Ever stood staring at your front door, wishing you could just block out that howling wind and driving rain? A storm door is the answer! But before you can enjoy the added protection and energy savings, you need to know exactly what size door to buy. An ill-fitting storm door can be a nightmare – leaving gaps for drafts, being difficult to open and close, and even damaging your existing door frame. Getting accurate measurements is the crucial first step in ensuring a smooth installation and a weather-tight seal.
Installing a storm door is an investment in your home's comfort and security. Not only does it act as a barrier against the elements, reducing energy bills and preventing water damage, but it also adds an extra layer of security. Measuring correctly ensures that your new storm door will function as intended, providing lasting protection and enhancing your home's curb appeal. Don't let a simple measuring error turn into a costly and frustrating project.
What tools do I need, and how do I measure the door opening accurately?
What's the best way to measure the door opening for a storm door?
The best way to measure a door opening for a storm door is to take three measurements for both the width and height of the opening, and then use the smallest width and height measurements to ensure a proper fit. Accurate measurements are crucial for ordering the correct size storm door.
To elaborate, width measurements should be taken at the top, middle, and bottom of the door opening, from brick mold edge to brick mold edge (or the corresponding trim if brick mold is not present). Similarly, height measurements should be taken on the left, right, and center of the opening, from the top of the threshold to the underside of the header (the horizontal trim piece above the door). The smallest width and smallest height measurements are the critical dimensions. Using the smallest dimensions is vital because storm doors are typically designed to fit *within* the opening. If you were to use the largest measurement, the storm door might be too wide or tall to fit properly, leading to installation problems. It's always better to have a slight gap that can be filled with shims or caulk than to have a door that's too large. After you have measured and selected a door, make sure to check the manufacturer's installation instructions for their recommended tolerances.How do I account for brick molding when measuring for a storm door?
When measuring for a storm door with brick molding, you're primarily concerned with the clear opening *inside* the brick molding. Measure the width between the inside edges of the brick molding at the top, middle, and bottom, and use the narrowest measurement. Similarly, measure the height from the sill (the bottom-most part of the door frame that you step over) to the underside of the brick molding at the left, center, and right, again using the smallest measurement. These are your critical "finished opening" dimensions.
Accurately accounting for brick molding is crucial because the storm door frame will mount *against* it, not *within* it. The storm door needs a flat, stable surface for proper installation and weather sealing. If you measure ignoring the brick molding and include it in your opening size, your storm door will likely be too large to fit. Always measure the opening *within* the brick molding. It’s also essential to check for any obstructions, such as light fixtures, house numbers, or decorative elements that might interfere with the storm door's operation. These need to be factored into the installation plan, and may even require adjustments to the door's placement or the removal of the obstruction. Record all measurements carefully and consider taking photos of the doorway to help when selecting and installing your storm door.Where exactly should I take my measurements: inside, outside, or middle?
You should take your storm door measurements from the outside of the door frame. This means measuring the visible opening of the existing door frame where the storm door will be installed, not from the inside or the middle of the jamb. These precise exterior measurements are crucial for ensuring a proper fit.
Taking measurements from the outside ensures you're accounting for the full opening size, including any existing trim or molding that might reduce the available space. Measuring from the inside can lead to an undersized storm door that doesn't seal properly, allowing drafts and insects to enter. Measurements taken from the middle are equally unreliable and won’t give you the accurate edge-to-edge dimensions needed for a secure fit. When measuring for your storm door, use a metal measuring tape for the most accurate results. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the door frame opening. Also, measure the height on the left and right sides. If the measurements vary slightly, use the smallest width and the smallest height. These are the critical dimensions you'll need when ordering or purchasing your new storm door. Remember to double-check all measurements before finalizing your order to avoid costly mistakes.What tools do I need to accurately measure for a storm door?
To accurately measure for a storm door, you'll need a measuring tape (preferably a metal one for accuracy and durability), a level to ensure your measurements are plumb and square, a pencil or pen for recording measurements, and a notepad to keep track of all the dimensions you gather. It's also helpful to have a helper to assist with holding the measuring tape, especially for larger openings.
Having the right tools ensures your measurements are precise, preventing errors that can lead to ordering the wrong size storm door. A metal measuring tape is less likely to stretch or bend compared to a cloth tape, providing more consistent results. The level is crucial for determining if the existing door frame is square; if it's not, you'll need to account for the discrepancies when ordering or installing the storm door. Carefully note all your measurements, including the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the door opening, as well as the height on both the left and right sides. These multiple measurements help identify any inconsistencies or racking in the frame. Take pictures of the existing door frame, including any unusual features or obstructions, which can be a helpful reference when discussing your needs with a storm door supplier or installer.What do I do if my door frame isn't perfectly square?
If your door frame isn't perfectly square, you'll need to take multiple measurements to account for the variations. Don't assume the width is consistent from top to bottom, or that the height is the same on both sides. Using the smallest width and height measurements you record will help ensure the storm door fits within the opening without binding.
To accurately measure a non-square door frame, measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Similarly, measure the height on both the left and right sides. Record all these measurements carefully. When ordering or selecting your storm door, provide the smallest width measurement and the smallest height measurement. This "smallest opening" approach is crucial because the storm door needs to fit within the tightest part of the frame. Keep in mind that a slightly out-of-square frame is common and often manageable. Most storm doors have some degree of adjustability built-in to compensate for minor imperfections. However, if the frame is significantly out of square, you might need to consider shimming or otherwise adjusting the frame itself before installing the storm door. Extreme out-of-square conditions may require professional assistance to ensure proper installation and operation of the storm door.Should I measure the old storm door itself, or the door frame opening?
You should always measure the door frame opening, not the old storm door itself. The old door might be warped, damaged, or not the original size. Measuring the opening ensures your new storm door will fit correctly within the available space.
Expanding on this, the primary goal when measuring for a new storm door is to determine the exact dimensions of the space where the door will be installed. Relying on the old door's measurements introduces potential inaccuracies that can lead to purchasing a storm door that's too big or too small. Factors like settling of the house, changes in humidity affecting the wood frame, or even previous DIY modifications can alter the original dimensions of the existing door. Furthermore, storm doors are designed to overlap the frame slightly to create a tight seal against the elements. Measuring the opening allows you to account for this overlap when selecting the appropriate size. Ensure you measure the width and height of the opening at multiple points (top, middle, and bottom for width; left, center, and right for height) and use the smallest measurement for each dimension to guarantee the door will fit. This compensates for any irregularities in the frame.And that's all there is to it! Measuring for a storm door might seem a little daunting at first, but with these tips, you'll be ready to find the perfect fit. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back soon for more helpful DIY guides!