Free Quote Icon

Storm Door Installation in New Orleans, LA

New Orleans homeowners face challenges that most of the country never has to think about: hurricane-force winds, year-round humidity above 70%, intense UV radiation, salt air from Lake Pontchartrain, and historic preservation rules that govern what your front door can look like. At Big Easy Iron Works, we have been fabricating and installing storm doors across the Greater New Orleans area for over 30 years. Whether you need a standard ventilating storm door to catch the lake breeze or a custom iron storm door built to survive a Category 4, we have the expertise and the materials to get it right.

Storm doors serve multiple purposes in Louisiana: they insulate against brutal summer heat, protect your primary entry door from driving rain and wind-borne debris, add a physical security barrier, and let you open the house to natural ventilation on those rare perfect days. Choosing the right storm door for a New Orleans home means understanding ratings, materials, climate factors, and, for many neighborhoods, historic district regulations.

Types of Storm Doors for New Orleans Homes

Storm door installation options for New Orleans homes

Not every storm door is built for the same purpose. Understanding the major categories helps you match the door to your actual needs before you spend a dollar on installation.

Full-View Glass Storm Doors

Full-view storm doors feature a single large glass panel that spans most of the door surface. They maximize natural light, show off a decorative primary door, and create a more open, welcoming entryway. In New Orleans, full-view glass doors are popular on homes in the Garden District and Uptown where the primary door is ornate and the homeowner wants it visible. The trade-off is that a large glass panel must be tempered or laminated to handle impact, and it provides a less solid barrier than a panel door.

Ventilating Storm Doors

Ventilating storm doors have a glass panel that can be lowered or swapped with a screen panel to allow airflow. Many models feature interchangeable glass and screen inserts or a sliding panel. These are the most practical choice for New Orleans spring and fall, when the temperature is comfortable but the mosquitoes are relentless. A screen insert lets you capture the breeze without letting in insects or debris.

Retractable Screen Storm Doors

Retractable screen doors, like those in the Larson Platinum and Tradewinds lines, use a Screen Away roll-up system that stores the screen in the door rail when not in use. This keeps the screen protected from UV degradation and the mechanical stress of daily handling, which is significant in Louisiana’s climate. When you want airflow, you pull the screen down. When you want the full glass view, you roll it back up. These work particularly well on primary entryways that get heavy daily use.

Security Storm Doors

Security storm doors combine the weather protection of a standard storm door with reinforced frames, heavy-gauge steel or wrought iron grilles, and multi-point locking systems. They are designed to resist both forced entry and wind pressure. In neighborhoods where security is a concern, these doors offer a meaningful deterrent while still functioning as weather barriers. Big Easy Iron Works fabricates custom iron security storm doors that meet both security and, where applicable, HDLC design guidelines.

Iron Storm Doors

Iron storm doors are a specialty category that standard big-box retailers do not stock. They are custom-fabricated from wrought iron or steel, powder-coated for corrosion resistance, and designed to match the ornamental ironwork traditions of New Orleans architecture. Iron storm doors are heavier than aluminum, far more rigid, and can be built to specific wind load tolerances. They are the premier choice for historic properties, high-security applications, and homeowners who want a door that will still be in place after the next major storm.

Iron Storm Doors: The Best Choice for New Orleans

Standard aluminum storm doors are designed for moderate climates. They perform adequately in most of the country, but New Orleans is not most of the country. Iron storm doors offer several measurable advantages for this specific environment.

Hurricane Resistance

Aluminum storm door frames are typically 0.050 to 0.070 inches thick. A custom-fabricated iron storm door frame can be built to 3/16-inch or 1/4-inch steel, dramatically increasing rigidity and resistance to wind pressure. In a hurricane, wind loads on a door can exceed 50 pounds per square foot. A properly anchored iron storm door with a reinforced frame and multi-point locking hardware holds under conditions that would bend or rack a lightweight aluminum frame.

Security

Iron grille work on a storm door creates a physical barrier against forced entry that glass alone cannot provide. A burglar who breaks the glass of a standard storm door gains immediate access. An iron grille door with a deadbolt requires tools and time to defeat, creating a deterrent that matters in real terms. For homes in New Orleans where ground-floor security is a practical concern, this is not a minor consideration.

