What this covers
A storm door mounts on the outside of the entry casing and closes over the main door. It protects a painted or wood door from weather, lets light in through a full glass panel, and with a screen or ventilating panel lets air through in mild months. The installer measures the opening width and height, since casings vary, mounts the hinge rail on the chosen side, hangs the door, fits the latch and the closer so it shuts gently, adjusts the expander and sweep at the bottom to seal, and checks that the handles of both doors clear each other. Full-view, retractable-screen and ventilating styles suit different climates and entries.
When to call
- A wood or painted entry door exposed to sun and rain without a porch roof.
- A wish for light and airflow at the front door without leaving it open.
- An old storm door with a broken closer, torn screen or sagging frame.
What to expect
- MeasureThe opening and casing are measured and the hinge side chosen to match the entry door.
- MountHinge rail, door and latch rail are fastened to the casing and the door hung.
- AdjustThe closer, latch and bottom expander are set so the door shuts and seals without slamming.
- CheckHandles are tested for clearance, the screen or glass panel fitted, and you try the door.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Will a storm door damage my entry door?
A dark storm door with full glass can trap heat against a painted or fiberglass door on a sunny exposure and blister the finish. Ventilating styles or a lighter color avoid that, and the installer advises on your door's exposure.
Which side should it hinge on?
Usually the same side as the entry door so both open together. Site conditions such as a railing or a wall sometimes call for the opposite.
Can it be installed on any entry?
Most, as long as the casing is deep enough to hold the frame and the entry door's hardware does not stick out so far that the two collide. The installer checks both before ordering.
Related: Entry door installation · Storm windows · Window replacement · All siding, windows and doors
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.