Storm door guide
Are aluminum storm doors still worth it?
Yes, for most homes. An aluminum storm door protects your entry door from the weather, adds an insulating air space, and lets you open the house up on nice days. Newer materials haven't made aluminum obsolete: it is still one of the strongest, lightest storm door materials, and it won't rot, swell or need paint.
Aluminum compared with other storm door materials
| Material | Strengths | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Strong and light; won't rot or swell; baked finish needs no paint; easy to build to a custom size. | Thin, cheap frames dent. Look for a heavy frame and solid corners. |
| Vinyl | Low maintenance; no painting. | Less rigid; can flex in summer heat, especially dark colors in direct sun; often fewer color choices. |
| Wood | Traditional look on older houses. | Needs paint and upkeep; can rot and swell. |
| Wood core with aluminum skin | Solid feel. | Heavier; often sold in stock sizes. |
A storm door is worth it when
- Your entry door takes direct weather and the finish is fading or cracking.
- You want light and a breeze through the doorway without letting bugs in.
- Your entry door is older or drafty.
Think twice when
- Your entry door faces hard afternoon sun all summer and you'd leave the glass in. Use the screen in summer, or ask us about tinted glass.
- Your entry door is under a deep covered porch and already sheltered.
- The opening has no room for a storm door to swing.
What to look for in an aluminum storm door
A storm door is only as good as its frame. Ours are built with:
- A full 1-1/4″ thick, double-hollow aluminum frame
- Extra-heavy corners with four corner gussets
- Five heavy-duty Oil-Lite bearing hinges
- A Z-bar with heavy wool pile weatherstripping
- Clear tempered safety glass, with Low-E, bronze or gray tint available
- Self-storing or interchangeable screens, depending on the model
Each one is pre-hung, right- or left-hand, and built to your opening in five standard colors or a custom color. See all six models.
Questions
Are aluminum storm doors still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, if you want to protect an entry door and get light and fresh air through it. Aluminum doesn't rot, swell or need paint, a heavy, well-braced aluminum frame stays square for many years, and a storm door costs far less than replacing the entry door.
Have vinyl or composite storm doors made aluminum obsolete?
No. Vinyl and composite doors are options, but vinyl is less rigid and can flex in summer heat, especially dark colors in direct sun. Aluminum is strong, light and holds its finish, which is why it is still used for storm door frames.
Do storm doors save energy?
Some. The air space between the storm door and the entry door adds insulation and stops drafts, which matters most with an older or drafty entry door. Low-E glass adds more.
Can a glass storm door damage my entry door?
It can if the door faces strong afternoon sun: heat builds up between the two doors. Open up the screen for summer, choose a model with self-storing glass so that's easy, or check your entry door's warranty.
Are your storm doors custom sized?
Yes. Corn Belt builds each storm door to the opening you measure, pre-hung, right- or left-hand, in six styles.
Pick a model. We'll build it to fit.
Call, email or send a note. We'll answer questions about measuring and get you a quote.