Your choice of style for the new storm door handle could potentially interfere with or not conflict with the handle on your entry door, so become informed on different types of handles to help make an informed decision for your home.
Storm door handles generally come in two main varieties: mortise handle sets and surface mount handle sets, each offering their own set of advantages.
Mortise
Mortise door handle sets are among the most widely used storm door handles, featuring latching hardware integrated into its side of your storm door panel and featuring knob-shaped exterior and interior handles with latching hardware on either end that allow for effortless opening/closing action. You can lock them remotely from inside your home using keys as well.
These come in various styles to match the design aesthetic of your house and are often combined with push buttons or levers for additional security and convenience.
Locks installed within the thickness of doors provide extra security against intruders, making them harder to access or bypass.
Mortise and tenon joints have been around since medieval times, used in furniture construction, cabinetry and other woodworking projects.
Mortise locks may be more challenging to install than other storm door handle types, but can still provide effective security with its recessed deadbolt. But it is important to remember that these locks tend to be more costly. Additionally, their repair can also be more complex; you’ll require special tools in order to loosen or unlock their deadbolt and unlock their handle – therefore seeking professional assistance for this project would likely be best.
Knob
Knob handles are timeless classics with circular-shaped exterior and interior handles you twist to open your storm door. Surface-mounted handle sets with knob handles come with locking mechanisms you can twist from within to secure the door, as well as many different finishes to fit into any home design scheme.
Knob door handles may be traditional, but they’re often impractical and difficult to use effectively. Gripping and twisting requires significant strength, potentially restricting access for those with limited hand strength. Push button storm door handles offer more convenient designs. They feature downward-facing levers with buttons at their top that you press to open from outside; once inside they can be locked with keys or twist mechanisms and unlocked using keys or twist mechanisms.
Handle placement depends on how you and others enter your house. A common arrangement is for entry doors to swing right-inward while storm doors swing left-outward; this allows easy opening for both doors. However, depending on whether there are sidelites on your front door unit that may interfere with this arrangement. Replacing storm door handles is a quick and easy DIY project that can add character to any home.
Push Button
Push button handles provide an efficient solution for opening storm doors with minimal effort. These surface mount handles feature a downward-facing lever on the exterior with a button on top for opening your door, making this type of surface mount handle suitable for homes with seniors, people living with disabilities or children as it requires less strength to grasp and twist open.
These handles feature locks that allow you to use both handles as deadbolts. With different colors and finishes to complement any home’s decor, these handles can be found locally and nationally home improvement stores as well as online retailers or installers.
Most steps involve uninstalling and replacing your current handle, with one key distinction between left- and right-handed doors being made before continuing with this project.
Before making your selection, read customer reviews and testimonials posted by previous customers on their websites as well as compare quotes from various pros to ensure you’re getting the best price and service available.
Pull
Pull handles are one of the easiest storm door handle types to operate, featuring straight or curved bars that you grasp to open it. They typically surface mount and come in various finishes and colors that match any decor in your home.
These storm door handles are an increasingly popular choice among homeowners because they’re easy to use by all ages and come equipped with keyed external and interior locks, enabling you to secure them with just a key from outside or from within the door itself. Plus, many models feature an interior latch option to do just that!
Renovating and updating the look of your home by upgrading its storm door handle can add value and improve its security. When choosing the appropriate type for you needs, take into consideration how often and where hinges are installed; that will help determine if a mortise or push button handle would be better suited to you and your door hinges. If unsure, seek advice from professionals for the options that could suit you best.