Key Differences between Storm Door and Security Door
Storm doors and security doors are essentially additional layers that are added to your main door. However, in some instances, security doors could replace main doors too.
Apart from being an addition to the main doors, there are a few other differences between them. Hence, this storm door vs. security door guide will investigate the difference between storm and security doors to understand their functions better.
What Is a Storm Door?
Storm doors are added in front of the main door to protect against rough weather, provide visibility, and allow ventilation. It also helps to save energy, but it is challenging to install.
A storm door constructed from wood or fiberglass is different from a conventional solid door.
First and foremost, it is not a standalone door that can be replaced with traditional doors.
Instead, it is added in front of the main door to protect against rough weather. Storm doors are constructed to withstand rough storms and wind. Thus, they have a strong structure.
Additionally, as it is weatherproof, it will protect the main gate from experiencing any weather damage.
Besides, the glass veil of the storm door acts as a window as it allows light and wind to flow through but fends off any bugs trying to crawl inside the house.
Although there are some great benefits of having a storm door, it is not all sunshine and rainbows.
The storm doors cannot always be customized. Instead, they offer a few different sizes and colors.
Also, the doors can be tricky to install; hence a professional is required. Moreover, the screens need cleaning, so there is an extra maintenance factor too. If you confuse storm door with screen door check our storm door vs screen door article too.
What Is a Security Door?
A Security door is aptly named as its primary function is to protect your home from intruders.
It is constructed from galvanized steel or stainless steel; thus, it can be very resistant to corrosion. In addition, security doors have a sturdy structure to withstand break-ins and stormy, rough weather.
There are two types of security doors-one with rods in a barred format, and another has a solid structure much like your conventional doors.
Security doors are used to protect vaults and other such structures and the main doors of a house. In addition, it allows one to add additional protection devices like alarms, locks, thus barring easy intrusion.
Although the DIY culture might tempt you to make it a project for yourself, it is better to keep the installations for a security door to the professionals.
Its bulky structure and safety measures can make the door unattractive. However, you can now find security doors that are more aesthetically pleasing.
Unfortunately, these doors don’t come cheap. The steel used can be prone to corrosion, thus losing it-factor.
Storm Door vs. Security Door
Below, we’ll go through the differences between them.
- Structure of Storm Doors and Security Doors
Storm doors are an added exterior that complements an existent door that is resilient against harsh weather and has a solid structure with a full or partial glass.
The glass panels can be replaced with screens too. Hence, you can swap the glass for the screen during breezier days to enjoy a cool breeze.
On the other hand, the security door is generally a strong build to keep intruders at bay. Security doors can also be found in two forms- one is barred form, and another is a solid structure like a wooden door.
- Functions of Storm Doors and Security Doors
The glass in a storm door will enable you to monitor parties that you host outside, thus adding a better visibility aspect.
The storm door protects the outside doors against rough weather, whereas it lets sunlight and air filter through the house, keeping the insects away from home if you swap the glass panels with a screen during the summer days.
In addition, the screen can be used to keep an eye on people outside. Thus, intruders will be intimidated to approach a door where their movements can be seen.
On the flip side, the primary function of a security door is to provide adequate safety. The security doors come with a myriad of options to increase the protection of a house.
For example- they have integrated lock and alarm systems, among other things. Additionally, the hinges in security doors are manufactured to make it difficult to pry open the door.
One can find added security features in the hinges, like a hinge screw, so doors cannot be pried open by removing hinge pins. Moreover, in some security doors, the hinges are not visible, adding another level of security.
- Weather Adaptability of Storm Doors and Security Doors
Storm doors are more suitable for countries that have a colder season because they can insulate houses better.
When more sunlight shines on the door in the summer seasons, the storm door will trap the heat. Unfortunately, the buildup of heat can eventually damage the entry door.
Security doors have no such issues with weather. You can install a security door in both hot and cold climates. Additionally, you can place security doors on your entryway or in vaults to protect your precious belongings.
Comparison Table between Storm Door and Security Door
| Parameter of comparison | Storm Door | Security Door |
| Structure | Storm doors are placed in front of the main door.
It has an open glass section that provides visibility of the outside of the house. The glass can be switched with screens or blinds in the warm seasons to let airflow. |
Security doors come in barred format and as solid doors with peepholes.
The barred doors can be placed in front of the main door, while the solid steel doors can be used to protect vaults etc. |
| Function | Protects the main door from the storm, blizzard, and other rough weather and provides insulation for the house. | Provides maximum security to a room as the doors have integrated alarms, locks, and hinge screws. |
| Suitable Weather | Unsuitable for tropical areas or areas that receive sunlight for an extended period of the day.
More suitable for cold weather. |
Functions well in any weather. |
Main Difference between Storm Door and Security Door
- A storm door is built to withstand rough weather, whereas the security door is constructed to provide an extra layer of protection to the house to withstand harsh weather.
- A storm door is an extra layer added to the main door, but the security door can be used as either an outer door for vaults or panic rooms.
- Storm doors come with screens and glasses of different sizes in the same layout, while security doors can be found as grid structures and solid steel structures with only a peephole.
- The storm doors do not have safety features like strong locks, alarms, hidden hinges, or hinge screws like security doors.
- Storm doors are only suitable for cold climate zones, whereas security doors are versatile because they can be used for hot and cold weather.
- Storm doors keep insects at bay, whereas security doors provide no such benefits.
- Storm doors claim to be more energy-efficient; however, they do not provide much energy efficiency compared to their price. On the other hand, security doors provide what they advocate for a strong security system.
Conclusion
Our storm door vs. security door guide provides an overview of the significant differences between these two doors.
While storm door protects your house against harsh weather, security doors provide extra protection against intruders.
Both of these structures have different strengths, and one is not better than the other, so it is up to the user to evaluate their needs and make their choice.
