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How to Replace a Screen Door

Old screen doors can become damaged or out of style with the rest of the house. Replacement screen doors can solve these problems.

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Drill bit Drill Pencil Tape measure Wood shims

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How to Replace a Screen Door

computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate

" Whether it's to improve the look of the house or to replace a damaged door, replacing a screen door begins with removing the old screen door. Remove the old screen door by removing the screws holding the self-closing screen door hinges to the trim. Lift the old screen door away from the door frame, and set it down. Carefully gather the measurements you'll need to buy a replacement. If the new door does not match the exact dimensions of the old one,"

" shrink or swell with the weather. If you were to install a wooden door, you would have to trim it to fit and then prime and paint all six sides to protect it from swelling are shrinking with the weather. Temporarily set the new screen door in place and use shims to set the spacing, so that there's an 8th of an inch between the new screen door and the door frame on all four sides. The shims will secure the door in position while we install the hinges. Mark the location of each hinge. Often you can use the old location for reference. Then using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw and following the instructions that came with your door, drill a pilot hole for each screw. This will make it easier to drive the screws in place. Repeat this process for each self-closing hinge. Now screw each hinge to the new screen door and to the door frame. Remove all the shims and test the fit of the new screen door. Using the position of the handle on the old screen door as a reference, select the position for the new outside door handle and mark the location for the screws. Drill pilot holes for the screws and screw the handle in place. Following the same process, locate mark and screw the inside pull handle in place. Finally, install the hook and eye latch for the inside of the door, and with the hardware in place, your new solid vinyl screen door is ready for years of service."

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