How to Replace a Screen Door

Save Yourself Some Money While You're at It

A screen door is the outer door that protects a solid, main exit door in your home. The purpose of a screen door is twofold: it can let warm air in when you open the main exit door. Plus, it provides an effective barrier against bugs, insects, and varmints. It can even serve as a safeguard to keep human intruders out of your house, as long as you keep your screen door locked.

Just like every other moving part on your home, over time, this door is going to need to be replaced. Or, if your door is an older model, you might want to replace it simply to make your house look more attractive. Years ago, every screen door you saw on a house had a plain aluminum finish. They were silver in color and were rather dull. Today, though, the manufacturers of screen doors have come a long way in that they now offer a variety of colors to choose from.

In my case, the screen door on my kitchen exit was so old that it was made of wood instead of metal. The wood was dry and cracked. Not only did it look tacky, but it did a poor job of keeping creatures outside where they belong. If you're handy with home repairs, you can easily perform this task yourself and have it done in an hour or so. You'll achieve a sense of accomplishment if you replace the door yourself. And, you'll be able to keep some extra money by not having to pay an installer.

The first step in this project is to don your protective safety glasses or goggles. Then, read the manufacturer's instructions that came with the replacement door. You'll need to remove the existing screen door, of course. Start with the pneumatic door closer. (My door was so old that it didn't even have one! It had a piece of metal link chain screwed onto the door and the frame.) You'll probably need to use a straight tipped or a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws. If you have one, a battery-powered screwdriver will help complete this task faster. Once the pneumatic door closer is removed, enlist the help of another person to hold the door while you unscrew the hinges.