Storm doors protect your home’s main entry from the elements, but they can sometimes develop a frustrating problem: frosting up. This happens when warm, moist air from inside your home meets the cold surface of the storm door glass. This temperature difference causes the moisture in the air to condense and freeze on the door’s surface. In this guide, we’ll give practical solutions to keeping your storm door clear and working well throughout the cold months.
Common Causes of Storm Door Icing
Understanding the root causes of storm door icing will help you find your solution. Let’s explore the most common factors contributing to this issue.
Moisture Buildup Between Doors
One of the main causes of storm door frosting is excess moisture trapped between the main door and the storm door. This can happen because of poor weather stripping or gaps that allow warm, humid air from your home to enter this space. When this moist air meets the cold surface of the storm door, it condenses and freezes.
Inadequate Ventilation
Good air circulation is vital for preventing frost buildup on storm doors. If the space between the main door and the storm door is too tightly sealed, it can trap moisture and lead to condensation. Without effective ventilation, this moisture has nowhere to escape, increasing the likelihood of frost formation.
Temperature Differences
The greater the temperature difference between the inside of your home and the outdoors, the more likely your storm door is to frost up. This is especially problematic during extreme cold snaps or in homes kept at a particularly high temperature.
Preventive Measures for Storm Door Icing or Frosting
Taking proactive steps to prevent storm door frosting can save you time and frustration during the winter months. Here are some effective preventive measures to consider.
Proper Weather Stripping
Weatherstripping your door is one of the best ways to prevent moisture from entering the space between the doors. Inspect the weather stripping around your main door’s entire perimeter and replace any worn or damaged sections. This helps create a tight seal and reduces the amount of warm, moist air that can enter the space between the doors. It will also help with your home’s energy efficiency.
Improving Air Circulation
Creating better air circulation between your main door and storm door can also reduce the likelihood of frosting. One method is to drill small ventilation holes in your storm door, which we walk through step-by-step below. This allows air to circulate without weakening the storm door’s effectiveness.
Controlling Indoor Humidity Levels
Keeping the right indoor humidity levels will also lessen storm door frosting. Use a hygrometer to monitor your home’s humidity and aim to keep it between 30%–50%. Try to never exceed 60%, and consider using a dehumidifier in areas prone to high moisture, such as basements or bathrooms, to reduce overall indoor humidity.
DIY Solutions to Stop Storm Door Icing
For homeowners who prefer to tackle the problem themselves, there are several do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions that can help prevent storm door frosting.
Drill Ventilation Holes
As mentioned earlier, drilling ventilation holes is an effective way to improve air circulation and reduce frost buildup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to drilling ventilation holes in your storm door:
- Mark the locations for the holes, two near the top and two near the bottom of the door.
- Use a drill with a 3/16-inch bit to carefully create the holes.
- Smooth any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper.
- Apply a small amount of clear silicone caulk around each hole to prevent water infiltration.
Install Door Sweeps
Door sweeps can help create a better seal between the bottom of your main door and the threshold, reducing the amount of warm air that can escape into the space between the doors. To install a door sweep:
- Measure the width of your door.
- Cut the door sweep to fit, if necessary, or buy a premeasured strip.
- Position the sweep against the bottom of the door.
- Mark and predrill holes for the screws.
- Attach the sweep using the screws.
Apply Anti-Frost Coatings
Anti-frost coatings are specifically made for this and can be applied to the interior surface of your storm door to help prevent ice formation. These coatings work by reducing the surface tension of water, making it harder for frost to stick to the glass. To apply an anti-frost coating, do the following:
- Clean the glass thoroughly with a glass cleaner and lint-free cloth.
- Apply the anti-frost coating according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically using a soft cloth or sponge.
- Allow the coating to dry completely before closing the storm door.
Professional Help for Persistent Icing or Frosting Issues
If DIY solutions don’t resolve your storm door frosting, you may want to consider hiring a professional.
Storm Door Replacement Options
In some cases, replacing your storm door with a more energy-efficient model may be the best solution. Modern storm doors often feature better insulation and improved seals that can help prevent frosting. When selecting a new storm door, look for:
- Double- or triple-pane glass for better insulation
- Low-e coatings to reduce heat transfer
- Argon gas-filled panes for improved thermal performance
- Quality weather stripping and seals
Advanced Weatherization Services
Professional weatherization services exist to help identify and address the root causes of storm door frosting. These services may include the following:
- Comprehensive energy audits to identify areas of heat loss
- Additional insulation around door frames
- Advanced air sealing techniques
- Application of professional-grade anti-frost coatings
While this may feel a bit drastic, you should consider it if your home is severely energy inefficient and costing you excess money in utility bills.
Maintaining Your Storm Door to Prevent Icing Up
Regular upkeep is the key to keeping your storm door frost-free and working well throughout winter.
Inspection and Cleaning
Follow these steps to keep your storm door in top condition:
- Clean the glass and frame with a mild detergent solution.
- Inspect and clean the weather stripping.
- Check for any gaps or cracks in the door frame and seal them with caulk.
- Lubricate hinges and other moving parts to keep it operating smoothly.
Seasonal Adjustments
As temperatures change throughout the year, your storm door may need some adjustments. Consider doing the following:
- Tighten or loosen the door closer as needed to keep a good seal.
- Adjust the sweep at the bottom of the door to make sure it stays in contact with the threshold.
- Check the alignment of the door and adjust the hinges if necessary.
Troubleshooting Frost or Ice on Other Door Types
While storm doors are particularly prone to frosting, other door types can also experience this issue. Here are some tips for dealing with frost on different door styles.
Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors can be susceptible to frosting due to their large glass surface area. To prevent frosting on sliding glass doors:
- Apply anti-frost coatings to the interior glass surface.
- Use a dehumidifier near the door to reduce moisture in the air.
- Install thermal curtains to provide an extra layer of insulation.
French Doors
French doors, with their multiple glass panes, can also fall victim to frosting issues. To combat this:
- Make sure there’s effective weather stripping around each door panel.
- Apply anti-frost coatings to each individual glass.
- Consider installing storm doors over the French doors for added protection.
Our Conclusion
Preventing storm door frosting is a manageable task that can improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency during cold months. Remember that a combination of proper ventilation, moisture control, and regular maintenance is key to preventing frost buildup. If you continue to experience persistent issues, talk with a professional for more advanced solutions.