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When it comes to mobile homes, there are two common options for installing an exterior door: screen doors or storm doors. People often wonder which is better, and there isn’t one right answer. While storm and screen doors serve similar functions, the right choice for your home may hinge on your location or individual needs.
To help you decide, let’s explore the differences and benefits of screen doors versus storm doors. By understanding these, you can make the best choice for your home!
What is a Mobile Home Screen Door?
Storm and screen doors are often confused but have distinct differences. Screen doors are typically installed in front of your main entry door, allowing for ventilation while keeping insects and debris out. Unlike storm doors, screen doors feature mesh panels that permit airflow and natural light.
Here are some advantages of having a screen door:
- Better Air Circulation: Help air flow freely through your home, making it feel fresh and comfortable inside.
- Keeping Bugs Out: Act like barriers, stopping insects from sneaking into your house. Now, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about pesky bugs joining you indoors.
- Letting in Natural Light: Sunlight can stream into your home, making it bright and welcoming. With more natural light, you’ll need fewer lamps during the day.
- Extra Privacy: This adds another layer of protection and privacy by keeping prying eyes from peeking into your home from the outside.
What is a Mobile Home Storm Door?
Now, let’s talk about mobile home storm doors. These have a solid panel, providing better insulation and a strong frame for added security. Some even have glass and screen options for more versatility. While they both let air in, storm doors have some extra perks:
- Better Insulation: Storm doors are sturdier than screen doors and offer better insulation. This makes them ideal for regions with extreme weather, as they can help minimize heat loss and lower energy bills.
- Protection Against Harsh Weather: Storm doors are designed to withstand inclement weather, shielding your main entry door from rain, snow, and wind-driven debris. This can prolong the lifespan of your main door and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.
- Extra Security: Many storm doors have additional security features, such as reinforced frames, deadbolts, and tamper-resistant hinges, making your home safer from intruders.
Which Is Best for Your Mobile Home?
Deciding between a screen or a storm door doesn’t have to be a tough decision. Start by narrowing down your needs, deciding on a budget, and finding the right frame and screen type for your home. Think about your climate, where you live, and what matters most to you.
But if you’re leaning towards a storm door, there are a couple more things to think about before heading to your local mobile home parts and supply store.
Choosing a Mobile Home Storm Door Style
Mobile home storm doors come in various types, each offering distinct features to cater to different preferences. Here’s what you should know to choose the best storm door.
Full View vs. Ventilating Mobile Home Storm Door
Different frame styles allow different views of the outdoors (and your entry door). The most common options are fullview and midview storm doors.
Full View
Full-view storm doors let the most light into your home, with glass running from the top to the bottom. They work well in entryways, allowing you to show off your door without obstruction while providing a beautiful view from the inside.
However, use caution if your entryway gets extensive use. Full-view doors have the least protection and the most glass exposure. Too much traffic could damage this type of door.
Mid-View Storm Doors
For households bustling with activity, mid-view storm doors offer a practical solution. They strike a balance between letting in light and safeguarding against wear and tear. The inclusion of a kickplate or panel at the bottom adds durability without compromising on aesthetics. Some models even come with retractable screens, making seasonal adjustments hassle-free. Whether it’s your front or back entrance, mid-view storm doors maintain your home’s charm while offering functionality.
Vinyl or Aluminum Storm Doors
Storm doors are available in different materials, including aluminum or vinyl, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability, maintenance, and aesthetics.
Vinyl Mobile Home Storm Door
Vinyl storm doors come in a wide range of designs and colors, making it easy to find one that complements your home’s style. What’s great is that the color runs all the way through, so any small imperfections like scratches or holes are less noticeable. However, keep in mind that prolonged exposure to sunlight might cause them to dry out and crack, especially if they’re on the thinner side.
Aluminum Mobile Home Storm Door
On the other hand, aluminum storm doors are all about strength and practicality. They’re built to last, with heavy-duty construction that provides a high level of security. Aluminum’s natural resistance to rust and corrosion makes these doors particularly suitable for coastal homes or places with high humidity. Plus, you have plenty of choices in styles and finishes to match your home’s look seamlessly.
Additional Features
There’s more than just the basics when it comes to storm doors. You can jazz up your door with some cool add-ons! Think decorative glass inserts, screens you can take out, and even pet doors built right in. These options let you personalize your door to meet your needs and preferences.
How to Fit a Mobile Home Storm Door
Before you go door shopping, we recommend grabbing your tape measure and measuring the width and length of your current door. Remember, while traditional homes ask you to measure from the space between the exterior brickmould or trim, mobile home storm doors are based on the wood frame casing or jamb. Therefore, you will need to measure the width and length from the outside edge of the wood jamb.
- Width: Measure the wood jamb horizontally at the top, center, and bottom.
- Length: Measure the outside of the wood jamb from the top past the threshold to the floor.
Remember that one purpose of a storm door is to create as small a gap as possible between the door and your frame, so it’s better to measure twice to avoid ordering the wrong size.
Plus, you will need to pay attention to the build of your door, whether the knob is on the left or right side, and whether it’s an inswing or an outswing. To determine if your door is right- or left-hinged, look at the door from the outside to see which side the hinges are on.
Mobile Home Parts Store Aluminum Storm Doors
Are you looking for a mobile home storm door? At Mobile Home Parts Store, we offer a range of aluminum storm doors to enhance safety and aesthetics. From mid-view doors featuring vertical retractable screens to full-view storm doors equipped with thick tempered safety glass, there’s an option to suit every need and preference.
These doors not only provide added protection against the elements but also allow for ample natural light to brighten up your living space. With durable construction and stylish design, our aluminum storm doors are a reliable choice for enhancing the security and beauty of your home.
Wrapping Up
Remember, choosing between a screen and a storm door doesn’t have to be a time-consuming proposition. Whether you’re considering a screen door for better airflow and natural light or a storm door for added insulation and security, Mobile Home Parts Store has you covered. With a variety of options, including mid-view doors featuring vertical retractable screens to full-view storm doors equipped with thick tempered safety glass, finding the perfect fit for your mobile home is easy. Plus, their durable construction ensures long-lasting protection against the elements while enhancing the aesthetics of your home.
So, make the smart choice and shop at Mobile Home Parts Store for all your mobile home door needs.
Tags: mobile home door, Mobile home doors, mobile home storm doors, storm door, trailer doors
