How to Install and Replace a Screen Door

Before you purchase a hinged screen door, it's important to measure first. Here are the measurements you'll need to make:

• Measure the height on both sides of the door opening.
• Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom of the door opening.
• You'll use the smallest dimensions for the height and width.
• Check which side the door handle is on.
• Look for a small, even gap around the door for the hinges and lockset.

Once you've ordered the screen door, check the measurements of the screen door by dry fitting it in the door frame. There should be even gaps around the door. If necessary, use shims to keep it plumb and level.

Using the manufacturer's instructions, line the hinges up on the frame. Use a pencil to mark the screw holes.

Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter to drill pilot holes. Attach the hinges to the door frame with the screws. Then you'll secure the screen door to the frame. Before you tighten all the fasteners, just start with a couple of screws per hinge. This will allow you to make adjustments as needed.

Open and close the door a few times to check if it works properly. If the door is rubbing up against the frame, adjust the hinges or shims as needed.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach the door handle. The latch should easily engage.

Make some final adjustments by tightening the hardware and adjusting the latch as needed. Ensure the door is level, square and that there's consistent gapping around the door. Test the door by opening it several times.

Before you purchase a new sliding screen door, you'll need to measure. Using a tape measure, record the height and width of the opening.

If you have an old screen door, you'll need to lift it into the upper track. Once the bottom rollers clear, pull the bottom towards you. Then lower the door out of the upper track. If necessary, use the adjustment screws to retract the rollers. This will make it easier to remove it.

One of the most common reasons that a sliding screen door doesn't open and close properly is due to dirty tracks. Before installing the new screen door, vacuum the tracks. Then use a solution of dish soap and water to clean them with a sponge. Use a cleaning cloth to dry the tracks.

Some doors require assembly first. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the latch, hardware and handle. They may also recommend that you slightly retract the bottom rollers prior to the next step.

Holding the door upright, you'll insert the top of the sliding door into the upper track. Then you'll lower the bottom of the door into the lower track.

Raise or lower the roller adjustment screws evenly (both top and bottom roller assemblies) until the door slides easily, while staying on the tracks. Make small adjustments as needed.

Now it's time to test the door by sliding it open and closed several times. It should move easily without jumping off the track.

Close the screen door, ensuring that the latch aligns with the strike plate. Adjust the strike plate or latch until it's able to close and secure properly.

Some sliding doors include anti-lift guides or clips. These devices ensure the door remains securely in the track. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install them.

Inspect the door and see if any adjustments are needed, including tightening the hardware, adjusting the rollers and ensuring the door slides easily.

First, you'll need to measure the height and width of the trim opening. Next, determine the type of opening you have. Some of the retractable door kits only work on single doors, while others are for double doors. If you have a smaller opening, modifications may be needed.

Finally, you'll need to determine if your kit is meant to be used with inswing or outswing doors.

Assemble the housing, adding the top and bottom tracks. Before mounting, the screen needs to be threaded through the tracks. The housing is usually on the hinge side of the door.

Set the unit on the sill, ensuring it sits snugly against the trim. In some cases, there may be gaps. Use the sill plate or extender pieces to fill them.

Place the screws into the predrilled holes. Wait until the assembly is aligned before fully tightening the screws.

Test the door by closing the retractable screen. The latch hook and striker should line up. If they don't, adjust the hook until the screen easily closes and locks.

Modifications may be needed if your door has a short sill, long sill or if you have an outswing door. Possible modifications include trimming the tracks or reversing the handle.