How to Hang a Storm Door
A storm door can be a great way to help lower heating and cooling costs. The average storm door costs only $100 to $300 and can be installed in a few hours. For at least part of the project, you will need an extra pair of hands to help secure the door, but most of it can be done by yourself. While these instructions should work for most storm doors, it is always a good idea to read the instructions included with your storm door as well. There may be additional guidelines that the manufacturer suggests you follow. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Storm door Hacksaw Level Electric drill Phillips screwdriver Pliers Tape measure A helper
Instructions
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1
Measure the door width and determine how you want your storm door to open. Storm doors typically come in widths of 30, 32, 34 and 36 inches. Most front doors are 36 inches wide. Although many storm doors can be hinged on either side, some are not.
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2
Set your purchased storm door flat near where it is to be installed. Make sure you have all the parts. You will notice that it comes with a frame, also called rain bar or z-bar.
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3
Attach the rain bar, or top part of the frame, to the door with one or two screws. You'll add more later.
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4
Measure the opening height of the frame of the door on the side you want the hinge to be (opposite side of where you want the handle to be). Use a hacksaw to cut the hinge-side z-bar to this length. Cut the bottom to match the angle of the door frame.
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5
Fasten the door to the hinge-side z-bar.
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6
Position the door into place so that the top of the hinge-side z-bar touches the top z-bar. Have another person hold the door while you adjust the door so it is level. Then, secure it into place with the supplied screws.
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Adjust the top z-bar so there is an even reveal, if necessary. You can now screw in the remaining screws for the top z-bar.
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8
Measure the latch side of the door from the top of the rain cap to the bottom of the sill. Use a hacksaw to cut the hinge-side z-bar to this length. Cut the bottom to match the angle of the door frame.
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9
Put the latch-side z-bar into place and adjust it so the gap meets the manufacturer's guidelines and is even along the door. Mark where the screws should go, and then fasten the z-bar into place with screws.
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10
Install any door hardware that came with the door.
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11
Remove the expander from the bottom of the door and attach the sweep. Cut the sweep so it matches the width of the expander.
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Replace the expander and secure it in place with screws. The sweep should touch the bottom sill evenly.
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13
Install the door closer by screwing it to the jamb and the storm door. Make sure it is level. Repeat if the door has more than one closer.
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Tips & Warnings
Paint your existing door before hanging your storm door.
Resources
- Photo Credit Phil Romans
