How to Replace a Patio Storm Door
- 1). Use a Phillips-head screwdriver, or a cordless screwdriver with a Phillips-head bit, to remove the door hinges from the door frame. Pull the door out and set the door aside. Remove the old storm door frame by removing the fastening screws with the screwdriver. Pull away any old shims when pulling the old frame out of the door opening.
- 2). Measure the hinge side of the door opening with a tape measure. Transfer the measurement to the hinge side of the patio storm door frame. The door and frame are not assembled like a pre-hung door. Your door will have a hinge-side frame indicated by the mounting holes for the hinges. Make a mark on the hinge frame to your opening measurement and cut the bottom of the hinge frame with a hacksaw.
- 3). Slide the door bottom into place on the bottom of the door. This makes the bottom of the door adjustable. Do not secure the bottom at this time. The door bottom fits over the front and back of the door and slides up for now.
- 4). Attach the hinge-side frame to the hinges on the door using the supplied attaching hardware and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Set the door and hinge-side frame into the door opening. The top of the frame should be flush with the top of the opening.
- 5). Check the plumb of the door by placing a level on the door's handle edge. If necessary, place small shims between the frame and the opening until the door is plumb. Use the supplied fastening screws to attach the frame to the jamb at the top and bottom for now.
- 6). Position the top frame, known as a drip cap, under the door frame header above the door. You should have between a 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch gap between the top of the door and bottom of the drip cap all the way across. Use a screwdriver and the supplied fastening hardware to secure the drip cap to the door frame header.
- 7). Measure the remaining door jamb and cut the handle-side frame piece with a hacksaw according to your measurement. Place the handle-side frame over the door jamb. Check the plumb of the frame with a level and shim where necessary. Use the supplied fasteners and screwdriver to temporarily secure the frame to the jamb at the top and bottom.
- 8). Install the door handle to the patio storm door according to the specific manufacturer's instructions. Close the door and check the gap between the door and the handle side frame. The gap should be no more than 1/8 inch. Completely fasten all of the frame pieces after verifying the gap.
- 9). Close the door from inside and lower the door bottom and sweep at the bottom of the door until the bottom just touches the threshold. Use a cordless screwdriver to drive the self-tapping screws to secure the bottom into place. Attach the door closer and chain per the instructions on your particular model.
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