Install a Security Storm Door | |
Installation of a security type storm/screen door is straightforward and well within the skills of the average homeowner. Before you order any door measure the jamb. You will probably find your door is 32-in. or 36-in. wide and 80-in. high. Measure the widest opening, that is, from the inside face of the jamb to the opposite jamb face. Take a measurement at the top of the door, in the center, and at the bottom. Use the smallest of these numbers when ordering. Also measure the height or the door jamb, from the face of the top jamb to the threshold. If your jamb is slightly larger than 32-in. or 36-in. x 80-in., you can shim down the opening for a good fit. But if your jamb is smaller than either of these standard dimensions by more than a 1/4-in., you probably will have to have a custom door manufactured to fit the jamb. We installed this security storm door from Sears, which can be used with either a left or right opening because it is not prehung. The frame comes in three parts: the hinge and lock, side frames, and top frame. Decide how you want the door to open and temporarily place the door in the jamb. Place a piece of tape on the inside top corner of the door for reference. Remove the door and set it on edge with the hinge edge up. Position the hinge frame so that it is almost flush with the top of the door (tape on this corner) and with the weatherstrip in contact with the inside of the door when closed. The long end of the frame should extend beyond the bottom of the door. Align the hinges with the predrilled holes for the center hinges and attach them with the screws provided. Then drill pilot holes for the remaining hinge mounting screws, which are self-tapping. Measure the height of the jamb that the hinge frame will be installed against. Then use a hacksaw to cut the hinge frame to this dimension. Slip the vinyl door sweeps into the slots in the bottom of the expander shoe and then push the shoe on the bottom of the door as far as it will go. Put the door and hinge frame in position and hold it there while you mark the location of the top predrilled hole on the jamb. Drill a 1/8-in. pilot hole through the mark and install a screw, but don't tighten it all the way. Before you install the other screws, square up the door and check its alignment in the door jamb. Place shims between the hinge frame and the jamb if there is a gap of more than 1/8-in. between the frame and inside face of the jamb. When the door is square and opens and closes without binding, install another screw at the bottom of the hinge frame. Recheck the door alignment and install the rest of the screws in the face of the hinge frame. Next, drill pilot holes for the stud screws on the inside of the hinge frame. They prevent the door from being opened even if the hinges fail. Don't overtighten them if there is a slight gap between the frame and jamb, because they will twist the frame and the door will bind. Install the header frame next. Position it so there is an 1/8-in. gap between it and the top of the door. Drill pilot holes and install the mounting screws. Measure the distance from the header frame to the threshold on the side of the jamb that the lock frame will be secured to. Temporarily hold the lock frame in position and place a piece of tape on the top for reference. Remove the frame and put it on a secure surface. The Sears door requires that 1 7/8-in. be trimmed off the top of the hinge frame first. Then measure down from the frame top and mark the jamb header dimension on the lower end of the frame. Cut the bottom of the lock frame off with a hacksaw. Put the hinge frame in place and check that there is at least 1/8-in. clearance between the frame and door. There can be no gap between the frame and jamb in the area where the latch and dead bolt mortises (a pocket cut in the jamb to receive bolts) are located. If there is a gap, fill it with a shim that is nailed and glued to the door jamb. Be sure the nails are not in the mortise area. Use the lock frame as a template to mark the location of the latch and dead bolt on the jamb. Use a 1/2-in. wood chisel to cut the jamb mortise and make the latch bolt mortise 1/2-in. deep and the dead bolt mortise 5/8-in. deep. Put the lock side frame in position, check the door clearance, then screw it to the jamb starting with the top screw. Next, install the bottom screw, recheck alignment, and install the remaining screws. Assemble the lock next. This door is equipped with a double cylinder-type dead bolt lock, which requires a key to open it from either the inside or outside. If you remove the inside key, it will prevent someone from breaking the glass or cutting the screen and reaching in and opening the lock. But, remember, in case of a fire or emergency the door cannot be opened from the inside without the key. This lock has a safety feature that allows you to pin the inside key permanently into the inside cylinder, which means it can be opened from the inside. Insert the lock case into the door and secure it with the screws provided. Install the brass escutcheons and then the handles. Open and close the door and check the movement of the lock and the dead bolt and latch bolt alignment. The last adjustment is at the bottom of the door. Close the door, then push the expander down until the vinyl sweeps come into firm contact with the threshold. Open and close the door to check for binding, then drill pilot holes and install the screws locking the expander in place. Before you install the glass or screen, install the closer and safety chain. Written by the editors of HouseNet Copyright HouseNet. Inc. |