfer significantly. Depending on your current door’s condition, a storm door can reduce energy loss through that opening by 25% to 50%.

In summer, the Low-E glass works in reverse, reflecting solar heat before it reaches your entry door. This keeps your foyer cooler and reduces the load on your air conditioning.

For a relatively modest investment, a storm door pays for itself in energy savings over a few seasons. And in Colorado Springs where heating is the bigger expense, those winter savings add up fast.

UV Protection at 6,300 Feet

UV intensity at Colorado Springs’ elevation is roughly 25% stronger than at sea level. That relentless sun does real damage to entry doors over time.

Wood doors lose their stain or paint finish faster. Fiberglass doors can fade and chalk. Even steel doors degrade under constant UV bombardment.

A storm door with UV-blocking Low-E glass intercepts the worst of that radiation before it reaches your primary door. The result is a door finish that stays fresh years longer than it would without the extra protection.

If your entry door faces south or west and catches afternoon sun, a storm door is especially valuable. Those exposures get the most UV punishment in Colorado.

Hail and Storm Protection

Hail season along the Front Range typically runs from April through September. Colorado Springs regularly sees hailstorms that damage roofs, siding, windows, and doors.

A storm door provides a physical barrier between hailstones and your entry door. While nothing is completely hail-proof in severe conditions, a storm door with tempered glass absorbs impacts that would otherwise dent steel doors, crack fiberglass, or damage wood.

Even after a significant hail event, replacing a damaged storm door is far less expensive than replacing a premium entry door.

Ventilation Without the Bugs

Colorado evenings in May, June, and September are perfect for opening the front door and letting fresh mountain air flow through your home. Without a storm door, that means inviting every moth, mosquito, and fly in the neighborhood indoors.

Most storm doors include interchangeable glass and screen panels, or a self-storing design that lets you slide between full glass and full screen without removing any panels. Open your entry door, close the storm door screen, and enjoy the breeze.

Many of our customers in Manitou Springs and Woodland Park tell us the ventilation feature alone makes the storm door worth the investment.

Choosing the Right Storm Door

Not all storm doors are created equal. Here is what to look for when shopping for a Colorado installation.

Frame Material

Aluminum is the most popular choice. It is lightweight, strong, will not rust, and comes in a wide range of colors and finishes. Look for a thick-gauge aluminum frame for Colorado’s wind conditions.

Fiberglass is an option for homeowners who want a more traditional door look. Some fiberglass storm doors mimic the appearance of a wood panel door.

Wood storm doors exist but are not ideal for Colorado. Our dry climate and UV exposure degrade wood quickly, and the maintenance demands are higher than most homeowners want.

Glass Options

Low-E glass is a must for Colorado installations. It blocks UV, controls heat transfer, and protects your entry door from sun damage.

Tempered glass is stronger than standard glass and required by code for storm doors. It also handles hail impacts better.

Self-storing glass/screen lets you switch between full glass in winter and full screen in summer without removing panels. This is the most convenient option for Colorado’s seasonal changes.

Hardware and Security

Look for storm doors with:

• A quality deadbolt or multi-point locking system
• Pneumatic or hydraulic closers that handle Colorado wind
• Heavy-duty hinges rated for frequent use
• A sturdy kick plate for durability

Installation Considerations

A storm door installation is typically a half-day project. The key to a successful installation is precise measurement and proper shimming to ensure the door operates smoothly and seals tightly.

In Colorado, we pay special attention to:

• Wind-rated closer tension so the door does not blow open in gusts
• Proper weatherstripping at all four edges
• Drainage at the bottom rail to prevent water pooling in spring and summer storms
• Compatible hardware with your existing entry door

Is a Storm Door Right for Your Home?

A storm door makes sense for almost every Colorado home. The combination of energy savings, UV protection, storm defense, and added ventilation makes it one of the smartest investments per dollar you can make.

The main situation where a storm door might not be ideal is if your entry has a deep recessed porch or covered alcove that already provides significant weather protection. In that case, you still get the energy and ventilation benefits, but the storm protection is less critical.

Our team at Dream Windows and Doors can assess your specific entry situation and recommend the right storm door for your home. We serve Colorado Springs and the surrounding area with honest advice and expert installation.

Get Your Free Storm Door Consultation