Adding storm doors can reduce energy loss

Dear Jim: I should add storm-screen doors on my front and back doors to save energy and for security. I don’t care how the back looks, but I want the front to look good. What designs and features should I consider? – Stu G.

Dear Stu: Adding either storm doors or combination storm-screen doors can save energy in almost any home. Most entry doors are efficient these days, but creating the extra dead air space by adding a storm door will still reduce energy loss. It also will reduce the amount of outdoor air that leaks indoors.

Before you go out and buy your storm doors, make sure your existing entry doors are in good condition. Installing a storm door over an old, leaky front or back door will not be very effective. Check and repair the weatherstripping on your existing doors to make them relatively airtight.

Combination storm-screen doors are likely your best option for year-round energy savings. These will block the cold winds during the winter and allow for ventilation during the summer. Some of the designs are very secure with deadbolt-type latches, so you need not be concerned about leaving your primary entry door open for ventilation.

Since combination storm doors generally have quite a lot of glass-screen area, the insulation level of the core is not as important as with storm doors with less glass. The primary features to look for in combination doors are strong construction materials and good-quality weatherstripping and workmanship.

For your front door, you might consider selecting an ornate solid wood combination door. The best and strongest ones use true mortise-and-tenon joints. You can order them natural to be stained or primed from the factory. Brass-plated decorative hinges can add a classy touch to the door.

Some very ornate steel and wrought-iron doors also would look good on the front and provide substantial security. These come with actual deadbolt locks and vault pins. On most doors, you can select extra-heavy-gauge stainless steel screening for added security.

Another decorative option for the front are doors made of a composite of crushed rock and fiberglass. These are a full 1 inch thick and, because they are molded, there are no seams or screws. The color and grained finish are molded into the door so scratches are not very noticeable. These are also ideal for back doors, to which children can give quite a beating.

Standard foam- or particleboard-filled aluminum skin doors are most common and reasonably priced. Simple designs are generally the best option for back doors. High-style models with decorative stained, floral art and leaded glass are available for the front door. A self-storing model with two sliding glass panes (top and bottom open) provides the best ventilation.

The following companies offer storm-screen doors: Cumberland Woodcraft, (800) 367-1884, www.cumberland

woodcraft.com; Emco Specialties, (800) 933-3626, www.emcodoors.com; Homeguard Industries, (800) 525-1885, www.home-guard.net; Pella, (800) 328-6596, www.pella.com; and Sugarcreek Industries, (800) 669-4711, www.sugarcreekindustries.com).

Dear Jim: I want to use a natural drain cleaner which is less harsh than many of the commercial ones available. I have heard about using baking soda and vinegar to clear drains. How much of each do I use? – Tim C.

Dear Tim: Some drain cleaner chemicals can be quite harsh and may not be particularly good for the environment. If you have a septic system, keeping the proper microorganism balance is important and chemicals may alter this.

Baking soda and vinegar are natural products. Dump a standard box of baking soda in the drain. You may use just a little water to get it down. Pour in a cup of vinegar. After the bubbling stops, turn on the hot water.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Bangor Daily News, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.