A screen door is a common addition on every exterior door in your home. It not only lets the warmth of summer come into your house, but it also keeps out unwanted pests and varmints. Over time, with the kids slamming in and out, the seasonal weather changes, and just day to day use, the frame of your screen door may need to be replaced. If your a do it yourself guy or gal, you can easily tackle this project and have it done in just a few hours time.
The first step is to remove the existing screen door frame. Remember - Safety first! So, the very first step is to put on a pair of protective safety goggles. Then, you'll need to read and follow the manufacturer's directions in order to put the replacement door frame on.
Basically, though, you'll need to remove the old frame first. To do this, you'll need to use a screwdriver to loosen, and then remove the screws that hold the hinges on. Prop the door open, or have an assistant hold the door so you can get to the screws without the door being in the way. There's a trick to removing the screws and the hinges so that the door won't flop back and forth. And that is to remove the top ones first, then the bottom ones, and finally, remove the middle screws and hinges. Set the existing screen door frame aside and discard it later.
The second step is to dry fit the new door into the opening to make sure it fits snugly, but not too tight or too loose. If the replacement door is made of wood, you can trim off the edges of the door, if need be, with a sander or a wood plane. But, if the new door is made of aluminum or another type of metal, it cannot be trimmed. If the metal door doesn't fit right, then you'll have to adjust the door frame to fit the door. You can do this by either adding shims if the door is too small, or, you can plane or sand down the wood frame is the door is just a little bit too large.
Once the replacement screen door frame fits in the doorway properly, the third step in this project is to install the new hinges. If the old hinge holes can be reused, use screws that are a little longer than the old screws to fasten the new hinges onto the doorway. If the new hinges fit differently, then you'll need to measure and mark the locations of the new holes onto the doorway. Then, use an electric drill to make starter holes for the screws. Place the hinges over the holes and secure them on the doorway.
The fourth step is to set the back edge of the new door frame inside the doorway and place the free side of the hinges onto the edge of the door. Have your assistant hold the door while you use a screwdriver to insert and tighten the screws into the door.
Check to make sure the new screen door frame swings freely, and that it closes completely. Then, check and move the striker plate on the door jamb if you need to.
