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| Replace a Storm Door Yourself |
Storm doors add to the curb appeal to
your home, as well as protect your entry door from weather. An old
storm door that doesn't work properly or is broken, requires
replacement. There are a wide variety of doors to choose from when it
is time to replace a storm door. Most homeowners are able to replace
a storm door on their own with a few hand tools. When purchasing a
replacement storm door, it is important to get the proper size for
your door opening. This saves a lot of frustration and also makes for
a quick project.
Tools and Materials Needed
Tape measure
Phillips screwdriver
Cordless screwdriver (optional)
Utility knife
Hacksaw
Level
Silicone caulk
Caulk gun
Measure for Replacement Storm Door
Open the existing storm door, and
measure the width of the door opening between the side jambs with a
tape measure. Take the measurement at the top, middle and bottom of
the opening. Use the smallest of the three measurements as your door
width size.
Measure from the top of the opening to
the bottom with the tape measure. Take the measurement from the left,
center and right side of the opening. Again use the smallest of the
three measurements as your height requirement.
Purchase a replacement storm door
through a home improvement center or door manufacturer, using your
measurements. Replacement storm doors are also available online.
Remove Existing Storm Door
Unhook the chain at the top of the
storm door. The chain prevents the door from flying open, and acts as
a stop to prevent opening the door too far. The chain usually has a
simple S-hook that hooks into a flange at the top of the door.
Pull the door closer body toward the
latch side of the door with one hand. This relieves tension on the
pin securing the door closer push rod to the door bracket. Pull the
pin out with your fingers, and slowly release the door closer body.
Open the storm door, and remove the
screws securing the hinges to the storm door frame with a Phillips
screwdriver. One way to save time and energy is to use a cordless
screwdriver. The cordless screwdriver especially comes in handy when
installing the new storm door. Once you remove the hinge screws, pull
the storm door out of the opening and set it aside.
Remove the screws securing the storm
door closer to the door jamb with the screwdriver. Pull the door
closer away from the opening and set it aside.
Score between the storm door frame and
the door opening with a sharp utility knife. This cuts through any
paint or caulking that is in the seam.
Remove the screws securing the storm
door frame to the opening with the screwdriver. Most of these
securing screws are on the front of the frame, however some
manufacturers do use screws in the side of the frame.
Pry the frame away from the opening
with a small pry bar. It is a good idea to start with one of the side
pieces and work your way around the entire frame. Older frames will
usually come off in one piece.
Install The New Storm Door
Install the Z-bar
hinge on the side of the new storm door according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Most require the top of the Z-bar to
extend 1/16-inch past the top of the door. Secure the Z-bar hinge to
the side of the door with the supplied securing sheet metal screws
and a screwdriver.
Measure the height
of the door opening with the tape measure on the hinge side of the
door. Transfer the measurement to the Z-bar hinge, starting from the
top. Cut the bottom of the Z-bar hinge to the measurement with a
hacksaw.
Install the
expanding door sweep over the bottom of the new storm door, if your
door uses an expandable sweep. The sweep fits over the bottom of the
door and moves up and down as necessary. Do not secure the expandable
sweep at this time.
Set the new storm
door into the opening, with the edge of the Z-bar resting against the
front of the door opening frame. Place a level across the top of the
door to ensure the door is level. The gap between the top of the door
and the top of the opening should be between 1/16-inch or 1/8-inch.
Secure the Z-bar hinge to the door opening with wood screws and the
screwdriver.
Measure the latch
side of the door opening, and cut the latch side storm door Z-bar to
size. Install the latch side Z-bar to the opening with the wood
screws. Measure a cut the top drip plate, which is the header frame
of the storm door, to size. Install it at the top of the opening.
Install the
remaining hardware according to the manufacturers instructions. Once
you finish installing the new storm door, apply a bead of silicone
caulk between the storm door frame and the door opening with a caulk
gun.
Project Tips
The installation
instructions here are very general. Always follow the instructions
that come with the new storm door you purchase.
Project Warnings
Wear eye
protection and work gloves when removing and installing a storm door.
The metal from the storm door frame can cut skin with ease, and
safety goggles prevent debris from flying into your eyes.
More Resources
Storm Doors: Andersen Storm Door Installation Guide
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