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If your storm door won’t close properly, there are several steps you can take to fix the issue:
1. Check the alignment: Make sure the door is properly aligned with the frame. Adjust the hinges if necessary.
2. Clean the tracks: Dirt and debris in the tracks can prevent the door from closing. Use a brush or vacuum to remove any obstructions.
3. Lubricate the hinges: Apply a lubricant to the hinges to ensure smooth movement.
4. Replace the weatherstripping: Worn or damaged weatherstripping can interfere with the door’s closure. Replace it if necessary.
5. Adjust the closer: The closer mechanism controls the speed and force with which the door closes. Adjust it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix a storm door that won’t close properly.
Storm doors often have difficulty closing due to their less sturdy construction and constant exposure to the weather. If you find that your storm door is not closing properly, there could be several reasons, such as problems with the storm door closer or loose screws. The good news is that most of the time, it is simply a matter of adjusting the hardware and tightening the screws. Always start with the simplest solutions before moving on to more complex ones.
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Adjust the Door-Stop Mechanism
Storm doors are equipped with door-stop mechanisms that hold the door open at different positions. While they can be useful when carrying items into your home, they can hinder the door from closing if they slide out too far.
To resolve this, open the door and locate the closing mechanism, which is a cylindrical tube on the side of the hinges that prevents the door from slamming shut. Next to it, you will find the door-stop mechanism, a small, flat piece of metal about the size of a postage stamp that can slide forward and backward. Slide it as far as possible towards the hinge side, so that it no longer holds the door open.
Adjust the Screen Door Closer
If sliding the stopping mechanism out of the way does not allow the door to close completely, there may be an issue with the door closer itself. In this case, you need to adjust the closing mechanism.
Most door closers have an adjustment screw at the end of the cylinder opposite the hinge side. Using a screwdriver, turn the screw counterclockwise to decrease the pressure inside the mechanism, which will make the door close faster. Adjust the screw half a turn at a time, testing the closing speed of the door after each adjustment. If the screen door slams shut, slightly turn the screw clockwise to increase the pressure and slow down the closing speed.
Inspect the Jamb and Hinge Screws
If adjusting the screen door closer does not solve the problem, the issue may lie with the hinges. Stand outside the storm door and open it wide enough to examine the hinges and the metal frame attached to the door jamb. Press on the narrow outer edge of the door and observe if the frame moves. If it does, tighten all the screws in a clockwise direction to secure it to the door jamb.
If your door does not have a metal frame and is directly attached to the wooden door jamb, you can drive a few nails into the jamb to tighten it. Push on the other side of the doorway where the doorknob is located to check if it is loose. If it is, tighten or replace any screws as needed, or insert a few nails if the jamb is made of wood.
Using a screwdriver, tighten all the hinge screws by turning them clockwise. If the screws spin without gripping the wood when you try to tighten them, it means they are stripped or the screw holes are damaged. Remove the screws and replace them with longer ones that can reach deeper into solid wood. To remove stripped screws, insert the edge of a putty knife under the screw head to provide grip for the screw threads, then turn counterclockwise.
Check for Door Sagging
If you observe that your storm door is not closing properly, it is possible that it is sagging. Take a visual assessment to see if the structure of the door is sagging at the corners, causing it to be misaligned with the door opening. This is a common issue with older wooden storm doors, and it can be more trouble than it’s worth to fix. In this case, it may be more practical to replace the storm door altogether.
A storm door that doesn’t close correctly can be quite bothersome. However, a few simple adjustments can often resolve the problem and ensure that the door closes tightly, keeping bugs, rain, and other outdoor elements outside of your home.