Longevity in a Humid, Corrosive Environment

Aluminum storm doors from major manufacturers typically carry 5- to 10-year warranties and are not designed for the salt-air proximity and sustained humidity of coastal Louisiana. A properly powder-coated iron storm door, with periodic maintenance, will outlast several generations of aluminum doors. The powder coat creates a barrier against moisture and UV that, when intact, prevents the surface rust that concerns homeowners considering iron doors.

Ornamental Options

New Orleans has one of the most distinctive architectural ironwork traditions in North America, rooted in French and Spanish colonial craftsmanship. Custom iron storm doors can incorporate scrollwork, fleur-de-lis patterns, historic cresting, and other ornamental elements that complement existing ironwork on balconies, fences, and railings. A stock aluminum storm door in almond or white simply cannot replicate this visual context.

Storm Door Ratings for Hurricane Country

Understanding product certifications is essential when you are buying a storm door for a hurricane-prone region. Two rating systems matter most in Louisiana.

AAMA Certification

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Gold Label Certification Program has been the industry standard for door and window performance since 1962. AAMA certification requires independent laboratory testing across three core performance areas: air leakage resistance, water penetration resistance, and structural strength. Structural strength testing measures the wind pressure a door can resist before failure. AAMA Gold Label products are tested to withstand a minimum of 94 mph wind pressure, though higher-rated products are available and recommended for coastal Louisiana.

When evaluating storm doors, look for the AAMA Gold Label on the product documentation. This label confirms that a sample was tested in an independent laboratory and that the manufacturing facility undergoes ongoing inspections to verify continued compliance.

Florida Product Approval (FPA)

Florida Product Approval is a state-administered certification system that tests building products specifically for hurricane conditions, including both wind load resistance and impact resistance from wind-borne debris. Because Louisiana does not have an equivalent state program, many Louisiana contractors and building departments accept Florida Product Approval as a valid standard for hurricane-zone installations. FPA-approved storm doors have been tested against specific wind speeds and debris impact scenarios, giving you a documented performance baseline. When in doubt, ask your contractor for the FPA number for any door being proposed for your home.

Wind Load Ratings: What the Numbers Mean

Wind load ratings are expressed in pounds per square foot (PSF) of pressure. New Orleans falls in ASCE 7 Wind Zone III, which requires products to handle design wind speeds of 130 to 150 mph depending on the specific location and structure type. A storm door rated to 30 PSF or higher is appropriate for most New Orleans residential applications. Custom iron storm doors can be engineered to exceed these minimums when specified by the homeowner or required by permit.

Storm Doors for New Orleans’ Climate

Beyond hurricane season, New Orleans’ year-round climate creates daily demands on storm doors that most product specifications do not address directly. Knowing these factors helps you make smarter material and product choices.

Humidity: 73% Annual Average

New Orleans averages relative humidity above 73% year-round, with summer months regularly exceeding 85% to 90%. This level of sustained moisture is destructive to any material with wood content. Storm doors with wood cores, wood frames, or wood composite components will swell, warp, and degrade in this environment faster than the manufacturer’s warranty period. For New Orleans, aluminum frames and iron frames outperform wood-core and fiberglass-composite frames in long-term dimensional stability.

UV Intensity and Fading

Louisiana receives some of the highest UV radiation levels in the continental United States. Standard door finishes that hold their color in Minnesota or Ohio will fade visibly in New Orleans within two to three years. When evaluating storm doors, look for powder-coated finishes on iron doors and anodized or PVDF-coated finishes on aluminum doors. Glass inserts should specify UV-blocking coatings or Low-E glass to reduce solar heat gain and protect interior furnishings.

Salt Air Proximity

Properties within a few miles of Lake Pontchartrain, the Industrial Canal, or the Mississippi River are exposed to airborne salt that accelerates corrosion on metal components. Hinges, closers, and hardware must be selected with corrosion resistance in mind. Stainless steel hardware, marine-grade aluminum, or powder-coated iron components hold up far better than standard zinc or plated steel hardware in this environment.

