Who Can Install Storm Doors?
A local storm door contractor or handyperson can install a storm door
If your storm door has seen better days, you can hire a storm door installer when you need someone to replace it. This could be a contractor or construction company, and your local handyperson or hardware store may also offer this service. Read on for the benefits of hiring a storm door contractor so you can enjoy the protection of a new door.
Benefits of Hiring a Door Installer to Install a Storm Door
A storm door is a secondary door installed on the exterior of a house to guard the main door from rain, snow, and wind and help insulate for energy savings. Hiring a professional storm door installer can ensure your storm door provides proper protection and ventilation. They can also help you choose the right material and style for your home and determine whether you need a storm door versus a screen door.
A professional storm door installer will take height and width measurements and be able to troubleshoot if the house has settled or if there are other issues, like a damaged frame. They will get the correct door size and install it so it swings smoothly on the hinges and meets any building code requirements. Hiring a local storm door installer, whether you go through a contractor, hardware store, or handyperson, can save time and energy.
Different types of doors, such as exterior, interior, fire-rated, and egress doors, have distinct code requirements. A professional door installer has the extensive knowledge to ensure your project is up to code.
Can I DIY Storm Door Installation?
Learning how to install a storm door can be a DIY project, but it might be more complicated than expected. You’ll need to start by taking four measurements: the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the door and the height of the opening. Using the narrowest width as your guide, you’ll choose the new storm door and remove the existing door and doorframe if there is one.
You’ll need to install a new frame and door, including the door closer, handle, hinges, storm door sweep and expander, hinge rail, and drip cap. While this might sound easy at first, it takes time and care to follow all the steps, understand the parts of a storm door, and make the proper adjustments so the door seals properly. Doing this project yourself can save on storm door installation costs, but it can also be challenging, depending on your skill level.
Can I Hire a Handyperson for Storm Door Installation?
A handyperson often has experience with various home repair projects and may be able to install a storm door for you. You may even be able to have them do other repairs around the house while they’re there. Before hiring a handyperson near you for your storm door project, get cost estimates from them and other installers to compare their prices and services and ensure they’re familiar with the local building codes.
How Do Pros Install Storm Doors?
Storm door pros follow these steps to install a storm door. They’ll adjust and troubleshoot as necessary, depending on the type of storm door and any issues they run into:
Measure the width at the top, bottom, and middle of the door opening to determine the right storm door size
Measure the door height
Purchase or order the correct door size, factoring in the best material, window size, locking mechanism, pet door options, and other customizations
Remove the existing door (if there is one) and storm door frame
Install the new storm door frame
Determine the hinge side of the door and install the hinge rail
Hang the storm door and secure it to the frame
Install the drip cap at the top
Attach the latch rail to the frame
Install the handle hardware
Secure the expander and sweep
Install the trim pieces and closer mechanism
