Doors and Windows - Storm Door Recommendation (Overkill?)

What are the things you look for in a "good" storm door?

Also, was wondering if there is any value in the insulating doors that are on the market. In particular, I'm looking at an Anderson Fullview Insulating door. Is it worth paying the additional money or would you go with one of the non-insullated Fullview doors?

Lastly, what are the value of "ventilating" doors.

Thanks.

Rob

Rob: As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The nicer doors, with the insulation and full view glass will be more expensive than the ones without the insulation. However, don't rely on the insulation factor by itself, as the storm door is not a hermetic seal, and it must breathe to keep heat from building up. The heavier doors close with more authority, and smoother, as they also will probably have two closing cylinders, deadbolts and heavier locksets.
All are about the same as far as installation goes.

Larry:

Thanks for your comments. A follow-on question if I may. The only difference between the Anderson 3500 Fullview Insulating Door and the Anderson 3500 Fullview is that the first door has double insulating glass and is $50 more. Given what you said, is there any value in getting a storm door w/ double insulating glass? BTW, I'm in N Va....if that makes any difference in your response.

Thanks again.

Rob

I'll look up this Anderson door; I'm wanting to install a good storm door in order to reduce the vicious drafts around my old door. But now I'm rethinking my idea, for its on the inside of my vestibule, and there'll be a conflict on how they swing open.

J

I installed an Anderson 3500 full view about 4 years ago. It replaced a cheaper storm door. There is a significant difference in quality. The door uses two closers, has a good lockset (unlike the junk on cheaper storm doors) and closes with a precision "click".

The insulation is pretty good but I wouldn't want to rely on just the storm. We often leave the entry door open on those nice sunny days in the winter (in New England). Be aware that the double pane door is very heavy. We store ours in the basement and it is a PITA to carry up and down the stairs.

If I have any complaint, it is about the screen. Ours is torn in a couple of places (we have grandchildren) and I have to replace the entire screen assembly instead of just replacing the screen.

Wayne,

Thanks for your input. Did you get the double pane because of the percieved benefits? Was just concerned that the benefits were marginal and that possibly the added weight of the window might casue the frame to sag in time.

Thanks again.

Rob

I bought the double pane for a couple of reasons. We enjoy leaving the entry door open and having essentially an extra window whenever we can, including in the winter when it's not too cold. Also, our entry door at the time was wood and it had some cracks that allowed cold air in. We've since replaced the entry door also.

My entry is typical 2X4 framing with 1X jambs. There has been no sag problem in the 4 years since I installed it.