How to Measure for a Storm Door: A Simple Guide
Are you considering adding a storm door to your home? Storm doors are a great investment, offering an extra layer of protection against the elements while also letting in light and air.
But before you buy, you need to know how to measure a storm door accurately. Here’s your easy-to-follow guide to ensure you get the right fit.
Standard Storm Door Sizes
Source: https://www.larsondoors.com/
Storm doors come in various sizes, but most homes built in the last 30 years have front door openings around 36 inches wide by 80-81 inches tall. Back doors traditionally measure 32 inches wide by 80-81 inches tall. However, more recent homes often use 36 inches for back doors too. Here’s a breakdown of standard door sizes:
For 81″ Tall Doors:
30 x 81 inches
32 x 81 inches
34 x 81 inches
36 x 81 inches
42 x 81 inches
For 96″ Tall Doors:
30 x 96 inches
32 x 96 inches
36 x 96 inches
42 x 96 inches
Each size is designed to fit specific opening dimensions, so it’s crucial to measure your door opening correctly.
How to Measure an Opening
Measuring your door opening is the most critical step in the process. Here’s how to do it:
1- Measure the Width:
Take three measurements for the width – at the top, middle, and bottom of the door frame. Use the smallest of these measurements to determine the width you’ll need.
2 – Measure the Height:
Similarly, measure the height at the left, center, and right of the door frame. Again, use the smallest measurement.
3 – Check the Square:
Ensure that the door frame is square. Measure diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right corner and then from the top right corner to the bottom left corner.
These two measurements should be the same. If they’re not, you may need a professional to adjust your frame before installing a storm door.
Custom Door Sizes
What if your entry doesn’t match the standard sizes? You might need a custom door. Custom doors are more expensive, but they ensure a perfect fit. However, be cautious about attempting to adjust your frame to fit a standard door, especially if you’re inexperienced. A poorly executed adjustment can lead to costly damage, as one unfortunate engineer learned when he destroyed his custom mahogany front doors trying to widen his frame.
Other Considerations
When measuring for your storm door, consider the entire entry area:
- Roof and Soffit: Is there anything above the door that might obstruct it?
- Porch Light Fixture: Could a light fixture interfere with the door’s opening? You might need to replace or move the fixture.
- Siding and Trim: Ensure that siding or exterior trim doesn’t interfere with the door’s installation.
- Imagine the door opening and closing, and consider what it might hit. It’s important to think three-dimensionally about the space to avoid any surprises during installation.
Final Thoughts
Measuring for a storm door isn’t complicated, but it requires attention to detail. Accurate measurements ensure that your door fits well, functions properly, and looks great. Remember, if your measurements are close to standard sizes but not quite right, or if you’re unsure about the process, it’s wise to consult with a professional. This might cost a little more upfront, but it can save you from expensive mistakes down the line. Don’t be the person who ends up with a costly and embarrassing mistake — measure carefully and choose wisely!
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Lisa Stevens knows a lot about fixing up homes. She’s really good at making the fences, door, floor, and other parts of the house look and work better. She has lots of smart and creative ideas for making homes nicer!