Insights > Category > Posted: 2025-Feb-23, Updated: 2025-Feb-25
Storm Doors: Are They Worth It in Ottawa?
While storm doors can provide some energy efficiency and weather protection, modern entry doors are now built with advanced insulation and security features that often make storm doors unnecessary. If your current door is old, drafty, or worn, replacing it with a new, high-performance door could provide better long-term value.
In this story, we’ll examine the pros and cons of storm doors and explore why upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient entry door may be a smarter investment.
What are storm doors?
Storm doors are secondary doors installed outside your primary entry door. They provide an extra layer of protection from the elements, offer seasonal ventilation, and can enhance curb appeal. Most storm doors feature glass panels that can be swapped for screens in warmer months.
While storm doors can help insulate an aging entry door, they don’t solve underlying issues such as drafts, poor seals, or structural wear. Instead, upgrading to a new, properly insulated entry door offers more permanent and energy-efficient solution.
Something to consider
In a typical 2,400 sq. ft. home, heat loss occurs through multiple areas, each with varying levels of insulation:
The main entrance door alone contributes approximately 6-8% of total heat loss. Older, poorly insulated doors—especially those with gaps, worn-out seals, or single-pane glass—allow even more heat to escape. In contrast, modern, energy-efficient doors with insulated cores, advanced weatherstripping, and Low-E glass inserts can significantly reduce heat loss, improving overall home comfort and efficiency.
Pros of storm doors in Ottawa (if you keep your old door)
If you’re not ready to replace your entry door just yet, a storm door may offer some short-term benefits by adding an extra layer of insulation and protection. However, it’s important to consider that storm doors also come with drawbacks, such as ongoing maintenance and limited energy efficiency improvements compared to a new entry door.
Pros
- Improved Insulation – Ottawa’s winters can be notoriously cold, and a storm door can help reduce heat loss by creating an additional air buffer. This extra barrier may improve comfort levels inside your home.
- Minor Energy Savings – Some storm doors include Low-E glass and weatherstripping, though they can’t match the efficiency of a well-insulated new door.
- Protection from the Elements – Storm doors shield your primary door from snow, ice, rain, and wind, helping to extend the lifespan of your main entry door.
- Increased Ventilation – During Ottawa’s humid summers, storm doors with screen panels allow fresh air to flow into your home while keeping insects out.
- Added Security – Some storm doors come with reinforced frames and locks, providing an extra layer of security for your home.
Cons
- Temporary Fix – A storm door may help reduce drafts, but it won’t solve issues like poor insulation, warping, or deteriorating materials. Replacing the entry door is the better long-term solution.
- Upfront Cost – Storm doors can be expensive depending on the quality and features, and they don’t increase home value like a new entry door.
- Limited Energy Benefits – Modern entry doors are designed for superior insulation and air sealing, making them far more efficient than simply adding a storm door.
- Aesthetic Concerns – A storm door can clash with your home’s architectural style. However, many modern storm doors come in sleek, customizable designs to complement your home’s look.
- Ongoing Maintenance – Storm doors require regular cleaning, adjustments, and repairs, especially in Ottawa’s snowy, salty winters.
- Limited Use in Some Homes – If your primary door is already energy-efficient and well-insulated, the added benefits of a storm door may be minimal.
- Finding an Installer May Be Difficult – Many window and door professionals focus on full door replacements rather than storm door installations. Since modern entry doors are already well-insulated, some installers may see storm doors as unnecessary or even a potential risk to door warranties. If you’re set on a storm door, check with local installers to see if they offer the service.
- Potential Moisture Issues – In winter, storm doors can trap moisture between the two doors, leading to condensation, warping, or premature damage to wood doors.
Are storm doors really worth it in the Ottawa area?
The answer depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If your primary door is older or poorly insulated, a storm door can provide significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency, protection, and comfort. However, if your main door is already high-quality and energy-efficient, the added value of a storm door may be limited.
For Ottawa homeowners looking to enhance their home’s durability and energy performance, a storm door could be a practical addition—especially when chosen with care and installed correctly.
If you do choose a storm door
Tips for Choosing the Right Storm Door
- Consider Your Climate – Choose a storm door with insulated glass and durable weatherstripping to help reduce heat loss.
- Match Your Primary Door:
- Wood Doors: Select a storm door with a ventilated design or a protective coating to prevent moisture buildup and warping.
- Steel or Fibreglass Doors: Opt for a storm door with a sturdy aluminium or composite frame that complements the durability of your entry door.
- Prioritize Energy Efficiency – Look for Energy Star-certified storm doors or models with Low-E glass to improve insulation and reduce drafts.
- Choose the Right Style – Storm doors come in various designs, including full-view, mid-view, and retractable screens. Choose one that matches your home’s aesthetic while meeting your functional needs.
- Invest in Quality – Not all storm doors are equal. Selecting a high-quality model from a reputable manufacturer ensures longevity, smooth operation, and better resistance to Ottawa’s snowy, salty winters.
Why a New Entrance Door is the Smarter Choice
Modern entrance doors have advanced far beyond older models, making storm doors largely unnecessary. Today’s high-performance entry doors offer superior insulation, security, and long-term cost savings.
Key Reasons to Replace Your Entry Door Instead of Adding a Storm Door
Superior Insulation & Energy Efficiency
- New doors feature high-density insulated cores, advanced weatherstripping, and Low-E glass inserts to minimize drafts.
- Doors with R-values of 5 to 7+ significantly outperform storm doors, which only offer minor insulation benefits.
- Energy Star-rated doors reduce heating and cooling costs year-round.
Increased Home Value & Curb Appeal
- A new, well-designed entry door enhances curb appeal and makes a strong first impression.
- Replacing an entry door can recoup up to 70-90% of the cost when selling a home.
- Storm doors don’t add resale value, while a modern entry door improves the home’s overall aesthetic and perceived quality.
Better Security
- Modern entry doors offer multi-point locking systems, reinforced steel or fibreglass frames, and impact-resistant materials.
- Storm doors provide only a minor additional security benefit, whereas a strong primary door is a much better deterrent against break-ins.
Long-Term Cost Savings
- A storm door is a short-term fix, while a new, energy-efficient entry door permanently reduces heating and cooling costs.
- Many modern entry doors pay for themselves over time through lower energy bills.
No Moisture or Ventilation Issues
- Unlike storm doors, modern entry doors are designed to prevent condensation issues, reducing the risk of wood rot, warping, and frame damage.
- Many high-end doors come with built-in ventilation options, like operable sidelights or glass inserts, which allow fresh air without the drawbacks of a storm door.
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Summary
If you're considering a storm door because your current entry door is outdated, it may be more worthwhile to explore modern replacement options instead.
Looking for expert advice? Contact Bayview Windows today to explore our selection of high-quality, energy-efficient entry doors designed for Ottawa’s climate.
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