Storm Door Buying Guide: What to Look For Before You Choose

Shopping for a storm door isn't complicated once you know what to pay attention to. The options look similar on the surface, but a few specific features make a real difference in how a door performs, how it looks on your home, and how long it holds up.

Here's what's worth considering before you choose.

1. Glass Configuration

The amount of glass in the door affects light, privacy, and the overall look of your entry from both inside and outside.

• Mid-view doors have glass in the upper portion of the door and a solid panel below. They offer a balance between natural light and privacy, and tend to suit a wider range of home styles.
• Full-view doors maximize glass coverage, giving your entry an open, modern look and allowing more light into your entryway. They work especially well on homes where the entry door itself is a design feature worth showing off.

Neither is objectively better — it depends on what you want to see (or not see) through your front door and what works aesthetically with your home's exterior.

2. Screen Options

Many storm doors include a screen panel for warm-weather ventilation — so you can keep your main door open without letting insects in. How the screen integrates with the glass panel varies by model. Some doors use interchangeable panels; others use a sliding or retractable screen. Check the specific product details for what's included and how it works on the model you're considering.

3. Hardware Quality

Handles, hinges, and door closers take daily use. They're worth paying attention to as you compare models.

• Handle and latch — Look at the finish and the feel. A handle that wobbles or feels flimsy on day one isn't going to improve with use.
• Hinges — Heavy-duty hinges matter on a door that gets opened and closed multiple times a day.
• Door closer — The door closer controls how the door swings shut. A well-functioning closer keeps the door from slamming and ensures it closes fully every time. Check what's included with each model.

4. Frame Material and Finish

Most quality storm doors today use aluminum frames, which hold up well against moisture, don't rust, and don't require painting. The finish should be consistent and durable. For Ottawa and GTA homeowners dealing with seasonal weather extremes, material quality matters over the long run.

5. Fit for Your Opening

This is one of the most important factors and the one most often overlooked when ordering online. Storm doors are sized to fit specific opening widths and heights. A door that doesn't fit correctly won't seal properly, won't operate smoothly, and will cause ongoing frustration.

Mr. Storm Door's LARSON doors are designed to fit most standard home entries. After you place your order, we professionally confirm your opening before installation proceeds — so fit issues are caught before the installation day, not during it.

6. Color Options

Storm doors are a visible part of your home's exterior. The color should complement your entry door, trim, and overall facade. Mr. Storm Door carries LARSON models in white and black — two finishes that work with a wide range of home styles.

What Mr. Storm Door Carries

We offer three LARSON storm door models in mid-view and full-view configurations, available in white and black:

• $899.99 CAD plus applicable taxes
• $1,249.99 CAD plus applicable taxes
• $1,649.99 CAD plus applicable taxes

Every order includes delivery, handle and hardware, removal and disposal of your old storm door, professional installation, and a lifetime workmanship warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size storm door do I need?

Standard storm doors come in common widths to fit most residential entries. After you order, Mr. Storm Door schedules a professional measurement to confirm your specific opening before installation. You don't need to figure out sizing on your own before ordering.

What's the difference between a storm door and a screen door?

A screen door typically has a screen panel only and is primarily for ventilation. A storm door has a glass panel (often with an integrated screen option) and is designed to provide weather protection, insulation benefit, and security in addition to ventilation. Storm doors are the more durable, year-round option.

Are storm doors worth it?

For most Ottawa and GTA homeowners, yes. A storm door adds protection for your main entry door against weather, provides an additional layer of insulation at the entry point, and can improve the look and functionality of your front entry. The value depends on how exposed your entry is and how much use your front door gets.

Ready to Choose?

Browse available LARSON storm door models at mrstormdoor.ca and place your order online. We handle measurement, installation, and old door disposal — everything included.