Homeowners are often on the lookout for ways to improve their houses and quality of living in general. This is why some people often consider adding screen doors to their already existing sliding doors. However, the question is, is it possible?
Innovation has blessed us with more modern screen doors that one can attach to their regular sliding doors. They’re available in most local home improvement companies and online stores. These screen doors are produced in many unique sizes and designs.
Although they appear similar in design and function, don’t make the mistake of shopping for one by assumption. It takes correct measurement and knowledge of their distinct purpose to buy the right frame for your slide doors. Learn more about the installation, types, and functions of screen doors.
How Do I Install a Sliding Screen Door?
Contents
- Start with taking an accurate length and width measurement of the sliding glass door you want to install. A correct glass door should measure about 6 feet/11 inches or 6 feet/8 inches.
- The next step is to visit any local home improvement office, unique care vendors, or hardware stores in your location. You can purchase your doors using the standard measurements you have.
There are numerous varieties of sliding door equipment you can choose from, including finishes, frames, and colors. Confirm the proper measurements and make necessary inquiries about your preferred features from the store agent or customer care.
- Ensure that your screen door is positioned in the right place. Your glass door should be facing the sliding door from the outside and not inside. Place your hands on each side of the doorframe, making the glass door parallel to the crown of the screen door.
- Let the upper rollers face the exterior line on the doorframe. Afterward, fasten the front wheels against the top line, lifting the door so it pulls back those upper rollers. This will allow the under rollers to set firmly on the line.
- Position both ends of the under rollers on the line and carefully adjust them where necessary. Fixing your door too close to the base can make it off the line because the door will be difficult to slide.
- A door that is too low can fall off track, and if it is too high, it may not slide easily. Both wheels in a sliding screen door have adjustable bouncing springs. You can find the readjustment screws above the rollers or hidden in the elevated frame.
Turning the screwdriver clockwise will pull the rollers out and lift the door. Turning it anticlockwise will pull back the rollers and drop the door. Your job is pretty much done, and you have installed your door successfully!
Different Types of Screen Doors
Most people are surprised to learn that screen doors come in various designs and perform different functions. The general confusion stems from the similarities in the framing features.
Check below to see the types of screen doors available and their unique applications.
Hinged Screen Doors
Hinged screen doors or traditional screen doors are the most popular type of screen doors. These doors are positioned in front of the home’s main door, and they open like other conventional hinged doors. Their prices are the same as regular screen doors because they’re reasoned to be the benchmark.
For those who love the traditional farmhouse appearance of screen doors, a hinged screen door will make a smart option for you. These door designs often come with individual locks for better privacy and security. As a huge side attraction, the painting can be changed to your preferred color design.
Retractable/ Glass Sliding Screen Doors
I fancy the idea of retractable doors. They’re fast replacing traditional swing doors and have become the trending design for modern homes. Their sleek features allow them to open with ease, making them well-suited as sliding doors.
It is uncommon for sliding screen doors to come with locks; they’re not generally lockable. Most people see this as a security challenge and would rather install them at the back instead of the front yard. Another issue is that they often fit better with broader doors, not smaller ones.
Nonetheless, retractable screen doors will give you a wider view of your outside environment. They’re also beneficial to pet owners who love to take their pets for fresh air.
Hands-free/Magnetic Screen Door
If you don’t mind the extra dollars it’ll cost to enjoy some luxury, you can opt for the magnetic screen door. This is also an excellent idea for those who don’t fancy a full-screen door installation. Magnetic screen doors are mesh lids that can be fastened to your door frame.
It makes in and out movement easier with a quick kick at the door, so you don’t have to use your hands. The mesh sticks together with the help of magnets fixed underneath the doors or in-between their flaps. Magnetic screen doors are flexible and convenient for when you don’t need the screen function.
You can find them in many sizes, both large and small. Installing magnetic screen doors is an intelligent way to keep bugs and fleas from your house and garage. Proper ventilation is also guaranteed with these door designs.
Talking about saving the finest for last, I should mention that these door types won’t bother you with cleaning. They take care of themselves and come off easily when you need to take them down.
Full View Storm Door
Depending on your location, choosing between a window and a screen door can be difficult. While screen doors ensure your home stays ventilated, glasses have an excellent insulating benefit.
What if I told you that full view storm doors perform both functions? Yeah, you heard right! These doors allow you to enjoy the benefits of both sides- all with one installation.
Full view storm doors have interchangeable panels that enable you to change from screen to glass in a simple move. This way, you can control your door function and appearance how you please. Most storm door designs have individual locks for added privacy and security in a rough neighborhood.
Ventilating Storm Door
This type of storm door is similar to the full view design. Like the full-view storm door, they provide adequate aeration and protection. They both have identical physical appearances as well.
The most observable difference between both of them is functional. A ventilating storm door has a unique panel that allows you to control the ventilation level. Unlike the full view storm door, you don’t need to switch the panel to do this.
The exciting part is that the enhanced function and convenience make this product appealing to customers. Most people love the relief of not lifting weights or switching panels.
Roll-screen Storm Door
This is a screen door with a rollable screen you can push up or down. It helps to keep your space visible when you want to or drop the screen for some shade and privacy. Roll-screen storm doors are expensive and rare to find.
Whatever your decision, it helps to know what you want. This means you have to consider your home and door frame before deciding which sliding door to buy.
