Once you've already bought your storm door, of course, the next step is to have it installed. You might be thinking how much time you should allow for this task, and that's why we've asked door experts about it so we can help you out. Here's what they have to say.
The time it takes to install a storm door will depend on the complexity of the job and level of expertise. Professional door installers can accomplish this task in 30 minutes while DIY'ers would most likely finish installing their storm doors in four hours or half a day.
Hang on so we can tell you more about the time it'll take you to install a storm door and what else you need to prepare to have it working properly. We'll also help you decide whether you can do this task by yourself or you should leave it to the experts.
Is it difficult to install a storm door?
A storm door is good to have as a second door for your main entryway. It can protect your front door from harsh weather conditions and help it maintain its good look. It'll also allow natural light to come in and provide ventilation while keeping dirt, debris, and bugs from getting inside your home.
A storm door will also improve your home's insulation and help you save on energy costs. Yes, you'll get to enjoy all these as long as your door is installed properly.
Door experts say that this task is relatively easy to do. It'll take them anywhere from half an hour to two hours tops to get the job done. Of course, they're experts after all!
The time involved in the installation of your storm door will depend on the complexity of the job and level of expertise.
Complexity of the job
If your storm door needs customization to make it fit the opening perfectly and perhaps a paint job, too, to match your exterior door, then expect it to take longer. It might take four hours or half a day to finish everything.
But there are storm doors that already come pre-hung and with an installation kit that make the job so much easier. Some door manufacturers say that this door system can be put in place in 45 minutes.
Level of expertise
As mentioned above, professional door installers can accomplish this task in 30 minutes. They have the skills, knowledge, and experience that allow them to complete the job in such a short time. They are equipped with the right tools to install the door efficiently.
But in general, anyone who knows his way with tools and has someone to lend a helping hand can have a storm door installed in half a day.
Make sure that you have the tools and materials that you need such as:
- a power drill,
- a Phillips head screwdriver,
- hacksaw,
- and measuring tape.
Door manufacturers provide an instruction manual for the proper installation of their units. You just need to follow the guide and you'll do just fine.
However, if you don't feel comfortable with this task or don't have the time to spare, you can ask a door service provider to install your storm door for you. Prepare to shell out between $70 and $200 for the cost of labor.
Does Home Depot install storm doors?
Aside from offering a wide range of storm doors to choose from, Home Depot also provides door installation services. Whether you buy your door from them or not, you can contact them to do the job for you.
The cost of having a storm door installed by Home Depot is slightly above $100. They say that the cost of labor depends on the style of the door and not on the kind of material used. For example, they charge more for installing patio doors than storm doors.
You can potentially save on the rate of door installation when you ask them to install multiple doors for you. You can enjoy their discounted rates when you have three or more doors installed at the same time.
You may also buy other door hardware that you need for your storm door from Home Depot. They are your one-stop-shop for your door needs.
Does Lowes install storm doors?
Just like Home Depot, Lowes has a wide array of storm doors in its stores. You can choose different brands, styles, and finishes that you need. However, when it comes to the installation of your door, Lowes doesn't have an in-house service provider. Rather, they'll refer you to their trusted door installers.
These professionals work independently from Lowes but the store has ensured that the backgrounds of their contacts have been checked diligently. They have to be licensed and insured before they can be part of Lowes' pool of professional independent installers.
Just talk to the sales associates at Lowes to discuss your plans for the installation of your storm door so they can refer you to the right contractor. They can also provide you with a quotation for the price that you have to pay so you can set your budget accordingly.
Do storm doors come with handles?
Whether your storm door would come with a handle depends on the package that you're getting. There are storm door kits that are available at your local hardware store or door dealer. These usually include everything you need for the installation of your storm door along with the handle.
However, there are some storm doors that don't come with handles. In such a case, you have to buy them separately.
There are different types of handles for your storm door. You can choose from the classic push-button handle, levers, or pull handles. These are all easy to use and will facilitate the opening and closing of your door.
Handlesets are also available in different finishes to match the look of your storm and entry doors. You can get them in brass, satin nickel, matte black, or aged bronze. Just choose which one will complement the look of your doors especially as this can immediately be seen from the outside.
It would also be good to add a lockset to add a layer of security to your new door.
When installing the handle on your storm door, it is normally placed on the same side of the handle of the front door that it's giving protection to.
Door handles are also easy to install. They usually come with a template that you need to follow to be able to install them properly.
Check out this push-button door handle on Amazon.
What screws do I need to install a storm door?
As mentioned above, there are storm doors that you buy that already come with a kit. This makes them easier to install as you already have all the hardware that you need. All that's left are the tools to get the job done.
In case your storm door doesn't come with the needed screws or you've lost them, you can buy the screws that you need from your local hardware store. Just ask for #8 screws with 1" length. These are common utility screws and they'll accomplish the task since you're not dealing with very thick or heavy material.
Final Thoughts
Allot about half a day if you plan to install your storm door by yourself. Just follow the instructions in the manual to be able to do the job properly. But if you don't have that much time, you can always ask a professional contractor to do this for you and you'll also be confident about the quality of the work.
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