Thermal Expansion

New Orleans summer temperatures regularly reach 98 degrees Fahrenheit, and door surfaces exposed to direct afternoon sun can reach 130 degrees or higher. Metal doors expand measurably in this heat and contract in winter evenings when temperatures can drop to the 30s. Storm doors must be installed with adequate clearance to accommodate this thermal movement. Doors installed too tightly in summer will bind in winter, and doors installed for winter clearance may rattle in summer if the frame expands beyond the adjustment range of the closer hardware.

Storm Door Brands We Work With

For standard residential storm door installations, Big Easy Iron Works works with the leading national brands. For custom, historic, and high-security applications, we fabricate custom iron storm doors in our New Orleans shop.

Andersen

Andersen storm doors are built with heavy-duty aluminum frames and are available in the 3000 and 4000 series. The 4000 series features a full-view retractable screen, triple-weatherstripping, and a pneumatic closer rated for high-frequency use. Andersen is positioned at the premium end of the standard storm door market and carries a 10-year limited warranty. For New Orleans applications, Andersen’s robust frame construction and tight weatherstripping tolerances make it one of the better-performing standard brands in humid conditions.

Emco

Emco is an Andersen subsidiary and represents the value tier of the Andersen product family. The Emco ProSeries and Express lines offer aluminum frame construction at a lower price point than the core Andersen line. For budget-conscious homeowners who need a standard ventilating or full-view storm door without custom requirements, Emco delivers solid performance. The trade-off is lighter frame weight and a shorter warranty period compared to the parent brand.

Larson

Larson is the best-selling storm door brand in the United States and for good reason: the product range covers nearly every application from basic screen doors to the Platinum series with multi-point locking and retractable screens. The Tradewinds full-view and the Platinum series are Larson’s strongest options for New Orleans homeowners. Larson’s Screen Away retractable screen system is particularly well-regarded for durability. One caution for New Orleans: Larson does not offer impact-rated glass as a standard option, so Larson doors should not be presented as hurricane-impact products.

Pella

Pella storm doors occupy the upper-middle of the standard market. The Pella 86 series and Rolscreen products offer full-view glass, retractable screens, and premium closer hardware. Pella’s finish quality and weatherstripping are consistently rated highly in consumer testing. Pella storm doors carry a limited lifetime warranty on the frame, which is the strongest warranty statement in the standard category.

Custom Iron Fabrication

For properties that require hurricane-rated performance beyond what standard aluminum brands provide, for HDLC-compliant historic designs, or for security applications where a grille is required, Big Easy Iron Works fabricates custom iron storm doors. These are not stock products with custom paint: they are doors built from raw stock steel or wrought iron to the customer’s specific dimensions, design, and performance requirements. Custom iron doors take longer and cost more than stock products, but they are the only option that genuinely meets all three demands of New Orleans residential life: weather performance, historic appropriateness, and long-term durability.

HDLC-Approved Storm Doors for Historic Properties

New Orleans has more historic district-regulated properties than almost any other American city. If your home is in a locally designated historic district, exterior changes including storm door installations require review and approval before work begins. The regulatory authority depends on your specific neighborhood.

French Quarter: Vieux Carre Commission (VCC)

The Vieux Carre Commission (VCC) governs all exterior changes to properties in the French Quarter, including areas not visible from the street such as courtyards and side facades. The VCC’s jurisdiction extends to “anything the air touches,” making it one of the most comprehensive historic preservation authorities in the country. Storm door installations in the French Quarter require pre-approval from the VCC. The VCC generally favors materials and designs consistent with the historic character of the neighborhood: ironwork, wood, and designs that reference the Spanish and French colonial architectural traditions. Contact the VCC at (504) 658-1429 before beginning any storm door project in the French Quarter.

Garden District: HDLC Partial Control

The Garden District is a Partial Control Local Historic District under the Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC). In Partial Control districts, the HDLC has jurisdiction over new construction, demolition, and demolition by neglect. Exterior modifications to existing structures, including storm door installations, may still require a Certificate of Appropriateness depending on the scope. Contact the HDLC at (504) 658-7051 to confirm requirements for your specific property before scheduling installation.

Marigny and Other Historic Districts

The Faubourg Marigny and several other New Orleans neighborhoods are designated historic districts with varying levels of HDLC jurisdiction. The HDLC maintains design guidelines for windows and doors that address acceptable materials, profiles, and ornamental features. Iron storm doors with historically appropriate ornamental elements are generally viewed favorably by the HDLC because they reference the city’s authentic ironwork traditions. Stock aluminum storm doors in contemporary profiles are more likely to face pushback in Full Control historic districts.

What We Can Do for Historic Properties

Big Easy Iron Works has experience designing and fabricating iron storm doors that meet HDLC and VCC design guidelines. We can provide drawings and specifications to support your Certificate of Appropriateness application. We recommend beginning the permitting conversation with the relevant commission before finalizing your door design, since the approval process can take several weeks and design changes after approval add time and cost to the project.

Energy Efficiency Benefits of Storm Doors in New Orleans

New Orleans homeowners run their air conditioning for eight to nine months of the year. A properly selected storm door reduces the cooling load on your HVAC system in two ways: by creating an insulating dead-air space between the storm door and the primary door, and by reducing solar heat gain through Low-E glass coatings.

The Dead-Air Space Principle

When a storm door is installed in front of a primary entry door and both doors are closed, the air space between them acts as a thermal buffer. Hot outdoor air must transfer heat through the storm door, through the air space, and then through the primary door before it affects interior temperatures. This reduces conductive heat transfer and the effective U-value (thermal conductance) of the combined door assembly improves relative to the primary door alone.

Low-E Glass Options

Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings apply a thin metallic layer to the glass surface that reflects infrared radiation, the heat energy from sunlight, while still transmitting visible light. In a climate like New Orleans where summer sun is intense and the cooling season is long, Low-E glass in a storm door meaningfully reduces solar heat gain. Low-E glass options are available on Andersen, Pella, and some Larson products, and can be specified on custom iron storm door glass inserts. When comparing products, look for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label: a lower Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) number means the glass blocks more solar heat, which is what you want for a south- or west-facing door in Louisiana.

Air Sealing

Many older New Orleans homes have primary entry doors that are decades old and have lost their original weatherstripping. Even a modest storm door with fresh weatherstripping adds a meaningful air seal that reduces conditioned air loss and infiltration of humid outdoor air. Humid air infiltrating the building envelope is not just a comfort issue: it contributes to mold growth in wall cavities, which is already a persistent problem in coastal Louisiana construction.

Storm Door Installation Process and Timeline

Understanding what happens during a professional storm door installation helps you plan and set realistic expectations for the project.

Site Measurement

Every installation begins with precise measurement of the door opening: width, height, and the condition of the existing door frame. Standard storm doors are manufactured in nominal widths of 30, 32, 34, and 36 inches. Non-standard openings, which are common in older New Orleans homes that predate standardized construction dimensions, require custom-fabricated doors. The door frame must be plumb and square for a standard door to install correctly. If the frame is racked or out of square, frame repair may be needed before the door is installed.

Frame Preparation

The exterior door frame, called the brick mold or casing, must be in sound condition to accept the storm door frame. Rotted, soft, or damaged wood casing must be repaired or replaced before installation. In New Orleans, wood rot in exterior door casings is extremely common due to sustained moisture exposure. Discovering frame rot during installation adds time and material cost to the project, so it is worth inspecting the casing before scheduling your installation appointment.

Installation Day

Standard aluminum storm door installations typically take two to four hours for a single door, depending on frame condition. Custom iron storm door installations take longer due to the weight of the door and the hardware requirements. The installer fits the door frame, plumbs and levels it, secures it to the existing frame, installs the door on the hinges, adjusts the closer and latch hardware, and applies weatherstripping. A final inspection checks for smooth operation, proper latch engagement, and adequate clearance for thermal expansion.

Custom Iron Door Timeline

Custom-fabricated iron storm doors require time for design, fabrication, powder coating, and curing before installation. Depending on current shop workload, a custom iron door typically takes three to six weeks from design approval to delivery. For projects involving HDLC or VCC review, the permitting timeline adds additional weeks. Planning ahead is essential for custom iron storm door projects.

Storm Door Permits in New Orleans

Permit requirements for storm door installations in New Orleans depend on the type of installation, the property’s historic district status, and the scope of any associated work.

