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How to Budget for a Heavy-Duty Storm Door

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How to Budget for a Heavy-Duty Storm Door

Prep your entryway for winter with a new storm door by early fall and spread the cost over time.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $550 before anything else
Across the 0% window $30.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $550 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A solid storm door changes your entryway right away. You get less draft on cold mornings, better airflow when you want it, and a layer of protection for your main door against the elements. The install usually takes just a couple of hours, and early fall is the sweet spot to get it done before contractors get slammed with winter emergency calls.

We are looking at about $550 for a heavy-duty model with a screen. Before you buy anything, get at least two quotes from local handymen or installers so you know you are not overpaying for the labor.

Keep in mind that the intro window is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left on the Citi Simplicity Credit Card when those 18 months are up, the deferred interest kicks in on the whole original amount, which wipes out the whole point of this plan.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get two quotes

    Call at least two local contractors for installation estimates. Prices for labor can swing wildly, and you want to make sure you are getting a fair rate before you commit.

  2. 02

    Pick your door

    Measure your door frame twice and pick a heavy-duty model that handles high traffic and swaps easily between glass and screen panels. Buy it in late summer or early fall to beat the cold weather rush.

  3. 03

    Line up the Citi Simplicity Credit Card

    You can use the Citi Simplicity Credit Card, which gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That gives you some breathing room to pay for the door over time.

  4. 04

    Set your monthly target

    If you spread the $550 cost across the 18-month window, you are looking at $30.56 per month. Set up an automatic payment for that amount so you stay on track without thinking about it.

  5. 05

    Schedule the install

    Get the door on the calendar for early fall. You want the caulk to cure properly in mild weather before the freezing winter temperatures set in.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How much does a heavy-duty storm door cost?

You are looking at about $550 for a durable model with a screen, not counting the cost of professional installation if you do not hang it yourself.

When is the best time to install a storm door?

Early fall is ideal. The weather is still mild enough for the weatherstripping and caulk to seal properly before winter drafts arrive.

How long does installation take?

Most standard storm door installs take an experienced handyman or contractor about two to three hours.

What happens if I miss the 18-month deadline?

If any of the $550 balance is left on the Citi Simplicity Credit Card when the 18 months are up, you will get hit with interest charges.