How to Install a Storm Door

Lay everything out before you start. You need a cordless drill, a driver, a level, a tape measure, a pencil, and the hex key that ships in the box. Set them on the flat carton so nothing rolls off into the grass. Read the tools-recommended panel printed right on the packaging - Larson lists exactly what the EasyHang install calls for.

Hold the hinge-side mounting rail, the Z-bar, up against the door frame. The EasyHang rail hangs in place so you can check the fit before a single screw goes in. Get the top square to the frame, then run a pencil down the rail and mark each screw spot on the jamb. Take your time here. A straight rail is what makes the whole door hang true.

Lay the door flat on the carton and drive the rail onto the door edge with your drill. The pre-set holes line the rail up for you, so you drop a screw in each one and snug it down. Keep the driver straight so the heads sit flush against the metal. Work down the rail in order and don't overtighten - you want them firm, not stripped.

Set the door into the opening and check that it sits square. Then kneel at the base and screw the bottom rail into the sill. Work along the threshold and sink each screw so the frame pulls tight to the doorway. This is the step that locks the whole door to the opening, so make sure the gap along the sides stays even as you go.

Fit the handle and latch hardware onto the door face. Hold the outside handle plate in place with one hand, then thread the mounting screws through from the inside. Get both hands on it so the plate does not shift while you start the screws. Line the two halves up before you tighten anything, or the handle will bind when you go to turn it.

Finish the latch set and mount the closer bracket. Line the latch body up with the strike on the frame and drive the last screws home. The closer is the pneumatic arm that pulls the door shut behind you. Attach it at the top per the instructions, then check that the handle turns freely and the latch catches when you push the door to.

Swing the door a few times. Make sure it clears the frame, latches clean, and sits square in the opening. Run a bead of caulk down the outside edges of the rails where they meet the trim to keep water out. That is a fully installed storm door, ready to take the weather and give you years of use.