5 Easy Steps to Measure for a Storm Door

Measuring for a storm door is a crucial step in ensuring a perfect fit and optimal functionality. It safeguards your home against the elements, enhances energy efficiency, and complements your exterior aesthetic. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or seeking professional assistance, understanding the precise measuring techniques is paramount.

To begin, determine the width and height of the door frame. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame, and the height from the top of the frame to the threshold. Additionally, measure the depth of the jamb, the vertical frame that surrounds the door. This information will ensure that the storm door fits snugly within the existing frame.

Next, consider the location of any obstacles that may interfere with the storm door installation. Identify obstacles such as railings, stairs, or walls that could hinder its smooth operation. Measure the distance between these obstacles and the door frame to determine the appropriate size and design for your storm door. Proper assessment of potential obstructions will prevent any complications during installation.

Finally, consider the type of storm door you plan to install. Different styles, such as full-view, half-view, or retractable, have varying measurements and installation requirements. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the specific measurements needed for your chosen door. By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to measure for a storm door that seamlessly complements your home and provides optimal protection and functionality.

Measuring the Doorway Opening

Determining the correct measurements for a storm door is crucial to ensure a proper fit. To do this, you need to measure the doorway opening accurately. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Measuring the Width

With a measuring tape, measure the width of the doorway opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Record these measurements in a table for easy reference. To find the true width, subtract 1/2 inch from the smallest width measurement. This will account for the overlap of the storm door frame.

Example:

Measurement Location	Dimension
Top	36 1/2 inches
Middle	36 1/8 inches
Bottom	36 inches
True Width (subtract 1/2 inch from smallest measurement)	35 3/8 inches

Measuring the Height

Measure the height of the doorway opening from the top of the threshold to the underside of the door header. Again, take measurements at the left, center, and right sides of the opening. Determine the true height by subtracting 1/2 inch from the smallest height measurement.

Measuring the Diagonal

Measure the diagonal distance from the top left corner to the bottom right corner of the doorway opening. Repeat this measurement from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Subtract 1 inch from the shortest diagonal measurement to obtain the true diagonal.

Determining the Height of the Door

Measuring the height of your existing door is crucial to ensure a proper fit for your new storm door. Follow these steps for accurate measurements:

1. Measure from the Top of the Frame

Use a measuring tape to determine the distance from the highest point of the door frame to the bottom edge of the frame. This measurement will give you the overall height of the door frame.

2. Determine the Threshold Height

Measure the height of the threshold (the raised area at the bottom of the door frame) from the ground level. This measurement indicates the height of the door from the ground up. To ensure a snug fit, add 1/2 inch to 1 inch to the threshold height to account for the thickness of the storm door frame and any weatherstripping. For example, if the threshold height is 3 inches, add 1 inch to get a threshold height of 4 inches.

3. Total Door Height

To determine the total height of the door, add the door frame height and the adjusted threshold height. For instance, if the door frame height is 80 inches and the adjusted threshold height is 4 inches, the total door height would be 84 inches.

Description	Measurement
Door Frame Height	80 inches
Threshold Height	3 inches
Adjusted Threshold Height	4 inches
Total Door Height	84 inches

Determining the Width of the Door

The most accurate method to determine the width of your storm door is to measure the width of the door frame. The door frame is the surrounding structure that the door hinges on and fits into. To measure the width of the door frame, follow these steps:

Locate the door frame and identify the vertical jambs on either side of the door.
Place a measuring tape or ruler at the top of one vertical jamb and extend it to the top of the opposite jamb.
Read the measurement at the point where the tape or ruler crosses the top edge of the opposite jamb. This is the width of your door frame.
Subtract 1/2-inch from the width of the door frame to account for the overlap on each side of the storm door.

For example, if the width of your door frame is 36 inches, you would subtract 1/2-inch from each side, resulting in a storm door width of 35 inches.

Measurement	Description
Door Frame Width	Width of the surrounding structure that the door hinges on and fits into.
Storm Door Width	Width of the storm door, which is 1/2-inch less than the door frame width to account for overlap.

