What if I told you that one of the fastest ways to make your Colorado Springs home feel warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and just a bit calmer every day is not new insulation or a smart thermostat, but a simple second door?
Here is the short answer: a good storm door, installed properly, gives you an extra layer of glass or screen in front of your main door, which cuts drafts, protects the main door from weather, lets more light in, and can even help lower heating and cooling bills a little. People who pick solid, well fitted storm doors Colorado Springs homeowners actually like to use, tend to keep them for years and often say they wish they had added them sooner.
I know that sounds very “home improvement blog”, but if you live near the Front Range you probably feel the weather swings more than you want to. One windy day, then a sudden cold snap, then a week of sun that feels like late spring. Your front door takes the hit every time. Over time, that leads to peeling paint, warped weatherstripping, small gaps you can feel with your hand, and higher utility bills that feel a bit silly when the house is not even that old.
So, this is not just about making your entry look nicer. It is about treating your front door like the first line of defense, and giving it backup.
Why Colorado Springs homes benefit so much from storm doors
If you live in a mild, humid coastal town, you can almost ignore storm doors. Some people there use them, many do not, and life goes on.
Colorado Springs is different.
You deal with:
- Strong sun at higher altitude
- Sudden temperature swings
- Wind that finds every tiny gap around your door
- Occasional hail and grit that can chip paint and dent panels
A storm door sits outside your main entry door. It is like a shield, but a very boring, practical one. Boring is good here.
A storm door is basically a buffer zone: it traps a bit of air, takes the weather hit, and lets your main door stay cleaner, safer, and less drafty.
This extra barrier can help in a few ways.
Energy comfort without claiming it will save your life
I do not want to oversell the energy part. A storm door will not turn a leaky 50 year old house into a model of energy performance. But it can help, especially near the entry where you feel drafts and hot or cold spots.
Typical benefits:
- A small reduction in heat loss around the front door on cold days
- A bit less heat gain when summer sun hits the entry
- Less of that “cold blast” when you open the main door in January
Some manufacturers claim around 10 to 15 percent improvement in heat loss around the door area. That number is very rough and depends on how tight your existing door is. Still, even a small improvement is noticeable when you stand near the entry.
The real comfort gain is more physical than what you see on a bill. You just feel less exposed when you open the door.
Protection for the door you already paid for
You might have a decent fiberglass or wood entry door that already cost enough. UV exposure, hail, and grit from wind can ruin the finish long before the door structure fails.
With a storm door in front:
- Paint or stain on the main door fades slower
- Finish is less likely to crack or peel
- Hardware on the main door is shielded from direct rain and sun
This matters more in Colorado Springs than in some wetter, cloudier cities. The sun is just stronger at this elevation. Even if you are not a person who worries about every small scratch, having the storm door take the hit instead of your expensive entry slab just makes sense.
Everyday comfort and small lifestyle perks
This part is easy to miss until you live with a good storm door.
You get things like:
- Being able to open the main door and let in light while the storm door stays shut
- Cracking the screen on a cool evening for airflow without fully “opening” the house
- A bit more sound buffering from street noise
Many homeowners end up using the storm door more like a big, secure window in the front entry: closed for security, open for light and air.
It also changes how your home feels from the inside. A solid front door can make the entry a bit dark. A full glass storm door turns that space into something closer to a small sunlit foyer.
Types of storm doors Colorado Springs homeowners actually live with
Not every storm door fits every lifestyle or climate need. Some are heavy and mostly glass. Others focus on screens. A few try to do both and end up a bit fussy.
The three common types are:
| Type | What it is | Good for | Possible downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full view glass | Almost the whole door is glass, with a slim frame | Light, curb appeal, seeing your nice main door | Less ventilation unless it has a retractable screen |
| Midview | Glass on top, solid panel below waist height | Homes with kids or pets, more privacy for the lower part | Less glass area, slightly less light |
| High ventilation (screen focused) | Large screen sections, sometimes two sections | Strong airflow in spring and fall | Less insulation, more wear on screens from pets or wind |
I think in Colorado Springs, full view glass with a good low E coating usually hits the sweet spot. You get light on those cold, sunny winter days without as much heat loss as plain glass. Some models have a built in retractable screen that pulls down from the top when you want airflow. Those are popular because you do not have to store an extra glass panel in the garage and forget where it went.
You might feel tempted to go for a very decorative design with lots of scrolls or heavy grill work. Sometimes those look nice, but they can also block the view of your main door and make cleaning harder. Simple frames often age better.
Material choices: aluminum, steel, or fiberglass?
Most storm doors use one of three frame materials.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Lightweight, resists rust, lots of color choices | Can dent from strong impact, cheaper models may feel flimsy |
| Steel | Strong, feels solid, better security feel | Can rust if finish is damaged, heavier on hinges |
| Fiberglass / composite | Good weather resistance, does not rust, can mimic wood | Often higher cost, fewer style options |
In this climate, aluminum and fiberglass are usually safer bets than bare steel, simply because of how salt, moisture, and small chips can lead to rust over time. That said, a well coated steel door with regular touch ups can still last many years.
