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  storm door vs. window
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storm door vs. window Sign In/Join 
posted
Our living room is very dark. I need to bring in more light in the summer when the trees shade out the sun. I am considering having a window put in- or maybe getting a full glass storm door and leaving the entry door open to let in more light when we are home. We usually have either heat or AC on here in MI. Are these doors insulating enough to do this or would I be better off having a window installed
 
Posts: 274 | Registered: Jan 30, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Unless you go with a great quality sliding glass door, you will not get a glass storm door with much thermal seal.
Storm doors are for a wind break only, or they would be VERY heavy and hard to open. A commercial glass door might be possible as your only door.

I would recommend a good window. Any possibility for a roof skylight or two?
 
Posts: 8520 | Location: Plains & Mountains | Registered: Jun 08, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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not sure about a skylight because of the weird design of the ceiling. We live in SE Michigan- bad weather and no sun most of the time. We have doorlights on both sides of the existing solid front door. Is it possible just to get a full view new door or does the entire unit have to be replaced? Any recommendations? thank you so much.
 
Posts: 274 | Registered: Jan 30, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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You should be able to swap out your front door for one with a "light" or window without changing out the entire unit.


General Disclaimer

Any advice given here is general in nature and is not necessarily valid for your given area. If in doubt check with your local codes enforcement department for what is required when doing electrical, plumbing or structural work on your house. Permits may or may not be required in your area and home owners may not be able to DIY some tasks. I have no way of knowing if you have the skills needed to complete the tasks you are asking about, when in doubt seek professional assistance.

My advice may be worth exactly what you pay me for it. :-) For the record I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 
Posts: 6657 | Location: Cary, North Carolina | Registered: Sep 18, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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If you are talking about replacing the exterior door itself, then I'm thinking a whole new door unit with jamb would actually be more economical/successful than attempting to make a door fit the space hanging with hinges and good airtight closure. Doubt you could find a contractor who would attempt to hang just an exterior door.

Actually I think the roof skylights are going to give you more light than any door would, if they are a possibility. The sun tunnels are ok but might be better for climates with direct sunshine, but I personally prefer the roof sealed window skylights.

If you have any regular lumber yards (not box stores), they can be a good place to start asking questions. Tell them what you are looking for and they can often give you names of local builders who are experienced in remodeling and putting in doors?
 
Posts: 8520 | Location: Plains & Mountains | Registered: Jun 08, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Go with whatever’s economical. Also look for energy efficiency. You don’t want to get something because it’s economical and spend a fortune on energy bills later! A window seems a better option than a door, but you’re the better judge. My living room was rather dark too, so we got a couple of garden windows installed that look great and let in a lot of air and light.
http://www.championwindow.com/...ws/bowbaygarden.aspx
 
Posts: 12 | Registered: Apr 13, 2012Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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