Identifying the Door Type and Configuration

Step 1: Determine the Overall Dimensions

Measure the width and height of the door frame, from the outer edge to the outer edge of the frame. Include any molding or trim around the frame.

Step 2: Locate the Handle Placement

Identify where the handle is located on the door and measure the distance from the top of the door frame to the center of the handle hole.

Step 3: Measure the Hinge Side

On the side where the hinges are, measure the distance from the top of the door frame to the center of the top hinge pin and from the bottom of the door frame to the center of the bottom hinge pin.

Step 4: Determine the Door Swing

Note which way the door opens and swings, either inward or outward. This will determine the type of storm door you need.

Step 5: Panel Configuration and Hardware

Examine the panel configuration of the door, whether it has a single panel, multiple panels, or a decorative insert. Take note of any hardware such as knockers, mail slots, or decorative elements.

Panel Configuration	Hardware
Single panel	Knocker
Two-panel	Mail slot
Three-panel	Decorative element

Measuring for a Sidelight or Window

The process of measuring for a storm door is similar to measuring for a regular door. However, it is important to make sure that you take into account the size of the sidelight or window on the door. When measuring, follow these steps:

Measure the width of the sidelight or window.
Measure the height of the sidelight or window.
Add 2 inches to the width and height of the sidelight or window.
These measurements will give you the size of the opening in the storm door that you need to cover the sidelight or window.
When ordering your storm door, be sure to specify the size of the sidelight or window opening.
The following table provides a summary of the steps involved in measuring for a storm door with a sidelight or window:

Step	Measurement
1	Width of the sidelight or window
2	Height of the sidelight or window
3	Add 2 inches to the width and height of the sidelight or window
4	The resulting measurements are the size of the opening in the storm door that you need to cover the sidelight or window

Compensating for Obstructions or Irregularities

If there are any obstacles or irregularities in the area where the storm door will be installed, such as a porch roof, window trim, or siding overhang, you need to account for them when measuring.

Here are some tips for compensating for obstructions or irregularities:

Measuring for a Storm Door with a Porch Roof

Measure the width of the door opening.
Measure the height of the door opening from the top of the threshold to the bottom of the porch roof.
Subtract the height of the porch roof from the height of the door opening. This will give you the height of the storm door.
Measure the distance from the edge of the door opening to the nearest obstruction, such as a window trim or siding overhang.
Subtract the distance from the edge of the door opening to the nearest obstruction from the width of the door opening. This will give you the width of the storm door.
Order a storm door that is the height and width you measured.
When installing the storm door, make sure that the top of the door is flush with the bottom of the porch roof.

Irregular-Shaped Doorways

In some homes, the entry door may be an irregular shape, such as an arch or a circle. In such cases, special inserts may be needed for the storm door. It’s highly recommended to seek professional assistance from a contractor or the storm door manufacturer for the best approach.

Verifying and Double-Checking Measurements

Once you have taken your initial measurements, it’s crucial to verify and double-check them to ensure accuracy. Follow these steps for thorough verification:

1. Measure Twice, Cut Once

Axiom of carpentry: Always measure twice to avoid costly mistakes. Recheck the height, width, and diagonal measurements.

2. Diagonal Measurements

Measure the diagonals of the door opening. If the diagonals are equal, the opening is square or rectangular. If they differ, the opening is not square, and you need to measure the top and bottom of each side to determine the proper storm door size.

3. Frame Thickness

Determine the thickness of the door frame (jamb). This will affect the overall size of the storm door.

4. Threshold

Measure the height of the threshold, if any. This will determine how much room you have for the sweep at the bottom of the storm door.

5. Obstructions

Check for any obstructions, such as trim or siding, that could affect the fit of the storm door. Measure the distance from the edge of the door opening to any obstructions.

6. Clearance

Ensure there is sufficient clearance on all sides of the door for it to open and close properly. Ideally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of clearance on each side.

7. Slope

If your doorway is not perfectly level, measure the slope to determine if you need a storm door with an adjustable threshold.

8. Detailed Diagonal Measurements:

For a more precise fit, take diagonal measurements from:

Diagonal	Measurement
Top left to bottom right	[Measurement]
Top right to bottom left	[Measurement]

If these diagonals are equal within 1/4 inch, your opening is square. If not, measure the top and bottom distances of each side to obtain accurate measurements.