Glass choice matters too. You can pick:
- Tempered clear glass (basic, but strong)
- Low E glass that reflects some infrared heat and helps with temperature control
- Decorative or privacy glass with patterns, if you do not want a clear view inside
For most Colorado Springs homeowners, clear or lightly tinted low E glass gives the best balance between light and comfort. Tinted glass can be nice on south facing entries that get blasted by sun in the afternoon.
How storm doors help with everyday “real life” problems
There is the home improvement theory of storm doors, and then there is what actually bothers you day to day.
Here are some simple scenarios where a good storm door helps more than people expect.
Letting in light without feeling exposed
Maybe your front door faces the street and you are not comfortable leaving it wide open. But you still like natural light in the hallway.
A full glass storm door lets you:
- Keep your solid door open during the day without feeling like the house is open to everyone
- Look out to see deliveries or guests without using a peephole
- Turn a dark entry into a bright spot where plants actually survive
If you work from home or spend more time indoors, this extra light at the front of the house can change how the whole main level feels.
You do trade off some privacy. People walking by can see in, especially at night if lights are on. Frosted lower glass or a blind on the inside of your main door can help balance that.
Managing kids, pets, and open doors that refuse to stay put
If you have kids running in and out or a dog that likes to watch the street, the front door area can feel chaotic.
A storm door can:
- Act as a barrier so the main door can be open but the dog is still inside
- Prevent toddlers from walking outside if they manage to twist the main knob
- Close slowly with a pneumatic closer so kids are less likely to slam it
The key here is good hardware. A sagging, noisy, self slamming storm door is worse than no door at all. When you shop or talk with an installer, pay attention to:
- The quality of the closer and how smoothly it shuts
- The latch feel (does it catch firmly without weird play?)
- Whether there is an option to “hold open” the door at 90 degrees when carrying groceries
This is where cheap big box models often disappoint over time. The frame is fine, but the hardware drives you a bit crazy.
Weather events that remind you why you added the extra layer
People often talk about the biggest storm or the worst hail they can remember. But most damage comes from repeated smaller events. Wind driven rain, small hail, grit hitting the paint.
With a storm door in place during those events:
- The main door edge and bottom are less likely to swell or rot
- You get fewer water marks and dirt streaks on the main door finish
- Snow piles against the storm door threshold instead of your main interior sill
The catch is that you also have to watch for moisture trapped between the two doors. If you get heavy condensation, especially on sunny winter days, you may need to:
- Open the storm door a little to vent on warmer days
- Use the screen setting part of the time instead of full glass
- Check weatherstripping so moisture does not sit where it can damage wood
This is not hard, but people sometimes forget that more layers can also create small new habits.
What to look for when choosing a storm door in Colorado Springs
If you walk into a store or start browsing online, the options can feel a bit endless. You do not need to stress over every small spec, but a few choices matter more than others.
Fit and frame quality
The frame is what holds everything straight. In a place with temperature swings, cheap frames can twist slightly over time.
Look for:
- Heavy gauge aluminum or composite frames, not thin metal that flexes when you press on it
- Good corner joints, ideally reinforced, not just simple butt joints
- A frame depth that matches your opening without big gaps or stacks of shims
A well made frame installed squarely will close better, latch better, and keep the sweep at the bottom sealed against drafts.
Glass and ventilation features
Ask yourself a couple of honest questions:
- Do you really open windows often, or do you mostly run the HVAC?
- Is your entry shaded or blasted by sun?
- Do you have pets that will scratch the lower part?
If you enjoy fresh air and your street is not too noisy, a storm door with a built in retractable screen is worth the extra cost. You can switch between full glass in winter and screen in shoulder seasons without hauling panels around.
If the area is very sunny, low E or tinted glass can reduce some heat. Just keep in mind that heavy tint cuts light, which can cancel out one of the main reasons to have a big glass door.
For pets, look for:
- Scratch resistant screens or metal mesh at the bottom
- Lower solid panels on midview models so claws hit metal, not screen
Security and hardware
Storm doors are not meant to be full security doors, but they do act as a small deterrent and an extra barrier.
Better hardware usually includes:
- Multipoint locks or at least a solid deadbolt style latch
- Heavy duty hinges with long screws into the framing
- A closer with adjustable speed and latching force
If the handle wiggles, the latch seems loose, or the closer feels cheap in the showroom, that is probably how it will feel after a year of daily use, just worse.
A small detail many people forget is the handle height and style. If someone in your home has mobility or grip issues, level style handles are easier to use than round knobs.
Professional installation vs DIY in this climate
Here is where I might disagree with some tutorial videos. Installing a storm door looks simple on paper: hang frame, drill a few holes, attach closer, and you are done.
In reality, front door openings are not always square, and trim can be out of level. In a place like Colorado Springs with wind and temperature swings, a small mistake in alignment can turn into:
- A door that rubs at the top when it is hot and sticks when it is cold
- Gaps that whistle in the wind
- Water pooling at the threshold because of a poor sill adapter
If you enjoy carpentry and have the tools, you can install a standard size storm door fairly well. Just measure very carefully, and be honest about how square the opening is.
If the opening is not standard, or if your main door is older and the trim is a bit out of shape, a professional install often pays off. A good installer will:
- Measure three times across and three times vertically, not just once
- Spot problems with the existing jamb or rotten trim before hanging a new door on it
- Adjust the sweep and weatherstripping so everything seals without scraping
This is one of those “can you, vs should you” jobs. The cost of correcting a warped, drilled wrong opening later is higher than doing it right the first time.
How storm doors fit into a bigger home comfort plan
Storm doors are one part of a bigger picture. You might be thinking about windows, attic insulation, better weatherstripping, or even a new front door at the same time.
Here is a simple way to think about priority:
- Is your main entry door in good structural shape? No rot, no big gaps, frame solid?
- Are windows and attic insulation at least decent? Not perfect, just not clearly failing.
- Do you feel noticeable drafts around the front door area?
If your main door is failing badly, replacement often comes first. Putting a nice new storm door in front of a rotting or warped door is like putting a clean cover on a broken book. It hides the issue but does not solve it.
If your main door is fine but the entry feels drafty or dark, a storm door gives you noticeable comfort gains for less cost than full door replacement.
If you are already planning window upgrades, it can make sense to choose a storm door at the same time, so style and glass options line up across the front of the house.
Maintenance habits that help storm doors last in Colorado
Storm doors do not need much care, but ignoring them entirely can short their life.
Simple habits:
- Wipe the frame and glass a few times a year to remove grit that acts like sandpaper
- Check screws on hinges and closer each spring, tighten if they loosen
- Touch up paint or finish on small chips before rust or corrosion spreads
- Clean weep holes at the bottom so water can drain out
Grit from wind is the quiet enemy here. It gets in hinges and between moving parts. A tiny bit of non staining lubricant on hinge pins once in a while keeps them from squeaking and wearing out.
If you have a retractable screen, guide it gently. If kids slam it up and down, the mechanism can fail much sooner than it should.
Common worries and honest answers
People often have a few doubts before they commit to a storm door. Some are fair, some are based on older, low quality models.
Here are a few frequent questions.
Will a storm door overheat or damage my main door?
This can happen in very hot, sunny spots, especially with dark colored main doors and full glass storm doors that do not vent well.
If you are concerned about trapped heat, you can:
- Choose a storm door with venting features or screen sections
- Use low E glass that reflects more heat
- Pick a slightly lighter color for the main door if you are repainting anyway
In Colorado Springs, the air is often dry and cooler in the shade, which helps, but a south facing entry under full sun still deserves attention.
Will it really help with energy bills, or is that overstated?
It helps, but usually as part of a collection of changes, not as the single hero.
You might see a modest improvement in heating and cooling costs, but the more noticeable effects are:
- Less draft near the entry
- More stable indoor temperature near that wall
- More comfort when you open the door during very cold or hot weather
If you expect one door to fix a badly insulated house, you will be disappointed. If you see it as a practical upgrade in a series of small improvements, the results feel much more satisfying.
Is a storm door worth it if I hardly ever open my front door?
This is where I think some people overestimate the value. If you mostly enter through the garage, rarely use the front door, and do not care much about entry light, you might put your money somewhere else first.
You might get more value from:
- Upgrading a drafty back door you use daily
- Improving attic insulation
- Fixing leaky older windows
On the other hand, if you often sit where you can see the front entry, or if guests use that door often, the extra comfort and light can still justify the upgrade.
What is the best simple way to decide? A quick check
Here is a short mental check you can do while standing at your front door:
- On a windy day, stand near the closed door. Do you feel air movement or a noticeable temperature difference near the frame?
- Step outside and look at the door finish. Is it fading unevenly, peeling, or taking visible weather damage?
- Think about how often you wish you could open the front door for light or air but do not, because of security or weather.
If you answer “yes” to two of those, a storm door is likely to feel like a real upgrade in daily life, not just something you add for looks.
One last question: is a storm door actually right for your Colorado Springs home?
Only you know your habits, but you can ask yourself:
Do I want more light, a bit more comfort, and some protection for the door I already have, enough to justify one more thing on the front of the house?
If the answer is yes, then choosing a well built storm door, with glass suited to our high altitude sun and hardware that feels solid in your hand, is a very practical step. If the answer is “I am not sure, and I barely touch my front door now,” then you might wait, focus on other projects, and come back to this later with a clearer sense of what bothers you most in your home.
Either way, paying attention to that small rectangle where your family walks in and out every day is rarely a bad idea.