How to Install a Storm Door Storm doors block drafts in the winter, helping to minimize energy loss. Many have clip-in tempered glass panels you can remove and replace with insect screen panels for summer. In addition, storm doors protect the main door from rough weather, and newer models are so attractive they can add to your home's curb appeal.
Choices Sturdy storm doors that don't rattle, twist, or dent are made of a solid particleboard core that has an outer aluminum skin with a baked-on finish. They are sold as pre-framed units that are easily screwed into existing doorjambs. Both storm and screen doors come in standard door widths of 30, 32, 34, and 36 inches and may be hinged on either side. (When buying one, be sure you get the right size; measure the door's opening between the doorjambs, not the size of the door.) Some are made so that the unused glass or screening panel stores inside the door. Those designed for security often have a heavy-duty aluminum or steel frame with a foam or solid wood core and a tamper-proof deadbolt and hinges. If you want to display your front door or maximize light and views, choose a storm door with a full-height glass panel. The mid-view type has a solid panel in the bottom third of the door. A high-view door has a glazed section that is about half the door's height. If you know the brand of door in your home, check to see if the manufacturer also provides a door kit for storms and screens. This is an especially good idea if you have a sliding or French door. The kit will match the design of the door and will fit properly over the threshold. About Installation Storm doors come with full instructions and a template for mounting the hardware. Major manufacturers offer assistance by phone as well as instructions or troubleshooting information online. There are two mistakes you can make that will be difficult to fix. The first can occur when you are cutting vertical mounting frames. These must fit your openings; do not cut them too short. Also, when you are drilling holes to fit hardware on a wood-core storm door, be precise. Most manufacturers supply a template to make this job easier. Take your time, and follow the instructions. Door Closers To automatically close the storm or screen door smoothly and to prevent it from being opened too wide or with too much force, install a simple door closer. Before you begin, check that the door operation is smooth and that the door hardware is in good working order. For a pneumatic closer, install the door mounting bracket on the top rail of the door, mount the closer in the bracket, and fasten the jamb mounting bracket to the hinge jamb. Then adjust the tension. 1. Place the door interior side up, and position the vertical hinge mounting frame on the hinge side so that the top of the track extends beyond the door by 3/32 inch. Then drive one mounting screw through the hinge into the predrilled hole in the door. Line up the hinge holes along the edge of the door. Next, center-punch and drill a pilot hole for each remaining screw, and drive in the screws. 2. Measure the height of the opening where the door will hang, both at the face of the jamb and at the stop. Turn over the door, and transfer these dimensions onto the hinge mounting frame. Using a hacksaw, cut the bottom of the hinge mounting frame at the angle that will fit your door's sill. If the bottom of your door includes a sweep, temporarily install it on the door. (Adjust and screw it tight after the door is hung.) 3. With a helper, stand the door in the opening, position it, and screw it in place. With the door open, place the top mounting frame on the hinge mounting frame. Then close the door, adjust the top mounting frame's position, and screw it in place. Then mount the latch-side frame using the same methods. 4. Close the door, adjust the sweep so that it presses lightly against the sill, and screw it in place. Install the handle hardware according to the directions provided by the manufacturer. 5. Screw the door closer's bracket to the top of the jamb. The type shown is spaced 1 inch down from the top of the jamb and 1/4 inch back from the hinge side. Assemble the closer, attach it to the jamb bracket, and close the door. Holding the closer level, place the bracket on the door and mark for screws. Predrill screw holes, and attach the closer. If the door has a closer at the bottom, attach it the same way. 6. Close and latch the door, and then install the screen or glass panels. The system shown utilizes retainer strips. Hold the glass or screen in place, and then install the top retainer, horizontal retainers, and vertical strips.
