A storm door can help make your house more energy-efficient. Many different styles and colors are available, and the doors are easy to install.
- When you're ready to install a storm door, start by measuring the opening to determine the proper size door to buy. While you're measuring the opening, make sure the doorjamb and surrounding trim are solid. Most storm doors can be installed to open to the left or the right. You'll probably find it more convenient to install your storm door so that the handle is on the same side as the front-door handle.
- Mark the hinge frame at a length 1/8" less than that of the doorframe opening. Cut the hinge frame to size with a hacksaw. Remove the glass from the storm door before installing it. The glass makes up a considerable percentage of the weight of the door.
- Install two screws in the middle of the hinge frame to hold the door in place.
- Attach jamb screws at each of the hinges.
- Check the fit by opening and closing the door.
- Finish securing the drip cap by screwing it to the jamb.
- Measure the latch side of the doorframe, and cut the frame 1/8" smaller than the measurement.
- Remove the expander sweep from the door (figure A).
- Slide the rubber sweeps into the channels in the bottom of the door (figure B).
- Crimp the ends of the channels to hold the sweeps in place. Trim excess sweep material, allowing a 1/8" overhang on the sides.
- Reattach the expander, with the screw side facing in (figure C).
- Drill the holes for your doorknob and lock. Line up the knob and lock, and insert them into the holes (figure D), beginning with the exterior pieces. Then insert the interior pieces, and screw them into place.
- Mark the striker location on the doorjamb, based on the position of the latch on the door. Attach the striker plate to the doorjamb.
- Slide the stop washer onto the closer (figure E).
- Assemble the entire closer unit, with brackets on each end of the closer. Hold the closer level at the height recommended by the manufacturer, and mark the bracket location on the door and doorjamb. Secure the closer to the door and doorjamb with screws.
- Complete the project by installing the glass in the door.
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