Install a storm door
Fit a new storm door, align its rails and adjust the latch and closer.
Home · 4–6 hr · Medium
Before you start
Use a helper when lifting the door. Wear eye protection for drilling and cutting; support sharp-edged rails before cutting. Check for old lead paint before disturbing existing finishes. Do not drill near glass or leave the door unsecured in wind.
Tools and materials
- Correct-size storm-door kit, supplied screws, handle, closer and sweep
- Tape measure, level, drill with depth-controlled bits, screwdrivers, clamps, hacksaw, file and eye protection
Check the problem
Measure the mounting opening
Measure width at top, middle and bottom and height on both sides. Compare the smallest clear measurements, mounting-face width and depth with the kit chart. Repair soft or split trim before proceeding.
Check swing and handle clearance
Choose handing using the kit’s diagram. Confirm the storm-door handle will not strike the entry handle and the full swing clears steps, railings and lights. Check the entry-door maker permits a storm door.
Steps
Remove the old assembly if present
Support the old door before releasing its closer, hinges and rails. Remove protruding screws, clean the mounting faces and confirm they are solid. Retain the entry door and its weatherproofing.
Lay out the kit
Identify hinge rail, latch rail, rain cap, sweep and closer. Follow the kit’s assembly order; preassembled kits may not need rails cut. Mark any required cuts from the actual opening, allowing its specified gaps.
Fit the hinge side
Attach the hinge rail to the supported door if required. With a helper, position the assembly using supplied spacers, set the hinge rail plumb and install the specified mounting screws into sound wood.
Set the top and latch rails
Fit the rain cap and latch rail with the kit’s uniform clearances. Check free swing before final tightening. Apply sealant only where instructed; do not block drainage paths.
Install the handle and sweep
Use the supplied template and depth control for handle holes. Install the latch and strike, then set the sweep to contact the sill lightly without dragging. Keep drainage slots open.
Fit and adjust the closer
Mount the closer brackets into the specified sound backing. Set rod position and closing speed as instructed; never back the adjustment screw out completely. Keep fingers away from pinch points.
Test the complete door
Check latch, lock, sweep and full swing. Test closing with the entry door both open and shut because air pressure changes the speed. Confirm all fasteners are secure and the door closes without slamming.
Check latch, lock, sweep and full swing. Test closing with the entry door both open and shut because air pressure changes the speed. Confirm all fasteners are secure and the door closes without slamming.
Tips
Measure before buying
An opening can look square yet be too narrow at one end.
Do not force a rail
A distorted rail can make the door rub even when its mounting screws feel tight.
Retest in use
Recheck closing speed after the first few days and after changing the glass or screen configuration.