How to Install a Difficult Storm Door
Storm doors are installed in front of an entry door to block the cold air in the winter, offer protection from bad weather and help minimize energy loss. Storm doors typically feature large glass panels that protect the entry door but still provide visibility. Storm doors are available in different styles, colors, hardware and materials. You also can install storm doors featuring glass, grille or insect screen options, according to Renewal by Anderson. Preparing your door properly and following instructions thoroughly makes it possible to install even the most difficult storm door. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Storm door
- Drill
- Hacksaw
- Safety glasses
- Center punch
- Tape measure
- Level
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Pencil
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Instructions
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Preparing the Door
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1
Drill holes in the storm door to fit the hardware using the template included with your storm door. According to Stormdoorguy.com, this prevents mistakes that are difficult to fix.
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2
Stand the storm door interior side up, positioning the vertical hinge mounting frame on the hinge side. Be sure the top of the track extends beyond the door by exactly 3/32 inch, reports the Stormdoorguy.com.
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3
Drill a mounting screw through the hinge into the pre-drilled hole in the door. With the hinge holes along the edge of the door lined up, center-punch and drill pilot holes for the remaining screws. Use a screwdriver to drive the screws in.
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4
Measure the height of the door, at the top of the jamb and at the bottom, to determine the length of the hinge plate. Mark these measurements on the hinge mounting frame on the door. Use a hacksaw to cut off the extra length on the bottom of the hinge mounting frame.
Installing the Door
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Stand the storm door in the opening. Position it, and screw it in place. According to Stormdoorguy.com, you'll need someone to help with this step.
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Place the top mounting frame on the hinge mounting frame while the door is opened. Close the door, and adjust the position of the top mounting frame before screwing it in place. Repeat these methods to mount the latch-side frame as well.
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Close the door, and place the door sweep included with your storm door against the bottom of the sill, screwing it in place. Follow the directions provided with your storm door to install the handle hardware, according to Stormdoorguy.com.
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Place the closer's bracket on the top of the jamb, and screw it in. Assemble and attach the closer to the jamb bracket, and close the door. Place the bracket on the door while holding the closer level, and mark for screws. Attach the closer to pre-drilled screw holes. Repeat these methods to attach the bottom closer, if included.
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Close and latch the door before installing the storm or glass panels. Install the top retainer, horizontal retainers and vertical strips while holding the storm or glass panels in place, reports Stormdoorguy.com.
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Tips & Warnings
Storm doors come with all the parts, additional instructions and templates you'll need to install the door.
Be sure to accurately cut the vertical mounting frames to fit your door openings, according to Stormdoorguy.com.
References
- Photo Credit Wood door image by Dumitrescu Ciprian from Fotolia.com