City of New Orleans Building Permits

A simple like-for-like storm door replacement on a non-historic property typically does not require a City of New Orleans building permit. However, new storm door installations on properties where no storm door previously existed, installations that involve alterations to the door frame or opening, or installations combined with other work may trigger permit requirements. Contact the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits at 504-658-7100 to confirm whether your specific project requires a permit before scheduling work.

Historic District Approvals

As described above, properties in HDLC Full Control districts, Partial Control districts, or the French Quarter under VCC jurisdiction may require a Certificate of Appropriateness before any exterior work proceeds. This approval is separate from any City building permit and must be obtained first. Starting exterior work in a historic district without required approvals can result in stop-work orders and mandatory removal of completed work, regardless of the quality of the installation.

Storm Door Cost in New Orleans

Storm door costs in New Orleans vary significantly based on door type, material, and whether the installation involves custom fabrication. The following ranges reflect typical 2026 pricing inclusive of materials and professional installation.

Standard Aluminum Storm Doors

Entry-level aluminum storm doors from brands such as Emco and Larson, supplied through local retailers and installed by a licensed contractor, typically run $350 to $700 all-in for a standard 36-inch door in a sound existing frame. Mid-range products from Larson Platinum, Andersen 3000 series, or Pella 86 series in the same scenario run $600 to $950. Premium full-view aluminum doors with retractable screens and upgraded closer hardware can reach $900 to $1,400 installed.

Iron and Custom Security Storm Doors

Custom iron storm doors fabricated by Big Easy Iron Works are priced based on design complexity, glass area, and ornamental features. Simple single-panel iron storm doors with basic scroll elements typically start at $1,200 to $1,800 installed. More complex designs with full ornamental programs, arched tops, or large glass panels run $2,000 to $3,500 and up. High-security iron grille doors designed for maximum forced-entry resistance occupy the upper end of this range.

Frame Repair and Ancillary Work

Frame rot repair, door opening modification, or custom threshold work adds $150 to $600 depending on scope. HDLC or VCC application support, including drawings and documentation, may add $200 to $500 to historic district projects. Budgeting a 15% to 20% contingency above the door cost for frame and ancillary work is prudent for older New Orleans homes.

Maintenance for Storm Doors in New Orleans

A storm door in New Orleans requires more frequent attention than the same door in a drier climate. Building a simple maintenance routine keeps your door performing correctly and extends its service life.

Hinges and Hardware

Hinges should be lubricated every six months with a silicone or PTFE-based spray lubricant. Do not use oil-based lubricants on exterior hinges: they attract dirt and gum up the pivot point over time. Check hinge screws for looseness every year, particularly on heavy iron doors where the mechanical load on the hinges is significant. Replace any hinge screws that are backing out with longer screws driven into solid wood or with toggle anchors if the frame is hollow.

Door Closer

Pneumatic door closers have an adjustment screw that controls closing speed and a separate latching speed adjustment on some models. In New Orleans heat, closers tend to slow down because the pneumatic cylinder oil thins at high temperatures. In winter, closers can slam because the oil thickens in cooler temperatures. Adjust the closer speed seasonally. Replace a closer that leaks, fails to hold adjustment, or develops a persistent drip at the pivot point. Chain closers, which are sometimes specified for lighter doors or screen doors, should be checked for rust and replaced if the chain links are corroded.

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping on exterior doors in New Orleans takes more UV and thermal abuse than in temperate climates. Inspect weatherstripping at the beginning of each hurricane season for cracks, compression set, or separation from the frame. Foam weatherstripping has the shortest service life in this climate, typically two to three years. Bulb-type vinyl or rubber weatherstripping lasts four to six years. Replace weatherstripping before it fails completely to prevent driven rain infiltration and conditioned air loss.

Iron Door Powder Coat Maintenance

Inspect powder-coated iron doors annually for chips, scratches, or areas where the coating has lifted from the substrate. Touch up any damage immediately with matching powder coat paint or a compatible rust-inhibiting primer and topcoat. Untreated chips in the coating will develop surface rust within weeks in the New Orleans environment. Annual cleaning with a mild soap and water solution removes salt and airborne contaminants that accelerate coating degradation. Do not use abrasive cleaners or steel wool on powder-coated surfaces.

