7 Steps to Installing Your Own Screen Doors

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Installing Your Own Screen Doors

What are the steps to installing a screen door?

  1. Measure the door frame and choose the best size for the door.
  2. Gather the tools you need.
  3. Dry fit the door to the frame and get 1/8″ (3.18 mm) spacing off of each side and 1/4″ (6.35 mm) off the top and bottom.
  4. Level the door and mark where the hinges need to go. Do this by holding the hinge where you want it to be and making sure it’s also leveled. Use the holes on the hinge to make marks on both the door and frame.
  5. Remove the door and attach the hinge to the door.
  6. Place the door back on the frame and attach the hinges to the frame.
  7. Attach the handle

Having a screen door installed in your home is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors without actually leaving the house. However, there are a number of factors to be considered if you want this in your home – from the best hand tools to high-quality materials that you need to create and acquire the perfect screen door.

If you’re looking to install a screen door on your own, then read on further to find out exactly how.

Make the Measurements

Measure the door opening from the outside. Usually, the width will be fixed to standard sizes. However, the height may vary. Getting the measurements will help you figure what size of the screen door to get.

Gather Tools

While the door is an obvious need, most especially in your home, certain products will need certain tools. This may include shims, screwdrivers, power drills, rulers, and metal cutters.

Adjusting the Door Fit and Size

Place the door on the frame for a dry fit. It must be at least 1/8″ (3.18 mm) on each side and 1/4″ (6.35 mm) off the top and bottom. Most doors will come with an expander to help you get this kind of fit. In case the door is too big for your frame, all you have to do is adjust the expander and hinge channel by cutting them. If none of these helps you, you can always cut the door itself with the help of your trusty saw.

You need to get the spacing right so that the door will open and close smoothly. In addition, you must always remember that a screen door that is not properly sealed cannot keep pests out.

Place the Hinges

While the door is in its dry fit position, mark where the screws of the hinges needed to go on both the door and the frame. Take note that you should do this when the door is completely leveled. Additionally, the hinge must also be leveled when you’re making the marks so that the door will swing properly.

Remove the door from the dry fit and drill holes on the marks you have created on the door. Screw the hinges into it.

Attach it to the Frame

Dry fit the door again and make sure that the holes on the frame are still accurate. If they aren’t, then mark new ones. Again, the door must be leveled when you do this. Drill in these holes. Then, attach the hinges to the frame, but make sure to screw in the bottom hole of the top hinge first. From there, make sure the door is leveled again. Make the necessary adjustments again if it isn’t. Screw in the rest of the hole.

Attach the Handle

Finally, just attach the handle and you have a screen door installed! You will see the effects of this in your home; you can now enjoy looking through your beautiful garden or the great outdoors without fully opening your doors. This will also hinder pesky pests and termites to come inside of your house!

Test the Door

Ideally, the door should smoothly open and close by this step, especially after all the leveling and spacing you should have done. However, human error is inevitable. Just repair and adjust by redoing a few steps if the screen door does not feel right or if it is not properly fit. If you make a mistake in leveling the hinge, remove it and place it on another spot on the door and frame.

Optional Steps

Follow the instructions in the manual to install the door if the unit you chose have it. In addition, if the door will be exposed to rain, then you may want to install a rain or drip cap.

02_key-takeaway

Installing your own screen door is all about taking the time to be accurate. Hopefully, these given steps will ultimately help you to install the perfect screen door that will ultimately fit your home. Enjoy the great outdoors!

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