How To Do Your Own Storm Door Repair

Living in the Essex County area in Massachusetts has a lot of benefits, such as being surrounded by beautiful coastal landscapes and having access to thriving cultural and artistic communities. You can relax in your yard when you need some downtime or go out to your favorite local beach for a day of sun and surf. But the area is also home to some unpredictable weather, and you may find yourself considering how to better protect your home from it. One thing you can do is have your local Essex County handyman do a storm door installation, a visually appealing way to protect your front and side entries from wind, rain, and other harsh weather conditions.

Of course, like with any exterior structure, constant use and exposure to wind, rain, and other harsh weather conditions will mean that you will find yourself with eventual door damage and needing the occasional storm door repair. Our local handyman experts share the most common signs of damage they encounter during storm door repair service requests, and what you can do to troubleshoot it.

What Are Storm Doors?

When you first hear the term “storm door,” you may think of a giant metal barrier that is meant to protect your home from adverse weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornadoes. However, the reality is not as dramatic. A storm door is essentially a second door that is installed in front of your entry door or side door, and protects your home and doors from damage. Typically constructed from fiberglass, vinyl, wood, aluminum, or steel with glass and/or mesh inserts, they come in a wide range of designs and provide additional insulation and protection while providing you with fresh air or natural light. This can help to reduce energy costs and provide extra security for your home.

As Massachusetts is known for its harsh winters and unpredictable weather patterns, having these high-quality doors can be particularly advantageous for property owners in the area. Not only does it act as a buffer against cold drafts and snow, but it also serves as a barrier against unwanted pests and potential intruders, unlike glass patio doors, which are designed to allow for ease of use and not security. Whether you're looking to increase energy efficiency or need enhanced security for your home, a storm door can be a practical and beneficial addition to your entryway.

Of course, all this exposure and battering means that there will come times when you will find yourself in need of storm door repairs. Read on to learn about some of the more common storm door repairs you’ll encounter, and what storm door repairs you can do to get your door functioning properly again.

Common Types Of Storm Door Repairs

Because they’re designed to go over your existing entryways, storm doors often take the brunt of damage from the elements such as heavy rain, wind, and snow. Proper maintenance and timely storm door repair are key to keeping your unit in good condition and lasting for years to come.

Some common storm door repair projects include:

Broken Glass Door Inserts

Glass is a common feature in storm doors because it allows natural light while preventing unwanted pests and intruders from getting into your home. Plus, if you were to leave your entry door open, a glass storm door will give off the appearance of a large window, increasing the curb appeal of your home.

But of course, glass can be a delicate material, and can become damaged from constant exposure and use. Issues like scratches, chips, cracks, and impacts can damage glass panels and require a need for storm door repair. Luckily, many kinds of these doors come with interchangeable panels, making your storm door repair process as easy as switching out the damaged glass panel with a new one. And if your glass panel isn’t so easily changed? No sweat: our storm door repair expert service providers will be able to switch it out for you with a glass service.

Torn Screen Door Inserts

Screen door inserts are another popular feature, as they allow fresh air into your home without compromising safety. But screens can also become easily damaged, allowing for openings for unwanted pests to get in. But replacing screens is a fairly easy type of storm door repair project.

You can do your own screen door repair by simply removing the damaged screen by unscrewing it from the door frame, then take measurements to ensure the replacement screen fits properly. After that, you can attach the new screen using a screen rolling tool and secure it in place with new screws, completing your storm door repair.

Broken or Malfunctioning Hinges

Storm door hinges are typically installed into your door frame, anchoring your door in place. But issues with your hinges could result in compromised security or structural integrity of your door, requiring prompt storm door repair to fix the issues.

If you suspect this issue, examine your hinges. If the hinge screws are loose, simply tighten the adjustment screws with a screwdriver, and you’ve completed your storm door repair! But if the hinge is rusted and cannot be salvaged, it may be necessary to replace the hinge altogether. Your local hardware store should have the correct size and hinge type for your door, and as the screw holes would already be in place, there's no need to drill new pilot holes for bracket screws. It will simply be a matter of removing the old hinge and screwing the new one in place for your storm door repair. Our handyman professionals will be happy to do this for you if you are having issues with this storm door repair.

Sealing and Weather-Stripping

Storm doors need to sit flush against your frame, so if there’s gaps or cracks, or you’re noticing air leaks, you may need to seal it with new weather-stripping with a storm door repair. To apply new weather-stripping during your storm door repair, remove any old weather-stripping by peeling it off or using a scraper tool. Once the old weather-stripping is removed, measure the dimensions needed for the new weather-stripping and cut it accordingly before applying it carefully along the edges of the door frame. With the new weatherstripping in place, check your door. If gaps still persist, you may need further storm door repairs.

Frame Issues

To properly protect your home, a storm door needs to sit straight in its frame. If it’s sagging or has issues opening or closing, you need to perform a storm door repair on your wooden door frame. To check to see if you have a frame issue, jiggle your door up and down. If it moves, you may need to reinforce your frame by screwing in additional screws or installing metal brackets for added stability. This storm door repair will help ensure that your storm door sits securely in its frame, providing optimal protection for your home against harsh weather conditions.

If your unit is having closure issues, it may have a misalignment issue that’s causing your need for storm door repair. Check to see if the hinges are loose or if there is any debris obstructing the door's movement, tightening or clearing anything as needed during your storm door repair. If the lock doesn’t click into place, it could indicate a problem with the latch mechanism that requires storm door repair. Inspect the latch and the surrounding area for any obstructions or misalignment. If necessary, tighten any loose screws or adjust the position of the latch to ensure proper functioning.

Issues With Locks or Handles

Like most exterior doors, storm doors come with locks to provide security and protection against unwanted entry. Additionally, some locks may feature a deadbolt or wind chain for added security.

If you find the lock or handle aren’t working properly, it is important to first identify the issue before attempting any storm door repairs. Check for any loose screws or misalignment that may be affecting the functionality. Your storm door repair may be as easy as tightening a few screws and adjusting the alignment of the hardware. If the issue persists, you may need to consider getting a replacement handle or lock to ensure the security and functionality of your unit. If you need to replace the lock or handle as part of your storm door repair, make sure to select a replacement that is compatible with your door's specifications. Additionally, consider seeking professional help if you are uncertain about your storm door repair process.

Contact Your Service Professionals For Help With Storm Door Repair Today!

Massachusetts homeowners are pretty handy, so we’re confident you can handle these common storm door repairs yourself. But if you ever find yourself running out of time or are in a pinch, just call your local Mr. Handyman of South Essex County. Our team of skilled handyman professionals have the experience and expertise needed to efficiently carry out a complete service for any needed storm door repairs or storm door installations. From repairing a loose hinge rail to replacing flat panels, our service providers will help you keep your home protected from the elements and unwanted intruders while preserving its curb appeal with our exceptional services for storm door repair in Essex County and the surrounding area.