If you live in an area with serious to extreme weather conditions, it's a good idea to invest in a storm door. Storm doors resist damage from robust winds and rain from weather events such as hurricanes or tornadoes while also standing up to heavy snowfall in the wintertime. Another significant advantage of having a storm door is that they provide valuable insulation which helps to regulate temperatures in your home in the summer and winter.

So, whether you need to replace one that’s seen a lot of wear and tear over the years or you’re just looking to upgrade to utilize all the distinct advantages these powerful doors have to offer, Mobile Home Outfitters is here today to teach you how to install a storm door on your mobile home. We're going to go over all the necessary tools you’ll need, how to pick the right door for your home, and step-by-step installing instructions.

Necessary Tools

Before you start making any big plans to replace your door, there are a few tools you’re going to need for the job. Fortunately, most of these tools are ones you probably already have in your toolbox, but if you don’t, you can pick them up at any hardware store.

The first thing you’re going to need is measuring tape to ensure your measurements are accurate and that everything fits properly. You’re also going to need a screwdriver or electric drill throughout the replacement process. You may want to make note of the type of hardware associated with your current storm door and its replacement as the exact sizes and shapes of the screwdrivers or drill bits you’ll need will depend on them. We also recommend having a level tool nearby so that you can install your new door evenly. Additionally, you may want to pick up some wood filler and a putty knife to fill in your old door’s screw holes and some sandpaper to even it out.

Something to remember is that storm doors can be a little heavy, so if you're installing one by yourself, you may also want to get some clamps or wedges to help keep the door stable while you screw in the hardware. The process may be a bit easier if you have an extra set of hands to help you with the installation.

Picking the Right Door

Unless you're performing some renovations on your home, picking out a storm door is a relatively straightforward process since you can use the size and style of your current door to help narrow down your options. Before you go door shopping, we recommend grabbing your tape measure and measuring the width and length of your current door. You want to be as precise as possible with your measurements. Remember that one of the purposes of a storm door is to create as small a gap as possible between the door and your frame. Pay attention to the build of your door; whether the knob is on the left or right side, and whether it's an inswing or an outswing.

After writing down the dimensions and style of door you’ll need, you’ll have all the details necessary to find the storm door that's right for you. Narrowing down your options makes shopping a much less hectic experience.

Replacing Your Storm Door

Now that you have all the right tools and your new door picked out, it’s time to look at how to install a storm door on your mobile home. There are several critical steps in the process, but we'll go through them one at a time. The first thing you’ll want to do is use your drill or screwdriver to remove your current door. We recommend holding on to any hardware you remove from the previous storm door. You may need it for other projects. Once you remove everything, set the old storm door aside.

If, after removing the old door’s hinges, you find the new door’s hinges line up with the old screw holes, it’s time to grab your spackle and fill in the previous screw holes. If the hinges don’t line up, this is an optional step, as you mainly want to avoid putting the new screws into the old holes. Regardless, it never hurts to keep your doorframe in sturdy condition by filling in the gaps.

The most challenging part of installing your new storm door is keeping it level while you screw it into the wall. Ensuring your door goes on straight is the step that may take you a few tries because it'll be quickly apparent if your storm door is crooked after you install it. This is when the level tool, and even the doorframe itself, will come in handy. Once you have enough screws in place, and the door can properly support itself, check that it lines up with the doorframe before proceeding.

With the door in place, the hard part is over. Now you can install your doorknob and locking mechanism. You’ll want to hold your locking mechanism in place and close the door to see where it lines up before screwing it on. Finishing this step is also the best time to attach your storm door's safety chain.

Admiring Your Work

Now that you've installed your new storm door, take a moment to test it out. Open and close it multiple times to make sure the hinges allow it to move freely and see if all your locking mechanisms work as intended. You worked hard to install your new door, so dust your hands with satisfaction and see if you need to make any adjustments before wrapping things up and calling it a day.

If you’re looking for a robust selection of mobile home storm doors or have any further questions, comments, or concerns about installing your new storm door, Mobile Home Outfitters has the parts and the professionals you need for any manufactured home renovations or remodels. Contact us today to speak with one of our trained experts via phone, email, or live chat. Our team is happy to help you find what you need.

https://mobilehomeoutfitters.com/content/MHO_Door%20and%20Window%20Measurement%20Guide_2.28.23.pdf