Installing a Storm Door

Have you ever noticed how nice it is to sometimes simply open your door and let the fresh air in? Unless you have a storm door, this can present some problems. These problems can range from letting in all kinds of creepy crawlies, to letting your dog or cat out. If you don't already have a storm door, don't worry, all you need to do is install one. Installing a storm door is surprisingly easy. In fact, it is so easy that, as long as you follow these steps and have the proper tools and materials, you can have a new storm door in place in less than an hour.

Materials:

• Storm door
• Wood spacer strips
• Casing nails
• Hacksaw
• Hammer
• Level
• Tape measure
• Masking tape
• Marker
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Screwdrivers (Philips and straight)

Process:

1. Familiarize yourself with the instructions. Before beginning any storm door installation, make sure that you familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions. These instructions will give you more detailed information about the proper installation of that particular model. If there are any conflicts between the manufacturers directions and these instructions, the manufacturers directions take precedence.
2. Determine what side your channel will be on. Each storm door will have a piece called a "Z-channel". It get's it's name because it looks something like a Z , and it is usually premarked for the hinges. Place the channel on against your door opening, and mark the top with a piece of tape.
3. Cut the channel strips to size. Remove 1/8 inch from the top of the Z channel strip from where the top of the channel will meat the top of the opening. This will allow enough space for the drip cap to be installed later on, if you haven't already done so according to the manufacturers directions.
4. Position the channel properly. Place the Z-channel against the hinge side of your door, and begin to attach the channel. This channel should be placed about 1/8 inch above the top of the door (to provide space for the door to close with the drip cap in place).
5. Set the doorway. Set the storm door into your doorway, and ensure everything is plumb with the help of a level. Have a friend help you to ensure that everything is level by driving a couple of screws to hold the door in place. Make any adjustments as necessary before installing the remaining screws.
6. Install your drip cap and channel. If you have not already done so, you should now install your drip cap onto the door. This will help prevent any water from "dripping" down into the doorway when it is installed. Finish attaching any remaining screws to hold the Z-channel in place.
7. Attach the door sweep. Once you have the door hung, be sure that you attach the door sweep to the bottom of the door. This will help ensure that no creepy crawlies can get past your door, as well as help provide a little more insulation for the home when both doors are closed.
8. Mount your handles. All you have to do now is install the door handles, and you are finished. As you do this, make sure that you are following the manufacturers directions closely.