Gather Necessary Tools
Before measuring for a storm door, you will need to gather several essential tools to ensure accurate measurements. The first piece of equipment required is a standard tape measure with at least a 25-foot reach. A tape measure is an essential tool for measuring widths, heights, and depths accurately.
The second tool you will need is a level, either a standard bubble level or a laser level. A level will help ensure that the storm door sits flush and level with the jamb.
The third tool you need is a pencil to mark your measurements on the jamb and door. A pencil is a necessary tool as you will need to mark precise measurements to ensure proper installation.
It is critical to have the right tools before you start the process to avoid any measurement errors. Make sure your tools are in good condition and are accurate to get precise measurements.
Measure The Opening
Installing a storm door is a great way to increase ventilation and natural light without sacrificing security. However, measuring for a new storm door can be tricky, especially if you’ve never done it before. Here’s how to measure for a storm door so that you get the right fit.
Tools You Will Need
Before you get started, you’ll want to make sure you have a few essential tools on hand. These include:
- A tape measure
- A level
- A pencil and paper
Height and Width
To measure the height and width of the storm door opening, you’ll want to start by measuring from the inside edge of the hinge-side door frame to the corresponding edge of the opposite side. This will give you the width measurement.
Next, measure from the top of the door opening to the bottom. This is your height measurement. Be sure to measure in a few different places to ensure that your door opening is square. Record these measurements on your paper.
It’s also a good idea to measure the opening midway down the frame, in case your door opening is slightly warped. This will ensure that the measurements are roughly the same length.
Depth
Now that you have your height and width measurements, it’s time to move on to the depth of the doorjamb.
To measure the depth, use your tape measure to measure from the inside edge of the doorjamb to the outer edge. This measurement will tell you how thick your storm door can be without interfering with the doorjamb. Record this measurement on your paper as well.
Finalizing Your Measurements
Once you have your height, width, and depth measurements, it’s time to finalize them. Take a few minutes to double-check your measurements and make sure that they are accurate.
If you’re not confident in your measurements, try measuring again or asking someone else to help you. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to measurements.
With your measurements in hand, you can now start shopping for a storm door that fits your measurements. Be sure to take your time and choose a door that fits your needs and budget.
Measuring for a storm door may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple when you break it down into a few easy steps. With a bit of patience and some basic tools, you can measure for a storm door like a pro.
Determine The Swing
Before purchasing a storm door, it is crucial to determine the swing of your current door. This will help you select a door that properly fits and functions. Stand inside your house and face your door. If the doorknob is on your right-hand side, the door swings right. Conversely, if the doorknob is on your left-hand side, the door swings left.
Keep in mind that some doors may swing both ways, and these are referred to as “double-swing doors.” If you have a double-swing door, you will need to measure each side separately and purchase two separate doors.
Measuring the swing of your door will also help you determine the placement of the hinges on your new storm door. This is essential for proper installation and function. If your door swings right, the hinges on your new storm door should be placed on the right-hand side. If your door swings left, the hinges should be placed on the left-hand side.
If you’re unsure about the swing of your door, it’s always best to double-check. Make sure to measure the swing of the inner and outer door for double-swing doors. This ensures you have the correct information and can purchase the proper storm door for your home.
Choose The Right Size
When it comes to storm doors, selecting the right size is crucial. Not only will a proper fit ensure your door functions properly, but it will also enhance the overall appearance of your home. Here’s how to measure for a storm door:
Step 1: Measure the height of your entryway from the threshold to the top of the jamb. This measurement will determine the height of the door you need.
Step 2: Measure the width of your entryway at three points: the top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest measurement. This will determine the width of the door you need.
Step 3: Determine the swing direction of your door. Stand outside your entryway and determine if the door swings in or out. This will ensure you purchase the appropriate door, either a right or left-hand swing.
Step 4: Refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart to select the appropriate size based on your measurements and swing direction. Keep in mind that most storm doors come in standard sizes, so you may need to adjust your measurements accordingly to find a door that fits your space adequately.
It’s important to note that improper sizing can lead to a variety of issues, including poor insulation, water leakage, and difficulty opening and closing the door. By measuring correctly and selecting the appropriate size, you can avoid these issues altogether and enjoy a properly functioning and aesthetically pleasing storm door.
Double Check
Before making a purchase decision, it is crucial to double-check the storm door’s measurement. It is best to avoid any miscalculations that can lead to a bad fit, ultimately resulting in wasted time, effort, and money. Measuring the opening multiple times and taking note of the sizes is a necessary step.
At times, the storm door measurement might not match the size of the entrance. The process of checking will help identify any discrepancies. Take measurements using a reliable tool and note the width and height of the opening. The measure should be taken from the inside of the door jamb and not the trim.
It is advisable to measure the opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Most door openings are not always perfectly square. Variations in the measurements can range from an eighth to a quarter inch. Therefore, measuring across varying angles of the frames is essential when shopping for storm doors.
If the measurements do not match, it is advisable to choose a door that is an inch or two smaller than the opening size on either side. This flexibility helps make adjustments during installation.
Additionally, double-check the measurement when ordering custom storm doors online. It is easy to make errors that result in the wrong door size when doing it yourself. Custom orders are non-refundable, so it is best to avoid mistakes during measurements.
