How to install a storm door for extra security

Storm doors provide some type of weatherproofing for your home while helping you gain energy savings. It also keeps off pests while letting you enjoy natural light. With its benefits, storm doors are an excellent addition to your home. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to install a storm door. Read on to learn more!

What’s a storm door for?

A storm door is a type of external door that adds protection to your home during inclement weather and gives you the chance to enjoy the cool breeze during good weather. Apart from these, there are many advantages to installing a storm door:

• It prevents potential break-ins through durable hardware

• It beautifies your home and creates an interesting focal point for your home

• It helps you save more money by lowering the electricity bill

• It protects your main door from outdoor elements and prolongs its lifespan

• It lets you enjoy more natural light, especially during summer

Tools needed to install a storm door

Now that you know the advantages of a storm door, here’s a list of tools and materials you will need to install one.

Tools

• Power drill

• Level

• Measuring tape

• Pliers

• Hammer

• Screwdriver

• Drill bit

• Hand saw

• Wood shims

• Pencil

• Protective gears (Safety glove and glasses)

Materials

• Storm door kit

• Handle and lockets

• Extender kit

• Nails and screws

How long does it take to install a storm door?

Installing a storm door usually takes four hours. Remember to set aside an extra 30 minutes if you are using an extender kit or have bought other hardware to be installed in your door.

Step-by-step guide to installing a storm door

Installing a storm door can get difficult, time-confusing, and labor-intensive. You’ll need to work with different tools, materials, and moving parts, and follow the steps accurately. One wrong measurement or a screw drilled in the wrong place could spell trouble!

But anything and everything can get done with the right tools, lots of patience, and clear step-by-step instructions. To help you add a storm door to your home, we’ve created a simple yet straightforward guide to storm door installation.

Step 1: Get the measurements of your exterior door frame

Measure your door frame by getting the width of the door on the top, bottom, and middle sections, then get the height in the middle, left, and right areas. This will help make sure you get the best fitting storm door in the store.

Step 2: Choose your preferred storm door

Pick a storm door that fits in your doorway, the budget, and the overall intended purpose–for extra protection during inclement weather, more privacy, or aesthetics.

Step 3: Setup your installation space

Get ready to install the storm door. Prepare the tools and materials needed and wear protective gear. Ask a family member or a trusted friend for help in the installation especially if you’re not used to doing DIY home improvement tasks or lifting heavy objects.

Step 4: Decide where the storm door opens

This will determine where you will install the hinges and handles. Mark your measurements accurately and make sure that there are no obstructions when you open the door.

Step 5: Decide where the storm door opens

Install the rain cap or drip cap at the top-most part of the door frame then install the hinge-side Z-bar. Tighten the screws but not all the way through.

Step 6: Fit the storm door

Fit the storm door on the external opening and ensure that the door has a gap of ¼ inch from the rain cap. Inspect the door closely and ensure it is nice and level. Once you’re happy and confident with the fit, use the drill to tighten the screws on the hinge side. Try closing and opening the door a couple of times.

Step 7: Install the handle

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and install the handle side Z-bar. Make sure to leave a gap of around 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch for potential warping of the door in the future.

Step 8: Install the door hardware

Time to add the finishing touches: the handles and lock mechanism, closer mechanism, and door sweep weatherstripping. Some storm door kits come with their own hardware while some you need to buy on your own. Whichever you choose, the installation has never been this easy as it comes with easy-to-follow instructions from the manufacturer.

Pat yourself in the back for a job well done!

Get your storm door installed

Installing a storm door can get confusing and overwhelming. You will need time, effort, and patience to measure, interpret instructions from tiny manuals, and execute these flawlessly. When things get extra complicated, you can go on the Airtasker app for help.

Whether you need a replacement or want to install a new storm door, connect with a handyman near you when you post a task on Airtasker. Skip the stress and leave it to the experts!