Installing Doors

Doors come with full instructions and a template for mounting the hardware. Major manufacturers offer assistance by phone and instructions or troubleshooting information on the World Wide Web. EMCO operates a telephone consumer hotline, staffed both weekdays and weekends so they can help with your weekend installation if necessary.

The most important tip is to be sure you get the right size door. "The key to a really good installation is to remember that you're measuring the door opening and not the existing door," says Mary Ann Holler of Larson.

There are two areas where you can make mistakes that are difficult to solve. The first can occur when cutting the vertical mounting frames--these must fit your openings. "If you cut them too short, you've compromised your job," he says. "Then again, if you do, call us up and we'll work with you." The second critical step occurs when drilling a wood-core storm door for the hardware; the holes must be precise. Manufacturers supply a template to make this job easier.

Just take your time and follow the instructions. If you do, the job will go smoothly and you'll soon have a new storm door that was well worth the effort.