Storm Door: Why You Need One for Your Toronto Home
Toronto's weather can be a real handful. Hot summers, freezing winters, and sudden rain showers slam your front door.
But what if there was a way to shield your home from the elements, all while saving you money and boosting curb appeal? Enter the storm door, Toronto's unsung hero!
It’s a smart addition to your home, offering extra security, energy efficiency, and functionality. It’s a shield against extreme weather while allowing more light in and providing visibility.
Take Delco doors! They ensure durability and clarity with tempered glass panels. With top-notch locks for added security, keeping unwanted visitors out is now a reality.
Feeling intrigued? Let’s discover reasons why a storm door is a must-have for any Toronto home and enhance your property's value!
Toronto's Unique Climate And The Effect On Your Door
Toronto's climate throws a lot at your front door and windows throughout the year. The climate consists of four distinct seasons. Let’s breakdown each seasons and their effect on your home:
Winter (December - February):
Brrr! Winter in Toronto packs a punch. Here, winter is harsh. With average highs of -2°C (28°F), it's a battle against the cold.
Snowfall, freezing rain, and strong winds can be rough on your main door. They cause wear and tear on your main door, such as cracks, dents, and warping.
A consistent fight is always going on to keep your home warm. It means your home loses temperature easily through doors. Ultimately, this makes your energy bills skyrocket.
Spring (March - May):
Spring can be a bit moody in Toronto. It is totally unpredictable. Because, the temperatures fluctuate between cold and warm and there’s frequent rain showers as well.
Do you know, this uncertain weather can cause major problems to your door? Yes, you heard it right. It can lead to moisture damage to your main door.
More to that, since the temperature swings rapidly, you may require heating one day and cooling on the next. What this does is it leads to more energy usage.
Summer (June - August):
Time to soak up the sun! But Toronto summers can be hot and humid, with average highs reaching 21°C (70°F). You can also expect occasional thunderstorms here.
The sun's intense heat and strong rays can take a toll on your door. It can cause your main door to fade and warp over time.
Since the heat is intense, you need air conditioning to keep your homes comfortable for living. This exponentially lowers your home's energy efficiency if your door isn't well-protected.
Fall (September - November):
Fall in Toronto is a beautiful time with cooler temperatures and colorful leaves. At that time, you’ll generally expect mild weather with decreasing temperatures and occasional frost.
However, there's still a chance of rain showers, which can cause moisture damage to your door.
The main issue starts when your home releases temperature.
As the weather gets cooler, your home will require more heat. Therefore, to keep the warmth inside your door must be in a good shape.
All You Need To Know About Storm Doors
Got an exterior door at your front door? Want fresh air without bugs? Enter storm doors! They shield your main door from rain, snow, and wind.
On hot days, open for fresh air, no bugs. Popular in the past, now making a comeback in eco-friendly Canada.
At Delco Windows and Doors, we've noticed more requests for them. It's no surprise—storm doors keep your home cozy year-round.
Common Storm Door Styles:
Storm doors come with glass panels that you can swap with screens. This design offers both insulation and ventilation, letting you adjust to the weather easily.
They come in different styles for various uses:
Full View: These doors have a big clear panel from top to bottom, letting in lots of light and showing off your beautiful main door.
Mid View: Think of these as half and half - glass on top and a solid panel on the bottom for extra strength.
High View: Just like it sounds, the glass is only on the top half, good for light but also privacy.
Double Duty: These clever doors have a special panel where you can switch between glass and screen with a flip - perfect for any weather!
5 Benefits of Storm Doors Your Home
We’ve discussed the seasons and the details of storm doors. Now, is it necessary to install storm doors for your Toronto home? Well, what are the benefits of storm doors?
Protection for Your Main Door:
Toronto's weather can be tough on your door, and it’s time to replace the front door. From freezing winters to scorching summers, it faces a lot.
Winter's freeze-thaw cycles can warp wood, while summer's UV rays fade paint. Even rain and hail can harm it. That's where a storm door comes in.
It acts like a shield, taking the hits from snow, rain, hail, and wind first. This protects your main door from scratches, dents, and fading.
It also stops warping and cracking caused by moisture and temperature changes. By enduring the weather for your main door, a storm door helps it last longer, saving you money on repairs.
Enhanced Comfort & Efficiency:
Toronto's weather can be harsh, making drafty main doors a problem. Storm doors step in to tackle this issue effectively with:
Extra Insulation: They add another layer between your main door and the outside to block drafts. What it does is keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Save Energy: Storm doors stop drafts and help your heating and cooling systems work better. That means potential savings of up to 15% on energy bills!
Less Noise: Drafty doors can also be noisy. But, not for storm doors! They make your home quieter by restricting street sounds, giving you a more peaceful place to relax.
With a storm door, you get a cozier home, lower bills, and a quieter atmosphere. It's a win-win for comfort and savings!
Improved Security:
Toronto's vibrant neighborhoods are great. But it also means facing the risk of potential break-ins. Your front door is often the first target, especially if it's not very sturdy.
Storm doors act as a physical barrier, adding an extra layer of security that deters intruders. Breaking an extra barrier takes more time and makes more noise.
Unlike regular screen doors, storm doors have tough aluminum or fiberglass frames. These frames are hard to break or pry open, making it tough for intruders to get in.
Some storm doors have glass that's hard to break, even if someone tries to smash it. This not only stops intruders but also protects your main door from damage.
Increased Ventilation and Natural Light:
In Toronto, fresh air matters, but opening your door can let in bugs. Storm doors with screens solve this, allowing airflow while keeping pests out.
But it's not just about air. Plus, they let sunlight in, brightening your entryway and potentially reducing energy costs.
Curb Appeal and Style Options:
A good-looking exterior boosts home value. Storm doors are great for modern homes. They come in various styles to match any house, from classic to modern.
Customize with decorative glass or frame colors to add charm and make your entrance stand out. With a bit of creativity, a storm door can turn your entrance from boring to beautiful.
Customization Options: Designing Your Perfect Storm Door
When choosing a storm door for your Toronto home, remember it's not one-size-fits-all. Installing exterior doors might add up to more cost, but it’s worth it.
Here's how to customize yours:
Material Choices:
- Glass: Offers clear views and natural light. Pick tempered glass for safety and Low-E glass for energy efficiency.
- Screen: Perfect for fresh air. Think about a retractable screen for easy use.
- Full Panel: Gives privacy and security, great for cold winters or protecting a fancy main door.
Styles to Match Your Home:
- Full-View: Bright and showcases your main door.
- Mid-View: Balances light, privacy, and strength.
- High-View: Lets light in while keeping privacy.
- Combination: Switch between glass and screen for flexibility.
Extra Handy Features:
- Self-Closing: Ensures your door closes behind you.
- Retractable Screen: Easy switch between clear view and ventilation.
- Decorative Inserts: Add style with fancy glass inserts.
Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Storm Door in Top Shape
Maintaining your storm door is easy and ensures it performs well for years to come:
Cleaning: Regularly wipe down the storm door with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and grime.
Seasonal Adjustments: As the seasons change, you can easily adjust your storm door for optimal benefits.
- Spring/Fall: Opt for a screen panel to allow for fresh air circulation.
- Summer: Consider keeping the screen panel in place for maximum ventilation.
- Winter: Switch to a glass panel for added insulation and protection from the cold.
Follow these tips to keep your storm door looking good and doing its job all year round.
Conclusion
Toronto's weather throws a lot at your main door. A storm door acts as a shield, protecting your door from the elements and extending its lifespan.
It also offers a range of benefits for your home, from improved energy efficiency and increased security to better ventilation and a stylish curb appeal.
Ready to give your Toronto home the year-round protection it deserves? Consider Delco as we offer a wide selection of high-quality storm doors to suit any style and budget.
Our experienced professionals can help you choose the perfect door for your needs and ensure it's properly installed for optimal performance.
Visit Delco Doors & Windows today and invest in the comfort and security of your Toronto home!
