If you are a homeowner, you understand how frustrating it is to routinely have your exterior door repaired due to the adverse effects of harsh weather. For this reason, you should opt to get a storm door mounted in front of your exterior doors. This will prompt you to ask what is the cost to install storm door?

Storm doors are relatively cheap to install. $400 – $600 will cover the cost of getting a quality storm door, purchasing hardware, and labor for installation. Before deciding whether or not a storm door is necessary for your home, you must learn the type of storm door and its functionality.

Let’s get down to that before we go further into the installation process and cost.

Storm Door Installation Cost

You should budget $400 – $600 for your storm door installation. This quotation includes the cost of the storm door and labor. The price of a storm door is between $100 – $400. You can get a cheap storm door made of low-quality material for $100 -$200. A high-quality storm door will cost $200 -$400.

Depending on the complexity of the task, a professional handyperson will spend 2 hours at most to install a storm door and will charge $50 per hour. 

The cost of labor is $100- $250. If you have a flair for doing things yourself, with an instruction guide and the required tools, you can install your storm door and save costs.

Types of storm door

A storm door is an outer door usually installed in front of an exterior entry door to protect it and your home from extreme weather conditions. 

Installing a storm door is killing two birds with one stone. A storm can be a decorative piece for your entrance, allowing light into your home while providing a protective covering for your main entry door.

To pick the right storm door for your home, you must first learn about the type of storm doors and their functionality.

1. High-view Storm Door

High-view storm doors have a glass pane at the top half of the door. The rest of its length is composed of solid material. 

High-view storm door is ideal for your home if you want optimum protection for your door but are not apprehensive about having additional light.

The substantial, more significant part protects your main entry door. You can also have a pet door installed into the solid piece.

High-view storm door is best suited for families with little children and high foot traffic as you do not have to worry too much about having to wipe off fingerprints and the glass getting damaged.

2. Mid-view Storm Door

The mid-view storm door is the most common type of storm door. The glass pane covers the entire length of the door but 18 inches.

The lower 18-inch solid piece serves as a kickboard, protecting the lower portion of your door, which is usually more prone to water damage. 

Mid-view storm door is a smart choice for your home as it allows light through your home and can withstand high foot traffic.

3. Full-view Storm Door

A full-view storm door features a glass pane covering the entire door length. It gives a complete view of your home’s interior when the main entry door is opened. It also shows off your aesthetic main entry door when closed. 

A full-view storm door is perfect for backyards and play areas; you can watch your kids or pet play from inside your home. A full-view storm door is not ideal for frequently used entryways, as it can not withstand high foot traffic, and the glass panel can get damaged. 

Storm Door Installation – Step by Step

Before we get started, you must decide what type of storm door is best for your home, bearing in mind your budget, preference, and desired functionality. 

A high-view storm door is ideal if you want a security storm door. For additional light, full-view storms are excellent.

You must decide on your storm door’s hinge side and swing. Storm doors are generally hinged on the same side as the interior door and made to swing or open outward.

Tools required: 

• Power drill
• Hack saw
• Screwdriver
• Spirit level 
• Measuring tape
• Hammer

Materials:

• Storm door
• Nails 
• Screws
• Furring 

STEP 1: Install the Hinge-side Z-Bar

The Z-Bar usually comes along with a storm door. It acts as the frame to which the storm door slab is hinged.

• Line the z-bar along the side of the door and mark points where the screws will run.
• Drill screws to attach the hinges of the z-bar to the frame of the storm door.
• Usually, the z-bar will extend beyond the top and bottom of the frame. Measure the length of the door opening from the head to the doorsill. 
• Transfer this measurement to the z-bar and mark the appropriate top and bottom points.
• Cut off the excesses using the hacksaw.
• Center the weather stripping to the inside of the z-bar and cut off the excess length so it aligns with the size of the exterior door frame.

STEP 2: Hang the Storm Door

• Set the storm door into the door opening and use the spirit level to check that the door is flushed. 
• Drill in screws to secure only the uppermost hinge.
• Test that it works properly by opening and closing it a few times.
• Satisfied, drill in screws to secure the other hinges. 

STEP 3: Attach the Latch-side Z-Bar

• Place the z-bar along the latch side of the door opening. Ensure that you leave a consistent gap, the same as the space left between the hinge-z-bar and the hinge side of the frame.
• Check the latch-z-bar is plumb, then drill in screws to secure the z-bar to the wall.

STEP 4: Attach the Top Z-Bar

• Open your storm door and position the top z-bar in place. Use the spirit level to ensure that it is flushed. 
• Drill in screws at least at three points to secure the top Z-bar.

STEP 5: Install the Rain Cap

• Position the rain cap along the top of the door opening and mark points where the screws will run.
• Use the power drill to make holes in the marked points. 
• Place the rain cap on the top of the door opening and drill a single screw on the hinge side of the frame. Check that it plumbs and works fine with the door.
• Satisfied, drill in the remaining screws.

STEP 6: Attach the Sweep

• Slide the door sweep to the bottom of your storm door.
• From the inside, adjust the sweep until it fits perfectly, closing the gap between the bottom of the storm door and the door sill.
• Drill in holes on both sides of the sweep. The sweep protects your door from water damage.

STEP 7: Install Hardware

• Strictly adhere to the instructions in the manufacturer’s guide to correctly attach the handle, latch, lock, and striker plate of your storm door.
• A storm door kit usually contains two door closers for the top and bottom of the storm door. Follow the manufacturer’s to install the closer correctly.

Storm Door Replacement

Storm doors have a lifespan of 30+ years, but because they are designed to provide the first line of protection against weather damage, they are more prone to quick wear and might not last as expected. Storm doors need routine maintenance and sometimes replacement. Here are some signs it’s time for a change. 

1. Difficulty Opening And Closing Your Door

If you have to sweat it to open and close your storm door, it is about time you plan for a change. Sometimes just installing a new door closer or fixing bent parts can solve the problem.  Have a professional look at it and tell you what is best to do.

2. Experience Drafting

Storm doors are made to be draft-proof. If you notice too much air or water leaking into your home, your storm is old and worn out, and you need a new one. Sometimes, changing the weather stripping, door sweep, and caulking solves the problem, but if it persists, then replacement is the next option.

3. Large Dents And Cracks On The Glass Screen 

If you notice large cracks or dents on the glass screen of your storm door, usually due to heavy wind, then your storm door will not last so long. You should not wait for it to be wholly ruined before getting a replacement.

4. Your Storm Door No Longer Fits Snugly

If you notice your storm door shake vigorously in the wind or it sags, you need to install a new one. Storm door replacement cost is very affordable in contrast to the cost of replacing your sophisticated exterior door.

With just $600 -$800, you can have a new, quality storm door installed. 

Storm Door vs. Screen door

A screen door is a framed panel of fine netting, typically designed to cover the entire length of a door or just the upper half. The screen made of fine mesh allows light and ventilation through the house but prevents insects and bugs from getting in when the interior door is left open.

A storm door on the hand is made of glass pane instead of netting. Storm doors could be made to cover the entire length, the upper half, or the top part of a door. Storm doors are designed to shield an exterior door from harsh weather, allow natural light in and provide insulation and additional security.

Screen doors are the best option when flowers bloom and insects and bugs are everywhere in spring. It protects your home from invading insects and allows you to enjoy the breezy season. Storm doors are not ideal for ventilation purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Would It Cost To Install A Storm Door?

Storm doors are one of the cheapest doors to install. $400 -$600 will cover the cost of a new storm door, the purchase of hardware, and the price of labor. If the cost is still high, you can save costs by handling the installation. 

Can I Install A Storm Door By Myself?

Installing a storm is not mountain climbing, so you can install your storm door yourself. With the instruction guide and the right tools, you can have your storm door installed and working within a day.

How Long Does It Take To Remove And Replace A Storm Door?

Removing and replacing a storm door will take 3 -4 hours if you are a dexterous homeowner. A professional handyperson will likely take two hours to complete the removal and installation process. If you are just installing a storm door for the first time, an experienced handyperson will finish mounting your door in less than an hour.

How Much Does Lowes Charge To Install A Storm Door?

On average, the cost of labor to install a single storm door is $50 per hour.  Lowes will charge $70 -$100 to mount a storm door. The charge covers hardware installation and caulking. 

Can You Put A Storm Door On Any Door?

Storm doors are typically mounted in front of front entry doors for protection and decorative purposes. However, installing a storm door in front of all your exterior access doors will not be wrong. Due to the main functionality of storm doors which is to protect against the elements, it is unnecessary to mount storm doors in front of interior doors. 

Should You Caulk Around A Storm Door?

Caulking makes your storm door draft-proof as it seals all gaps around the edges of your storm door from which water and air can leak into your home. If you have installed weather stripping, you can decide against caulking your storm door. However, weather stripping plus caulking makes your storm door, ultimately, draft-proof.

Are Storm Doors Necessary?

For long-lasting functionality of your exterior doors, storm doors are a must-have. Storm doors protect your exterior door from getting damaged in harsh weather conditions. Plus, storms can also serve decorative purposes, allow light and airflow through your home, and provide added security and energy efficiency.

Do Storm Doors Come With Frames?

You do not have to worry about building or purchasing a frame separate from your storm door. Most storm doors come pre-hung on a stand and are sold with a kit containing all the hardware attached to your storm door.

Does A Storm Door Save Energy?

Storm doors are energy-efficient; they provide extra insulation and modulate your home’s temperature.  Depending on the material used, storm doors will effectively help keep your home warm in the winter and keep out the heat in the summer.

How Much Does A Good Storm Door Cost?

A good storm door made of high-quality material will cost $200-$400. You can get cheap, low-quality storm doors for as low as $75. Storm doors are very affordable doors; you should always go for quality ones for lasting functionality.