How to Install a Storm Door

Step 1: Measure the Opening Accurately
Measure the width of the door opening at the top, middle, and bottom, then use the smallest measurement to select your door size. Measure the height from the top of the door sill to the underside of the door frame header. Write both figures down and bring them to the store - most storm doors come in standard widths of 32, 34, and 36 inches.

Step 2: Inspect and Prepare the Jamb
Look closely at the door jamb for rot, soft spots, or paint build-up. Scrape away loose paint, fill minor voids with exterior wood filler, and let it cure fully. If the jamb is significantly rotted, replacing it before hanging the storm door is the right call - driving screws into compromised wood will not hold long-term.

Step 3: Determine Door Swing and Unpack the Kit
Standing inside looking out, decide whether the door should hinge on the left or the right. Check the kit contents against the parts list and identify the hinge-side rail, latch-side rail, top cap, expander, door closer, and all hardware bags before you begin.

Step 4: Attach the Hinge-Side Rail
Hold the hinge-side frame rail against the hinge-side jamb. Use your level to confirm it is plumb, then drive screws through the pre-drilled holes into the jamb. Start with the top screw, recheck plumb, and work downward. Do not fully tighten until all screws are started.

Step 5: Hang the Door Panel
Slide the door panel's hinge tabs into the hinge-side rail. Lift the panel carefully - storm door panels can be heavier than they look, so a second person makes this step much easier. Once the hinges are seated, open and close the door to check that it swings freely without binding.

Step 6: Attach the Top Cap and Latch-Side Rail
Set the top cap across the top of the door opening and screw it into the header. Then bring the latch-side rail snug against the door panel edge and attach it to the jamb. The gap between the door panel and the latch-side rail should be consistent from top to bottom - shim behind the rail if needed to achieve an even reveal.

Step 7: Trim and Install the Door Bottom Expander
Slide the bottom expander onto the door panel's bottom edge. Close the door and lower the expander until it makes light contact with the sill, then tighten the set screws. Trim any excess length with a hacksaw so it does not extend past the door frame.

Step 8: Install the Door Closer and Safety Chain
Attach the door closer bracket to the door frame first, then connect the closer to the door panel bracket at the angle specified in the instructions. Set the closing speed by adjusting the tension screw on the closer body - the door should close firmly but not slam. Attach the safety chain to limit how far the door swings open in wind.

Step 9: Install Latch Hardware and Apply Caulk
Fit the latch, handle set, and strike plate according to the kit instructions. Test the latch several times to confirm it catches cleanly. Run a bead of exterior caulk along the outside edges of all three frame rails where they meet the exterior siding or brick mold. Smooth the bead with a wet finger and allow it to cure before painting if needed.

• Wear safety glasses when drilling into metal frame rails or cutting the expander with a hacksaw
• Have a second person help when lifting and hanging the door panel to avoid dropping it
• Do not lean a storm door panel against an uneven surface - it can tip and shatter glass panels
• Keep children and pets away from the work area while loose hardware and tools are on the ground
• If you need to use a ladder to reach the top of a tall door frame, make sure it is on firm, level ground and have someone steady it
• Read the manufacturer instructions fully before starting - hardware placement varies by brand and skipping ahead causes mistakes