How to Install Security Storm Doors

Storm doors reduce energy costs by adding another layer of insulation to the home. Storm doors minimize the amount of heat or cooled air that can escape around entry doors. Higher-end storm doors have a solid particleboard or foam core surrounded by an aluminum skin that is resistant to dents and offers a quieter operation. You buy the doors as pre-framed units that screw into existing door jambs. This home improvement project takes around two hours to complete from start to finish.

Tape measure
Screw gun
Hacksaw

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the size of the doorway opening. Use a tape measure to measure the width and height of the doorway's opening. Purchase the applicable size of security door to fit the opening. Choose a door that fits your budget and style. There are many styles of doors with features such as sliding, removable and fixed glass panels.
- 2
  Read the manufacturer's instruction manual thoroughly before attempting to install the door. The detailed instructions are vital to a successful installation.
- 3
  Attach the horizontal rail, top rail or drip rail to the top of the door jamb. Different manufacturers vary on how to install this rail, so follow the instructions for your specific door. Mount the rail with the intended screws from the hardware pack using a screw gun.
- 4
  Cut the hinge side Z-bar to fit the door opening using a hacksaw. Measure from the door sill to the top of the opening, and transfer the measurement to the top of the Z-bar. Use a hacksaw to cut the channel to the transferred measurement.
- 5
  Place the Z-bar on the hinged side of the door, allowing it to overhang the top of the door about 1/8 of an inch to allow for clearance. Attach the Z-bar to the hinges, which are usually pre-installed on most security and storm doors.
- 6
  Place the door into the opening, and slide it so the Z-bar fits tight to the top rail installed previously. Tack the door into place with a couple of screws, and check that the door opens and closes easily and is free of any obstructions. Make any adjustments, then set the remainder of the screws.
- 7
  Cut the latch side Z-bar as in Step 5, place it in the opening, and slide it so that it fits tight against the top rail. Be sure to allow for a small gap between the Z-channel and the door. If the gap is greater than 1/4 inch, you might need a filler strip. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions included with the door.
- 8
  Mount the door sweep, door handles and door closer following the manufacturer's instructions closely. The methods used for this part of the installation vary widely among models and manufacturers.

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Doors