How to Install a New Storm Door in an Old Opening

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva hangs a new storm door in an old opening.

Steps:

1. Screw the hinge jamb to the edge of the storm door.

2. To determine the length of the hinge jamb, go to the doorway and measure the distance from the head jamb down to the sill.

3. Use a sliding T-bevel square to transfer the angle of the doorsill onto the lower end of the hinge jamb.

4. Use a hacksaw to cut the hinge jamb to length.

5. Stand the storm door in the doorway opening. Check it for plumb with a level, then screw the hinge jamb to the door trim.

6. Set the aluminum head jamb on top of the door. Close the door and position the head jamb so that it overlaps the top end of the hinge jamb. Screw the head jamb to the trim above the door.

7. Open the door and slip the latch-side jamb into place. Close the door and adjust the latch-side jamb to create a consistent gap between it and the door edge. Secure the jamb with screws.

8. Open the door and drive screws through the door hinge and into the side jamb.

9. Lay the aluminum expander on a work surface with the weather stripping facing up.

10. Use a hammer and slotted screwdriver to deform the aluminum slot, so that it pinches closed on the weather stripping. That will prevent the weather stripping from sliding out.

11. Slip the expander onto the bottom end of the door. Close the door, push the expander down tight against the sill, then screw the expander to the inside of the door.

12. Screw the striker plate to the side jamb.

13. Attach an automatic door closer to the top and bottom of the door.

14. Install the aluminum-framed insect screen to the door. During the winter, replace the screen with the glass panel.

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