Locating window therapies for hurricane doors is a little tricky — the minimum distance between the storm door and entry door ensures that the majority of the conventional window options won’t work. But a few options are available, including built-in blinds, decorative window films, door-mounted blinds made particularly for storm doors, and a simple, classic window treatment installed on magnetic curtain poles. Drilling into your door may null the warranty, especially in case you’ve got a storm door full of an insulating product, so check with your manufacturer before you make a last choice.
Factory-Installed Blinds
Avoid adding mass between your storm door and the entry door by swapping out the storm door glass panel with a single featuring a built-in blind. This only works if you’ve got a door that allows you to replace the glass panel using a screen and when your manufacturer makes a glass panel using built-in blinds. If neither of those conditions exist, and then you still need the built-in blind option, purchase a storm door using this attribute. The blinds have been controlled by a lever on the exterior the door but stay between 2 panes of glass.
Window Film
This non-permanent, cost-effective option comes in an array of finishes and using various attributes, from UV protection to picture using a one-way mirror effect so that passersby can not look inside. Other choices include faux-grills and scrolls to add a decorative element, a frosted film to prevent the view, fake rice paper to add privacy and a subtle Oriental touch, and UV filters that raise the energy efficiency of this door. While the chances are extensive, setup is generally easy — you’ll simply need to clean the glass thoroughly and use the film based on the manufacturer’s instructions, usually with soapy water and a plastic scraper. For perfect results, hire a professional who specializes in window tinting.
Add-on Blinds
A few manufacturers make something that mimics the built blind look that is available on a few storm doors. A framed, low-profile attachment includes a conventional blind positioned behind a pane of security glass, which mounts directly to a storm door, providing the illusion of a storm door with a built-in blind. Even though these products are normally quite low profile, they still may not utilize all doors; the goods require that you drill to a door, which may hurt the door or null its warranty.
Door-Mounted Panels
When all else fails or you merely want that classic window treatment look, hang a panel window treatment by magnetic poles mounted just above and below the glass portion of the storm door. This only works if you’ve got ample distance between the 2 doors and you can find low-profile mounts. Slide the poles to the top and bottom pockets of a panel and then secure them to the magnetic mounts. Cinch the middle of this panel using a tieback when you want to have more light, or leave it as-is for solitude. Magnetic poles may slip and slip a little and need readjustment on occasion, but the magnets are usually strong enough to stay in position if the door is not opened roughly or slammed. If you’re able to drill to your storm door, then you can also use standard curtain rods.