Storm Door vs. Security Door: What’s the Difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably but they describe different products with different performance priorities.

A storm door is a secondary exterior door installed in front of a primary entry door. Its primary functions are weather protection, ventilation, and energy efficiency. Most storm doors have significant glass area, often a full-view panel or a glass-and-screen combination. They are lightweight compared to security doors and are not designed to resist forced entry as their primary function.

A security door is designed first and foremost to resist forced entry. Security doors use heavy-gauge steel or iron frames and grilles, multi-point locking systems, reinforced hinge mounting, and anti-pry edge profiles. They have less glass area and what glass they include is protected by the grille structure. Security doors can also provide weather protection, but weather performance is secondary to security performance in their design priorities.

Custom iron storm doors from Big Easy Iron Works occupy a productive middle ground: they provide meaningful security through the iron grille structure and robust locking hardware while still serving as weather and ventilation barriers. For many New Orleans homeowners, a well-designed iron storm door is the most practical answer to both sets of requirements without buying two separate doors.

Service Areas

Big Easy Iron Works installs storm doors across the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area, including New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Chalmette, Gretna, Harvey, Marrero, Terrytown, Westwego, Harahan, River Ridge, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, and surrounding parishes. We serve both residential and commercial properties throughout Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Storm Doors in New Orleans

Do I need a storm door if I already have a solid front door?

A solid front door provides structural integrity but does not deliver the additional benefits a storm door offers. A storm door adds an insulating air buffer between it and your primary door, gives you the option to ventilate without opening the main door fully, adds a security layer, and protects your primary door’s finish from direct weather exposure. For New Orleans homes, all four of these benefits are meaningful given the climate and security environment.

Are aluminum storm doors adequate for hurricane protection?

Standard aluminum storm doors are not hurricane-impact rated products. They will provide some resistance to wind pressure and driven rain, but they are not designed or tested to the wind load standards required for documented hurricane protection. For genuine hurricane protection, you need either a Florida Product Approval-rated door assembly or a custom iron storm door built to specified wind load tolerances. If your goal is documented protection that may satisfy insurance requirements, discuss FPA certification with your contractor before purchasing.

How long does a storm door installation take?

A standard aluminum storm door installation on a sound existing frame takes two to four hours. Custom iron door installations take four to six hours depending on door weight and hardware complexity. Frame repair work, if needed, adds one to two hours. Custom-fabricated iron doors require three to six weeks of shop time before the installation appointment.

Can I install a storm door on a French Quarter property?

Yes, but you must obtain approval from the Vieux Carre Commission before beginning any exterior work. The VCC reviews all exterior changes to French Quarter properties and generally requires that new door elements be consistent with the historic character of the structure. Iron storm doors with historically appropriate ornamental designs are typically more approvable than contemporary aluminum stock doors. Contact the VCC at (504) 658-1429 early in your planning process.

What glass should I choose for a storm door in New Orleans?

Low-E glass is the best choice for New Orleans because it blocks solar heat gain while still transmitting visible light. Tempered glass is the minimum safety standard for any storm door glass panel. Laminated glass adds a security benefit because it holds together rather than shattering when broken. For security-focused applications, laminated Low-E glass combines the best of both properties. Avoid uncoated clear glass on south- or west-facing doors where solar heat gain is a serious comfort issue.

Will a storm door help reduce my energy bills?

Yes, in two ways. First, the dead-air space between the storm door and the primary door reduces conductive heat transfer and improves the effective insulation value of the door assembly. Second, Low-E glass in the storm door reduces solar heat gain on sun-exposed elevations. The energy savings are more significant for homes with older or less insulated primary doors. Homeowners with modern, well-insulated primary doors will see smaller but still measurable improvements.

How often do storm doors need to be replaced in New Orleans?

Standard aluminum storm doors in New Orleans typically last 10 to 15 years under normal use, though the frame finish and weatherstripping may need attention before that point. Custom powder-coated iron storm doors, with proper annual maintenance, can last 30 to 50 years. The biggest enemies of door longevity in New Orleans are UV degradation of finishes, moisture intrusion at poorly sealed frame joints, and deferred maintenance on closer hardware and weatherstripping.

