If you're planning to buy an EMCO storm door and would like to know how to install it, look no further. We've got you covered. Here are the instructions straight from the experts.
To install your EMCO storm door, you need to:
- Decide whether you want your door handle to be on the left or right side.
- Install the hinge rail and cover plate.
- Install the door sweep.
- Mount the door in its place and attach the hinge rail to the doorframe.
- Install the rain cap.
- Install the latch rail.
- Install the window panel and latch assembly.
- Install the handle set and strike plate.
- Install the door closer.
- Install the screw covers along the top and sides of the door.
Hang on so that we can guide you through the entire installation process of your EMCO storm door. We'll also help you decide if it's a good choice for a storm door. Let's also talk about Low E glass and how long storm doors last.
Installing an Emco Storm Door
While looking for the best storm door for your house, you might have come across an EMCO storm door. It comes in different designs and models that would complement your house's exterior.
Manufacturers say that they are easy to install. Just how easy is easy? They say that everything can come together in two hours and this job can be done using basic skills and tools.
Tools and materials that you'll need:
- power drill
- 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch drill bits
- Phillips screwdriver
- flat blade screwdriver or 1/4-inch nut driver
- pliers
- center punch
- chisel
- hammer
- scissors
- tape measure
- masking tape
- pencil
- safety glasses
Steps to Install EMCO Storm Door
- Check the contents of your EMCO storm door installation kit.
- Determine the handedness of your door. Make sure there are no obstructions where you will put the handle and when the door swings.
- Check if you'll be needing the hinge rail shim to correct the gaps. It comes with the kit.
- Put the door in an upright position. Determine the interior and exterior sides.
- Place the handle side of the door frame on a flat surface.
- Install the hinge rail. Screw the hinges securely.
- Position and install the cover plate.
- Put the door over two sawhorses.
- Install the door sweep at the bottom of the storm door. Trim off any excess.
- You can now position the storm door for mounting.
- Attach the hinge rail to the frame of the door.
- Install the rain cap at the underside of the top trim.
- Clean any residue on the edge of the door before installing the latch rail on the other side of the door frame.
- Install the window panel and latch assembly.
- Use the template to install the handle set.
- Install the strike plate on the latch rail.
- Install the door closer near the bottom portion of the door.
- Adjust the door sweep as necessary.
- If your storm door comes with an edge seal, now is the time to install it at the lock side of the door.
- Install the screw cover at the top and sides of the door.
- Open and close the storm door to see if it works properly.
EMCO storm doors come with a complete installation guide. The screws and hardware in the kit are contained in color-coded bags to make it easier for you to identify the parts you need during each part of the installation process. Everything has been prepped already to make the job easier.
Is Emco a good storm door?
EMCO Enterprises, Inc. is a subsidiary of Andersen Corporation so the manufacturers of Andersen and EMCO storm doors are the same.
Andersen has been a trusted brand for more than a century. They are committed to quality, performance, and continuously designing doors that would meet the needs of each generation.
Recently, the 400 Series of EMCO storm doors have consistently been a part of esteemed reviewers' lists of the best storm doors in the market. They've also received high satisfaction ratings from thousands of buyers.
Easily Installed
This collection features easy-to-install doors that can be assembled within two hours. The doors have a one-hand retractable insect screen which makes them easy to operate and versatile. They are great to use any time of the year.
Easily Maintained
EMCO storm doors feature a CoreDefense Panel System that makes them resistant to moisture, weatherproof, durable, and easy to clean.
You can choose the style and color that would go well with the exterior of your house. They also come with a built-in keyed lock for enhanced protection.
Warranty
Each EMCO storm door comes with a 10-year limited warranty that includes its frame, hinges, and paint adhesion. Most of the other components of the door have a one-year limited warranty.
Being able to provide this kind of warranty, despite all the impact that storm doors face, says a lot about the company's belief in the quality of their products.
All things considered, we can say that EMCO is a good storm door. It is durable, easy to install, offers you options for customization, and its decade-long warranty will give you peace of mind.
How long does a storm door last?
Storm doors are built to be durable since they have to protect the front doors. However, since they take in all the brunt of the harsh weather conditions, one would typically wonder how long it'll last against such unforgiving circumstances.
Storm doors are expected to last between 25 and 50 years. Their actual life expectancy will depend on the following factors:
Materials Used
Storm doors are made from different materials. These are:
- Vinyl: This is made of resin polyvinyl chloride. It is durable, has excellent resistance to water, and can endure changing weather conditions.
- Steel: Steel is longlasting, rugged, and can resist damages and dents.
- Aluminum: This is a durable material despite being lightweight.
- Wood: The core of some storm doors feature wood. This makes them more budget-friendly but they aren't necessarily the strongest material out there.
It is expected that steel-clad storm doors will last longer than wood-core storm doors because of the quality of the materials used.
Workmanship
It is worthwhile to invest in a high-quality storm door made by a door manufacturer that you trust. This is where reading customer reviews helps a lot. You get to know the quality of the product based on the customers' feedback about their own experiences.
Environmental factors
There are some areas that experience extreme weather conditions. This can take its toll on storm doors and affect their life expectancy.
Proper maintenance
Storm doors may require minimal upkeep but they will benefit a lot from proper usage and regular maintenance of their homeowners. This will ensure that these doors will last longer than expected.
Make sure you do your research before purchasing a new storm door. Consider the material that it is made of and how it was manufactured. Make sure it is properly maintained so that you can get more life out of it.
What is Low E glass in a storm door?
Glass is a crucial component of every storm door. Glass window panels in storm doors just differ in size as there are storm doors that come in full view, mid-view, and high-view.
However, not all glass used in this type of door is created equal. Low-E glass windows are one of the three types of glasses. The other two are clear and laminated glass.
Low-E or low emissivity in a storm door is clear glass that has been treated and coated with a metallic oxide such as silver or tin. This thin layer of coating is invisible but it does wonders to the glass' performance.
Because of their layer of metallic oxide, Low E glass windows are able to reflect the heat back coming from their source. The coating also helps block off harmful UV and infrared wavelengths.
This means that low E glass helps make your home become more energy-efficient. It will trap the heat inside your home during winter and won't allow heat from the outside to enter your home during the summer.
The temperature inside your home is maintained which helps keep you comfortable no matter what the weather is outside. Best of all, you get to save on energy costs!
Since this type of glass blocks off UV rays, it prevents premature fading of your curtains, hardwood floors, and everything else that's affected by too much exposure to UV rays. These are the things that make Low E glass windows worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
Don't be overwhelmed by the steps in the installation of an EMCO storm door. Everything has been prepped for easy assembly. With your DIY skills and a lot of patience, you can get your EMCO storm door working properly in two hours.
To read more posts regarding storm door installation, you may visit the following links:
