Installing Storm And Screen Doors

Storm doors block drafts in the winter helping to minimize energy loss, and many have clip-in tempered glass panels that you can remove and replace with insect screen panels for the summer. In addition, storm doors protect the prime(main) door and newer models can actually add to your home’s curb appeal.

Choices Sturdy storm doors that don’t rattle, twist, or dent are made with a solid particleboard core that has an outer aluminum skin given a baked-on finish,They are sold as pre-framed units that are easily screwed into existing door-jambs. Both storm and screen doors come in standard door widths of 30,32,34, and 36 inches and may be hinged on either side. (When buying one, be sure you get the right size-measure the door’s opening between the door­jambs, not the size of the door) Some are made so that the unused glass or screening panel stores inside the door. Those designed for security often have a heavy-duty aluminum or steel frame with a foam or solid wood core and tamper-proof hinges and deadbolt.

If you want to display your front door or maximize light and views, choose a storm door with a full-height glass panel. The midview type has a solid panel in the bottom third of the door; a high-view door has a glazed section that extends to about half the door’s height.

If you know the brand of door on your home, check to see if the manufacturer provides a door kit for storms and screens. This is an especially good idea if you have a sliding or French door. The kit will match the door’s design and fit properly over the threshold.

About Installation Storm doors come with full instructions and a template for mounting the hardware. Major manufacturers offer assistance by phone and instructions or troubleshooting information on the World Wide Web, There are two areas where you can make mistakes that are difficult to fix. The first can occur when cutting the vertical mounting frames-these must fit your openings. Don’t cut them too short. Also, when drilling a wood-core storm door for the hardware, drill holes precisely. Manufacturers supply a template to make this job easier. Take your time and follow the instructions.

Door Closers To automatically close the storm or screen door install a closer-either a simple chain-linked snubber or a pneumatic or hydraulic type. The closer ensures that the door closes smoothly and protects the door from being opened too wide or with too much force. A closer also keeps the door from being jerked open by the wind.

Installing a closer is fairly simple. Before you begin, check that the door operation is smooth and that the door hardware is in good working order. If you’re installing a snubber, fasten the door mounting bracket to the door’s top rail and the jamb mounting bracket to the head jamb. Adjust the length of the chain as necessary. For a pneumatic closer install the door mounting bracket on the door’s top rail, mount the closer in the bracket, and fasten the jamb mounting bracket to the hinge jamb; then adjust the tension.

Installing A Door Closer

Snubber

This is the least expensive door-dosing device. A simple chain with a coil, it can be used on aluminum-or wood-frame storms and screens. Instructions on the package should show you where and how to mount the door mounting bracket.

Pneumatic closer

A pneumatic doser provides a little resistance so the screen or storm door won’t slam shut. The hold-open washer allows you to prop the door open when you’re carrying groceries into the house. Turn the adjustment screw to reduce the tension on lightweight doors.

Hydraulic closer

To make sure an exterior door doses automatically, you can install a hydraulic doser on it. Some types fit only a right-handed or left­handed door; others can be adjusted for either type of door by inserting a screwdriver in the adjustment screw, pushing in, and turning the screw 180 degrees. A slight adjustment to the same screw changes the door’s dosing speed.