Understanding Door Dimensions and Terminology

Measuring for a storm door involves understanding various dimensions and terms related to your existing door or door frame.

Door Frame Measuring Points

When measuring a door frame, you will need to determine the following points:

Top: The distance from the header (top of the frame) to the threshold (bottom of the frame).
Bottom: The distance from the threshold to the center of the strike plate (where the door latch engages).
Sides: The distance from the strike plate to the edge of each side jamb (vertical frame pieces).
Width: The distance between the inside edges of the side jambs.

Measuring the Door Slab

Measure the door slab separately to determine its height and width:

Height: From the top of the door to the bottom.
Width: From the edge of the doorknob or lever to the edge of the hinge side.

Door Swing Direction

Determine the swing direction of your door:

In-Swinging: The door opens inward toward you.
Out-Swinging: The door opens outward away from you.

Additional Notes for Measuring

Keep these additional tips in mind when measuring:

Measure in inches and be as precise as possible.
Use a measuring tape or ruler that is at least 24 inches long.
Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy.

When to Measure the Door Stop

The door stop is a crucial component of a storm door, as it prevents the door from swinging open too far. To measure the door stop, follow these steps:

Close the storm door.
Locate the stop that limits the door’s outward swing.
Measure the distance from the outer edge of the stop to the inner edge of the door frame.

Table: Door Stop Measurement Guide

Door Swing Direction	Door Stop Measurement
In-Swinging	Measure from the outer edge of the stop to the inner edge of the frame on the hinge side.
Out-Swinging	Measure from the outer edge of the stop to the inner edge of the frame on the latch side.

Tips for Accurate Storm Door Measurements

To ensure a proper fit for your storm door, accurate measurements are crucial. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

1. Identify the Door Type

Determine if your door is a left-hand or right-hand door by facing it from the outside. Left-hand doors open toward your left, while right-hand doors open toward your right.

2. Measure the Height

Measure the height of the door from the top of the frame to the bottom of the threshold. Measure at the center and both sides to ensure accuracy.

3. Measure the Width

Measure the width of the door from the outer edge of one jamb to the outer edge of the opposite jamb. Measure at the top, center, and bottom to determine the smallest width.

4. Determine the Swing Clearance

Measure the distance from the door frame to the nearest obstruction on both sides of the door. This will help you determine the minimum swing clearance your storm door will require.

5. Measure the Threshold

If you have a threshold, measure its height from the top to the bottom. Note the material and angle of the threshold.

6. Check for Obstructions

Identify any obstacles that could interfere with the installation of your storm door, such as plants, lights, railings, or steps.

7. Consider Accessibility

Make sure the storm door will not block access to windows, vents, or other features on the exterior of your home.

8. Note the Frame Material

Check the material of your door frame, whether it’s wood, vinyl, metal, or fiberglass.

9. Use a Level

When measuring the height and width of the door, use a level to ensure your measurements are accurate.

10. Comprehensive Measurement Table

To ensure the most accurate measurements, refer to the following table:

Measurement	Instructions
Height	Measure from the top of the frame to the bottom of the threshold, at the center and both sides.
Width	Measure from the outer edge of one jamb to the outer edge of the opposite jamb, at the top, center, and bottom.
Swing Clearance	Measure the distance from the door frame to the nearest obstruction on both sides of the door.
Threshold Height	Measure from the top to the bottom of the threshold (if applicable).

How To Measure For A Storm Door

When measuring for a storm door, it is important to take accurate measurements to ensure a proper fit. Here are the steps on how to measure for a storm door:

Measure the height: Measure the height of the door opening from the top of the frame to the bottom of the threshold.
Measure the width: Measure the width of the door opening at the widest point.
Measure the diagonal: Measure the diagonal distance from the top corner of the door opening on one side to the bottom corner on the opposite side.

Once you have these measurements, you can use them to order a storm door that will fit your door opening. It is always best to err on the side of caution and order a door that is slightly larger than your measurements, as it can be trimmed to fit if necessary.