Getting Hammered by the Weather? Measure Storm Doors for an Easy Fix

Has your home's entryway been bearing the brunt of intense winds, heavy rain, blowing snow, and other extreme weather events recently? Do drafts, leaks, and ventilation issues have you feeling like you need storm preparations for your house? Installing a properly fitted storm door can provide an effective solution to protect your home's entrance and prevent the elements from damaging your interior.

But finding success with a new storm door hinges on taking accurate measurements of your existing door opening first. Careful measurement is crucial because failing to order the right storm door size can lead to problems like air and water leaks, operation issues, and an inability to protect your home. Follow key measurement tips and techniques to ensure storm door installation goes smoothly.

Why Install a Storm Door?

Before measuring for a new unit, it helps to understand all the benefits that today's storm doors provide.

• Block rain, snow, wind gusts, leaves, and other exterior debris from blowing into home interiors
• Save on energy bills by reducing heat loss from drafts in winter, air conditioning escape in summer
• Enhance home ventilation with interchangeable glass and screen panels
• Improve curb appeal with stylish contemporary or classic looks
• Boost security with heavy-duty construction and locksets

Key Storm Door Components

Today's storm doors typically feature sturdy yet lightweight aluminum frames combined with weather-resistant glass panels, protective screens, and hardware designed to withstand the elements. Most include interchangeable glass and screen inserts to balance ventilation against interior climate control needs.

Frames

Storm door frames provide the foundation and structural strength to block wind gusts while enabling smooth operation. Frame materials like aluminum offer corrosion resistance and durability along with slim profiles that don't obstruct views. Steel, wood, vinyl and composite frames provide other options balancing impact resistance, insulation properties, weight, and aesthetics.

Glass and Screen Panels

Full-view glass panels promote light and visibility while protecting against wind-driven rain and debris. Partial or half panels framed with screens promote air circulation during mild weather. Specialty glass choices like tempered, double pane, or Low Emissivity (Low-E) glass provide extra protection or insulation. Screens keep insects out while allowing ventilation on warm days.

Hardware

Hinges, locks, handles, and sweeps contribute to proper storm door installation and operation while promoting security and weatherproofing. Multi-point locks activated by keys or interior thumb turns provide protection against intruders even when panels are partially open. Door sweeps seal out drafts, water infiltration and debris at the base of the door.

Measuring Basics to Size Your Storm Door

Installing a properly measured storm door takes a bit more effort than simply guessing at standard width and height dimensions. But avoiding shortcuts here makes the difference between battling the outdoor elements or finally having an effective barrier protecting your home.

Use an Accurate Measuring Tape

Investing in a quality steel tape measure ensures you record the most precise opening measurements possible. Cloth, plastic or retractable tapes stretch over time, resulting in inaccuracies. Carefully measure height on the left, right, and centered on the opening then width from top to bottom in three equal spots.

Account for Out of Square Openings

Many doors in older homes lack perfect right angles and plumb orientations to their frames. Measuring width and height in multiple locations captures any narrow spots that could constrain door fit. Always use the smallest measurements to select the replacement storm door size.

Common Storm Door Measurement Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing through the measuring process often results in problems fitting storm doors. Here are key mistakes that leave homeowners exposed to the elements:

Failure to Measure Multiple Points

Assuming an opening matches predictable dimensions without carefully measuring all sides almost always causes issues. Professionals recommend at least three width and three height checks to capture minimums.

Not Accounting for Floor Clearance

Storm doors typically incorporate a sweep along the base to seal out water and debris. The transition height from exterior floors to the interior surface can require extra clearance. Measure for proper floor allowance so the door can swing freely over transitions once installed.

Ignoring Need for Custom Sizing

Despite manufacturer size charts, very few storm door products fit existing openings perfectly right out of the box. Assuming standard sizes will work rather than ordering custom-sized doors commonly results in alignment problems, gaps, and weatherproofing issues.

Adjustments for a Perfect Storm Door Fit

With accurate opening measurements in hand, further tailoring helps fine tune the final fit of a new storm door installation.

Bridge Gaps with Shims

Small gaps inevitably occur between uneven openings and the new framing. Shims temporarily bridge these spaces while allowing adjustability during mounting. They translate to smoothly operating doors that block outdoor conditions.

Custom Trimming

Most storm door products allow for a small amount of height and width trimming if needed during installation. Hire a professional for custom sizing for the best fit possible.

Seal Perimeters with Weatherstripping

Adhesive foam or rubber weatherstripping tapes fill any remaining hairline gaps around finished doors. Backed materials help the seals conform tightly for protection against air and moisture penetration.

Ordering the Right Replacement Door

Precision measurements set the stage for acquiring the ideal storm door to meet your home's requirements. Assess the style, materials, and specialized features needed before purchase.

Consult Size Charts

Manufacturers provide width and height dimensions for standard versus custom sized storm door product skus. Match your minimum opening measurements to size options for the proper fit.

Select Frame and Glass

Evaluate aluminum versus steel, full glass, half screen, triple-pane, and other combinations that meet structural, visibility, ventilation, and insulation needs.

Assess Hardware

Choose durable finishes, multi-point locks, and sweep seals providing long-term performance in regional weather conditions.

Account for Professional Installation

Factor in potential costs to hire an experienced contractor for modifying doors and adjusting components like thresholds for a perfect fit.

Meticulous storm door mounting steps further ensure your new barrier meets operational and protective expectations:

• Shim anchoring points to minimize gaps
• Ensure door is level and plumb for proper function
• Adjust sweeps, seals, and locks for smooth operation
• Caulk perimeter for water-tight exterior barrier

By taking the time to carefully measure for a replacement storm door, homeowners can finally defend their property against the ravages of extreme weather. Follow essential measuring and installation tips, and you'll stop getting hammered by the elements once and for all.