Your storm door can take a lot of abuse. If it's not latched correctly, wind can misalign it or even tear it off its hinges. Kids, pets, and even routine use can also take their toll on your door. Eventually, it'll need to be repaired or replaced. Here's how to figure out whether it's time to fix your door, or if it's a lost cause. Repairing or replacing the door yourself can save you money, and get your door back in operation a lot faster. Here are some common problems you might see in your storm door, and what to do about them.
Your Door Sags
It's not necessary to replace a sagging storm door. Repair with a turn buckle, some wire cable, and screws meant for sheet metal is very effective, if not the most attractive solution. However, the repair is only visible from inside, so the outer appearance of your home won't be affected. Attach the two cables diagonally inside, starting near the hinge. Run them to the door's opposite corners, and join them in the center with the turn buckle. You can then use the turn buckle to tighten the wires and give life to the doors. These parts are easily found at home improvement outlets and hardware stores.
The Door Doesn't Close
A storm door that doesn't latch is in danger of further damage. Strong winds could pull the attachment hardware right out of the door frame, damaging the frame, too. If your door won't close because it's misaligned and striking its own frame, tighten the screws attaching it to the interior door jamb. Often, this adjustment, although minor, is enough to realign a storm door, allowing it to latch. If the door doesn't touch the frame, you can still adjust it. Try turning the screw that regulates air intake on the pneumatic closing device in the middle of the door. If this doesn't work, try replacing this device. It's an inexpensive fix compared to getting a brand new door.
Wooden Frame Door Has Loose Frame
When the frames of a wood frame screen door become loose, the repair is simple. If you need to replace the screen, do so. Then reinforce the frame's joints with wood glue and metal corner plates. Once the glue dries, you can sand, paint, or stain the door as normal.
Of course, there are cases where you'll need to buy a new storm door. If the solution to one of the above problems is visually unappealing to you, or the door itself is damaged, it might be easier to replace it, rather than repair. However, not every storm door problem ends in a new door. Look into your options for repairing your door before you go shopping.
Storm Door & Screen Door Related Articles
Exterior Door Installation
Installing an exterior door can help make your home safer, as well as look a lot better. If you want to give your house a facelift, one great place to begin is with the front door. There are several types available, each with its...
Buying a Pet Screen Door
Installing a screen door for your pet might seem a little bit unusual. However, a pet door in a screen door makes sense when you realize how often you'll be opening and closing the door to let Rover in and out. There are...
Wood Screen Doors Provide Old Fashioned Quality
There are plenty of reasons for wanting an old style wooden-framed screen door for your home. Whether you have an old house that you want to match in style, or just enjoy the warm, strong feeling of wood, these doors have...
