Historic homes are treasures that tell stories of the past, offering a glimpse into bygone eras through their unique architectural features and craftsmanship. Protecting these architectural gems while maintaining their charm can be a challenge for homeowners and preservationists. Custom storm door solutions offer a blend of protection and preservation for your historic home. At ARDMOR, we create storm door solutions that protect your home's original features and enhance its overall look and function. Our knowledge of historic home preservation and modern door technology allows us to offer great protection for your special property.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
|
Understanding the Unique Needs of Historic Homes
Historic homes come in many different architectural styles, each with its own special requirements. From fancy Victorian mansions with lots of details to stately Colonial revivals with symmetrical fronts, these buildings need storm doors that match their unique design and also protect against weather. ARDMOR's custom storm door solutions are carefully designed and made to meet these specific needs, making sure each installation keeps the historical look of the property while offering modern benefits.
One of the biggest challenges in fitting storm doors to older buildings is dealing with unusual sizes and shapes that were common in older construction. Many historic homes have entryways that don't fit today's standard door sizes, often with unique arches, windows above the door, or windows on the sides that need special solutions. This is why custom solutions are so important for preserving and protecting historic properties. ARDMOR's skill in creating custom storm doors ensures that even the most unusual entryways can be properly fitted with a storm door that adds to, rather than takes away from, the home's original charm.
Benefits of Custom Storm Door Solutions
Installing a custom storm door on your historic home offers many benefits beyond just looks. These special doors are important for preserving and protecting your property, offering advantages that regular, store-bought options can't match:
Key Benefits of Custom Storm Doors for Historic Homes
- Preserve architectural integrity by complementing unique designs
- Enhance energy efficiency with an additional insulation layer
- Protect original doors from weather elements
- Improve ventilation while maintaining security
- Provide custom-fit solutions for non-standard sizes
- Offer a wide range of styles to match various architectural periods
- Ensure proper fit and functionality with professional installation
- Increase home value by adding functional and aesthetic benefits
Custom storm doors play a big role in preserving historic homes. They act as a shield that protects your original, historic doors from harsh weather that can cause damage over time. This extra layer of protection can help your home's original features last much longer, keeping irreplaceable craftsmanship for future generations. By protecting against rain, snow, sun, and temperature changes, custom storm doors help keep the wood, paint, and hardware on your home's main doors in good condition, reducing the need for frequent repairs or early replacement.
The energy efficiency benefits of custom storm doors are also really important. By creating another barrier against drafts and air leaks, these doors help keep a more steady indoor temperature all year. This not only makes your home more comfortable but can also lead to big savings on heating and cooling costs. Being able to open the main door while keeping the storm door closed also allows for better air flow without reducing security, which is especially useful in older homes that might not have modern heating and cooling systems.
Materials and Design Options
We offer a wide range of materials for custom storm doors, carefully balancing historical accuracy with modern performance:
Aluminium
For homeowners wanting durability with a classic look, our aluminium storm doors are a great choice. These doors last a long time, not needing repainting for about 20 years. This low-maintenance feature is attractive for busy homeowners or those wanting to reduce upkeep costs. Our aluminium doors come in many colors to match your home's exterior. Aluminium also allows for detailed designs that can look like traditional materials while offering better weather resistance.
Glass Options
We offer many glass options to balance visibility, protection, and energy efficiency. From clear tempered glass that lets in lots of light to advanced low-E glass that improves energy efficiency by reflecting heat, we can help you choose the best glass for your needs. For sunny locations, we also offer tinted glass that can reduce glare and UV radiation, protecting your interiors from fading. We also have decorative glass options, including etched or stained glass designs, that can add elegance matching your home's historical look.
The ARDMOR Approach to Custom Storm Door Solutions
At ARDMOR, we understand the special needs and challenges of historic homes. Our approach to creating custom storm door solutions combines a deep appreciation for architectural heritage with expertise in modern door technology. This unique mix allows us to offer solutions that are both historically appropriate and functionally superior. Our process involves:
- Expert consultation to understand your home's specific needs, including a thorough assessment of the architectural style, existing features, and preservation requirements
- Precise measurements using advanced technology to ensure a perfect fit, accounting for any irregularities or unique features of historic entryways
- Custom design that carefully complements your home's architectural style, with attention to period-appropriate details and proportions
- Professional installation by our experienced team, trained specifically in working with historic properties to ensure minimal impact on original structures
Our storm door replacement service is carefully tailored to preserve the character and integrity of your historic home while providing modern protection against the weather. We understand that each historic property is unique, and our solutions reflect this individuality, ensuring that your storm door not only protects but also enhances the overall look of your home.
Selecting the Right Storm Door Style
Choosing the right style of storm door is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the look of your historic home. The selection process requires carefully balancing functionality and period-appropriate design. At ARDMOR, we offer many options to ensure every historic home can find its perfect match:
Full-view Doors
These doors are designed to let in maximum light and visibility, allowing the beauty of your original door to show through. They're ideal for homes with fancy or historically important front doors, acting as a protective layer without hiding the architectural details underneath. We offer various frame widths and hardware options to ensure these doors complement your home's existing features.
Ventilating Doors
Perfect for balancing airflow and protection, these doors often have retractable screens that can be easily adjusted for different seasons. Our ventilating doors come with options for top and bottom vents, allowing for customized air circulation. This style is particularly good for historic homes that may not have modern air conditioning, providing a way to improve indoor air quality and comfort while maintaining the home's original charm.
