In a previous article, we covered what storm doors are. We have detailed everything there is to know for you to decide if you ever need one. So, the next thing would be learning how to install them. Whether you’re having a new one for the first time or replacing the old one, it always provides greater peace of mind in geographic areas with harsh weather conditions. It is not necessary to hire professional labor to install these doors.
The following steps are easy to perform and require only a few tools.
You may also want to check the best storm door guide before deciding which one you should buy.
1. Considerations for Screen Door Replacement
Today’s storm doors are much stronger compared to the traditional screen door. Storm doors are an important design that is very easy to install. This door type can have an installation kit that only requires a few hours of work.
Three hours will be more than enough to accomplish all these tasks, as well as a pair of side cutters, a short level, a screw gun, and a hacksaw. The following steps are also very important to adapt any storm door to your home. We also mention some important steps to consider to do a good job.
2. Choosing the Right Door
– 36 inches needed
Both the width and height of your home’s current door should be considered when choosing a storm door. Thirty-six inches wide is needed since most home doors have these dimensions. Some doors today include glass panels and removable screens.
It allows them to adapt to each season of the year better. This door is called a full-view storm door and is somewhat different from the vent storm door. The latter option incorporates glass panels that close and open over the screen. It is somewhat like a double-hung sash window.
It would be best to consider that some storm doors could incorporate a reversible design by installing a hinge on each side. Any commercially available storm doors usually have an instruction manual to guide each user. Some options require drilling holes to attach the latches.
3. Starting the Installation
It is necessary to install the Z-bar on the hinge side and the rain cap. Before installing the door hinges on the same side as the main door, some exceptions should be considered. The door should open against the wall to avoid awkward entry.
Consideration should also be given that the storm door will not obstruct or be against a doorbell or exterior light fixture. The hinges should face the direction of the wind in case of high winds.
The user will be preventing too strong a wind from blowing the door open with the possibility of breaking it.
4. Removing the Previous Storm Door
At this point, the screws of the security chain, the door closed, and the door mounting screws must be unscrewed.
Sometimes it is necessary to detect the presence of old putty between the door frame and the wall. If the putty is found, some tools, such as a heat gun, should remove this material. Using a circular saw, it is necessary to cut the aluminum frame to pull this along with the glass panel.
Most of the time, a screw is screwed to the door frame, and mortise hinges with notches in the wood are required when it is a wooden storm door. We can even find hinge recesses and latches efficiently hidden behind the new door frame. You should not encounter any obstacles.
5. Preparing the Opening
This type of door hangs from the outer casing or door trim. It would be best if you extended the molding between the sidelight and the door when they do not go to the previously installed storm door. (1)
To perform this procedure, a new molding must be ripped to match the entire area. Before incorporating the new molding, it is necessary to prime and paint.
Once this is done, you can nail the molding in place as long as it has a matching edge to the other molding. People waiting to install the molding and then paint can have an awkward problem.
It is always much quicker and easier to paint the trim before installation than around the new door. It is easier to make mistakes and more awkward to have a crisper job. These types of doors are narrower than regular doors. (2)
You should also read the instructions for the storm door to enter correctly, along with all the included components, such as the latches and hinge. The new storm door fits excellently.
6. Installing the Storm Door
The user must ensure the storm door fits correctly against the latch side. In turn, the Z-bar on the latch side must be cut to the center of the lock and latch.
Sometimes it may be necessary to chisel out the latch pocket or latch depending on the latch’s style on each door.
The person needs to adjust the latch tension after installing the closers and door. The door closers need to be placed at the heaviest point.
When it comes to the screen panel, it may need a softer setting. The screen panel and window boxes should be removed for the more difficult seasons of the year.
A safe and comfortable place is just under any bed in the home. It may be needed at times when the temperature changes abruptly.
Wrapping Up
This entire procedure may take some time to complete successfully. Still, it is necessary to have extra protection and security when storms approach. It is all about being much safer in your own home.
The door must be installed correctly so that it can do its job. You will be able to save some money instead of hiring a professional to handle a task you can effortlessly accomplish yourself.
References
(1) door trim – https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-install-door-trim/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9012a369cf0
(2) types of doors – https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/g24229933/types-of-doors-for-house/