Do storm doors add value to a home?

Storm doors add functional value by protecting the primary door, improving energy performance, and adding a security layer. In the New Orleans market, where the combination of hurricane risk, humidity, and historic preservation concerns is well understood by buyers, a well-installed iron storm door that is HDLC-appropriate and visually consistent with the home’s architecture is seen as a meaningful improvement. Standard aluminum storm doors add less distinctive value but still signal that the homeowner has attended to the home’s practical needs.

What is the best storm door for a New Orleans shotgun house?

Shotgun houses typically have a narrow single front door that opens directly onto a porch or the street, with wood door frames that may show age. A ventilating storm door with a retractable screen is practical for the ventilation benefit shotgun houses need given their linear floor plan and limited cross-ventilation options. For historic shotgun houses in HDLC districts, a custom iron storm door with period-appropriate scroll detailing is the most architecturally appropriate choice.

Can you install a storm door on a door that opens outward?

Storm doors are designed to be installed on inward-swinging primary doors. If your primary door swings outward, a traditional storm door cannot be installed in front of it. Outward-swinging primary doors are actually the correct configuration for hurricane-rated exterior doors, as they are structurally more resistant to wind pressure, but they preclude the addition of a traditional storm door. Contact Big Easy Iron Works to discuss custom solutions for outward-swinging door configurations.

What is the difference between a storm door and a screen door?

A screen door has a screen panel as its primary material and is designed for ventilation and insect exclusion. It provides minimal weather protection and no meaningful security. A storm door has a glass panel as its primary material, provides weather protection and insulation, and typically includes a screen option for ventilation. In New Orleans, screen doors alone are inadequate for the driving rain and wind conditions that occur regularly outside of hurricane season.

How do I choose between iron and aluminum for a New Orleans storm door?

The right choice depends on your priorities. If budget is the primary constraint and you need a functional ventilating door quickly, a quality aluminum door from Larson or Andersen performs adequately. If you have a historic property with HDLC or VCC requirements, a security need, or want a door that will genuinely outlast the rest of your house’s useful life in New Orleans conditions, custom iron is the right answer. Many homeowners in New Orleans ultimately replace their aluminum storm doors with iron after their first aluminum door reaches end of life.

Does Big Easy Iron Works offer free estimates on storm doors?

Yes. Contact Big Easy Iron Works at 504-732-0066 to schedule a free on-site estimate. We measure the opening, evaluate the existing frame condition, discuss your design preferences and any HDLC or VCC requirements, and provide a written proposal for the work. For custom iron storm doors, the estimate appointment is also the beginning of the design conversation.

Contact Big Easy Iron Works for Storm Door Installation

Big Easy Iron Works has been fabricating and installing storm doors across New Orleans for over 30 years. From standard aluminum installations to custom ornamental iron storm doors built to HDLC specifications, we bring local expertise that out-of-state online retailers and big-box store installation crews cannot match. Call us at 504-732-0066 or visit our location at 625 Celeste St Suite 504-E, New Orleans, LA 70130. We also install doors of all types across the New Orleans area. Free estimates on all storm door projects.

Business Information

Big Easy Iron Works
625 Celeste St Suite 504-E
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-732-0066

What Our Clients Say

“Great job on the iron gates! I can’t believe they finished installing the iron gate and repairing our fence. A lot of my neighbors recommended Big Easy Iron Works and I can see why they trust them so much. Very professional workers came and the owner checked up from time to time. Great experience.”

– Vanessa Johnson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“You have my respect for Big Easy Iron Works! Thank you for staying true to your word about quality service. They helped install our new iron fence and it exceeded my expectations to be honest. They explained everything they would be doing every day of the job. I really recommend them for those living in New Orleans. Hire them for your fencing needs.”

– Billy Anderson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I contacted Big Easy Iron Works because most of my neighbors recommended them to me. I am satisfied with the time that they took to finish the work repairs with my wood fence. The fences they placed turned out nice and they looked like they would last longer. I would also recommend them to my friends in New Orleans.”

– Shirley Oaks
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