Security Doors
For homeowners wanting to add extra safety without compromising on style, our security storm doors offer strong protection with a design that complements historic looks. These doors have reinforced frames, multiple locking points, and impact-resistant glass options, all crafted to blend seamlessly with period architecture. We offer decorative grille patterns that can mimic historical designs while providing enhanced security.
Screen Doors
Ideal for seasonal comfort, our screen doors come in period-appropriate designs that allow for maximum ventilation during warmer months. We offer a variety of mesh options, from traditional to nearly invisible, to suit different needs and preferences. Our craftsmen can recreate intricate Victorian-era screen door patterns or design simpler styles for Colonial or Craftsman homes, ensuring that every screen door is a perfect match for its historic setting.
The Installation Process
Our installation process is carefully designed to ensure a perfect fit for your custom storm door while preserving the integrity of your historic home. We know that working with older structures requires a gentle touch and special knowledge. Here's an overview of our installation process:
- Initial consultation and site assessment: Our experts thoroughly evaluate your home's entryway, noting architectural features, existing conditions, and any preservation requirements.
- Custom measurements and design considerations: Using precise tools, we take detailed measurements, accounting for any irregularities common in historic homes. We discuss design options that complement your home's style and meet your functional needs.
- Manufacturing to exact specifications: Your storm door is made in a specialized facility, following the highest standards of quality and historical accuracy.
- Professional installation by ARDMOR experts: Our skilled technicians, trained in working with historic properties, carefully install your new storm door, ensuring a perfect fit and minimal impact on your home's original features.
Throughout the installation, we take extra care to ensure that the installation doesn't damage your home's original features. Our team uses special tools and techniques to work around delicate moldings, historic hardware, and unique architectural elements. We also protect surrounding areas from dust and debris, respecting the importance of your historic home.
Maintaining Your Custom Storm Door
To keep your custom storm door in good condition and ensure it lasts a long time, regular maintenance is important. Proper care not only keeps the door working well but also maintains its look, complementing your historic home for years to come. Here are detailed maintenance tips:
- Clean regularly with mild soap and water: Use a soft cloth or sponge with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down the door frame, glass, and hardware. For wooden doors, avoid too much moisture which can cause warping or rot.
- Check weatherstripping and replace as needed: Look at the weatherstripping around the door frame at least twice a year. Look for signs of wear, cracking, or gaps. Replacing worn weatherstripping quickly ensures continued energy efficiency and protection against drafts.
- Lubricate hinges and handles yearly: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts, including hinges, locks, and handles. This prevents rust and ensures smooth operation. For historic brass or copper hardware, use appropriate metal-specific products to prevent tarnishing.
- Adjust the door closer seasonally for best performance: Door closers may need adjustment as temperatures change. In colder months, you might need to decrease the closing speed to prevent slamming, while in warmer months, you may need to increase it slightly.
- Check and clean screens: For doors with screens, remove and clean them gently with soapy water at the beginning and end of the season. Check for any tears or holes and repair quickly to maintain their effectiveness against insects.
- Touch up paint or finish as necessary: For painted doors, check the finish yearly and touch up any chips or wear to prevent moisture getting in. For wood doors, consider reapplying a protective finish every few years to guard against weathering.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Custom storm doors can greatly improve your home's energy efficiency, creating an extra barrier against drafts and helping to maintain a steady indoor temperature throughout the year. This added layer of insulation is especially beneficial for historic homes, which often lack the energy-efficient features of modern construction.
While the initial cost of a custom storm door may be higher than a standard option, the long-term energy savings and protection for your historic door can make it a cost-effective choice. Custom storm doors from ARDMOR are designed to provide better insulation and sealing compared to basic models, potentially reducing energy use by up to 30% in some cases. This means lower heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
Also, the protection offered by a high-quality storm door can significantly extend the life of your home's original door, reducing maintenance costs and preserving a valuable historical feature. When considering the total cost of ownership, including energy savings, reduced maintenance, and increased property value, a custom storm door often proves to be a wise investment for historic homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the custom process take?
The process typically takes 4-6 weeks from initial consultation to installation, depending on how complex the design is and current demand. For particularly intricate or unique designs, the process may take up to 8 weeks to ensure every detail is perfect. We work closely with our clients throughout the process, providing regular updates and making sure the final product meets all expectations.
Can storm doors be painted to match my home's exterior?
Yes, we offer many color options to ensure your storm door matches your home's exterior perfectly.We can apply custom paint or stain finishes to match existing woodwork or create a desired contrast. Our aluminum doors are available in various powder-coated finishes that are very durable and can be color-matched to your specifications. We can even provide custom color mixing to achieve an exact match for unique or historical color schemes.
Conclusion: Preserving History with Modern Protection
Custom storm door solutions offer the perfect balance between preserving your historic home's character and providing modern protection against the weather. At ARDMOR, we're committed to helping you maintain the integrity and authenticity of your home while improving its functionality, efficiency, and longevity. Our custom storm doors are more than just protective barriers; they show how historical preservation and modern innovation can work together.
By choosing a custom storm door solution, you're not only investing in protecting your home but also helping to preserve architectural heritage for future generations. These doors act as a bridge between the past and present, allowing historic homes to keep their charm while benefiting from modern improvements in energy efficiency and security.
Ready to explore custom storm door options for your historic home? Contact ARDMOR today for a full consultation. Our team of experts is ready to work with you, creating a solution that not only protects your home's heritage but also ensures its comfort, efficiency, and beauty for years to come. Let's work together to safeguard the stories in your home's architecture while preparing it for the future.
ARDMOR ADVANTAGE
We can help elevate your specific window or door issues and provide you with the best and most affordable solution that works. Ardmor provides you with the following advantages:
