Screen doors are a fantastic addition to any home installation, keeping your doors protected from the elements in winter and allowing fresh air to enter your home in summer. Screen doors are also easy to install by yourself. Get ready with step 1 below to find out how!
Step
Step 1. Measure the door
Measure the door frame (on the outside) where you want the new screen door to be installed. Screen doors are generally sold in standard sizes, so you need to find out which standard size is closest to your door size. Look for a screen door that is closest to the size of your door frame at your local home supply store.
The width of the door is generally fixed and the height of the door varies. Purchase a door that is closest to the appropriate height, but bear in mind that some cutting may be required. Gutters can be installed if the door is too small
Step 2. Gather your equipment
When you buy a screen door, there is usually a list of accessories you will need written on the package. Collect the equipment before you start. Tools such as wedges, screwdrivers, electric drills, rulers, and metal cutting tools are usually required.
Step 3. Decide which way the door will open
Generally, screen door handles should be on the same side as your main door handle. However, if the doorknobs are blocking each other or if the screen door opens and hits a lamp or other object, you can make it open in the other direction.
Step 4. Install the rain gutters
If you live in an area that often rains and your door is not protected, you will need to install gutters over the door to keep water from getting inside. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing this simple protective device.
Step 5. Measure the door size and measure the fit
Place the screen door into the door frame. Arrange the doors so that they are equidistant from both sides and from top to bottom. Doors should be about 3 mm from the ends of both sides and 6 mm from the top and bottom ends.
Most screen doors come with a sill expander, to help the screen door fit better if the door is too small
Step 6. Adjust the door size
If your screen door is too large, adjust the hinge path or sill expander by trimming it to the right size. The door can also be cut to size, if the door is made of a certain material (but this is not recommended).
Step 7. Mark the hinge places on the door and door frame
When sizing the door, mark the place for the screw hinges with a pencil. Make sure that the door is in the correct orientation when you do this.
Step 8. Install the hinges on the door
Place the door on a hard surface, such as a workbench, and place the hinges where you marked, making sure to check that the hinges open in the correct direction.
Step 9. Install the door hinge over the door frame
Place the door hinges on the door frame at the places you marked earlier. Drill 0.32cm guide holes and use the recommended screws to attach the door and hinges to the door frame. Start by screwing the bottom holes on the top hinges, using a spirit level to ensure that the door is aligned and then screwing all the hinge holes.
Blocks or wedges can help you hold the door in place while you do this
Step 10. Install the door handle if it is not already installed
Remove the wedges and install the screen door handles according to the manufacturer's instructions. Many screen doors have door handles attached.
Step 11. Test the door
Try using the door, check to see if it opens and closes easily.
Step 12. Install the door closing device, if the door closing device is included in the screen door
Install the automatic door closing following the manufacturer's instructions.
Tips
- Before you install the screen door, paint or varnish as you like. This job is made easier if the door is placed on the easel table rather than already in place.
- Use a screen door that is spring attached and you won't need to use an automatic door closing.
- The self-aligning drill bit will help you align the screws on the door hinges and prevent the wood on the door frame from splitting.
Warning
- When buying a screen door, make sure that the screen door is not too small. Ideally, the screen door should be no less than 9 mm smaller than your required size.
- When you cut the door to reduce its size, don't cut the sides too much. Otherwise, you will reduce the strength of the door.
