| Screen Door |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-101 |
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Q: I have an old screen door that my wife has been bugging me to replace. My time is up and I've got to tackle the project myself. Any advice?
A: (Brad Staggs, Home-Improvement Expert) You can install your own screen door, and it's relatively pain-free. Here's how to do it: Materials:
Screen/storm door unit
Hacksaw
Tape measure
Pencil
Hammer
Drill and bits
Screwdriver
Casing nails
Screws
- Remove the old screen door and set up a couple of sawhorses (put towels on them to keep the finish from rubbing off your new door as you work).
- If the z-channel hasn't been preattached to your door, cut it to proper size with a hacksaw and align it to the door (figure A). Then attach it with a couple of screws, predrilling if you need to. There are a couple of measurements that you have to keep in mind while you're doing this. First of all, you need to install the z-channel 1/16 to 1/8 inch down from the door top. That way, the door won't slam on the frame.
- The second important measurement is the overall length of the z-channel. Get that number by measuring the doorway from top to bottom, and subtracting 1/16 to 1/8 inch, so the door will fit in easily. Then go ahead and cut and attach the z-channel.
Safety alert: When you cut metal with a hacksaw, be sure to wear safety glasses. - Attend to the sweep, drilling holes for it now at the bottom of the door, and sliding it into position But don't actually attach it until you've hung the door and moved it up and down to suit the threshold.
- Have someone help you lift the door into place on the door frame. Hold it into position and drill starter holes on the side of the door with the z-channel (figure B). Then install the screws that came with the screen door.
- Put the rest of the track on, including the top and the piece opposite the z-bar.
- For the door handle, use the template that comes with the door and tells you exactly where to predrill the holes (figure C).
- Place the handle on one side, the latch on the other, and attach by drilling the screws into the predrilled holes
- Put the strike place on, first shutting the door to determine where it needs to line up with the latch. Screw the strike plate in, predrilling new holes if you don't already have holes from the last strike plate.
- Pop the screen into place.
More questions for Brad:
Q: I've got some old paint on my screen door in addition to old-fashioned dirt. What's the best way to clean it?
A : Of course it all depends on whether you have a vinyl, metal or wood storm door, but the rule of thumb is to start with the least caustic chemicals. So first try soap and water and then a little turpentine for the paint. Avoid steel wool or a harsh scrubbing sponge because you could end up scratching the finish.
Q : Can you make your doors swing out rather than in?
A: Yes, all you need to do is put the frame on the outside, and reverse everything else so the doors swing out.
Q: Can you paint storm doors?
A: Yes you can. If you're going to paint a vinyl door, you want to use a vinyl paint. A metal door you want to prime with a metal primer, sand until smooth and then paint with a metal paint. Same with a wood door -- sand the wood and then spray or brush paint it.
RESOURCES :
Screen-door guards
Screen-Door Guards
Alumax Aluminum Corp.
Lancaster, PA 17604
Phone: 717-299-3711
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