What I install and fix
- Storm doors hung on wood frames, including older out-of-square openings
- Hinge rails shimmed and drip caps sealed against stucco
- Retractable screen and glass-panel doors set up
- Tired closers, handles and latches on existing storm doors replaced
- Sweeps and expanders renewed so the door seals at the sill
- Old storm doors taken down and screw holes filled
Fitting storm doors to older San Gabriel homes
The city’s Housing Element notes that 52.3 percent of San Gabriel homes are more than 60 years old. On houses that age, the front door frame has usually settled a little, so one side of a new storm door can sit tight while the other gaps. Shimming the hinge rail before the door goes on is what makes it latch cleanly.
Some older homes have decorative wood trim or original screen doors worth keeping. I check the trim depth before ordering, since a storm door needs a flat surface to mount on.
From photo to finished door
Check the frame
I measure at the top, middle and bottom to see how far out of square it is.
Choose the door
You pick the style; I confirm the size and hinge side fit.
Fit it
The rail is shimmed, the door hung and the sweep set to the sill.
Adjust
Closer and latch are tuned so it shuts without a bang.
Bigger door frame problems
A frame that is badly rotted or a threshold that needs rebuilding goes to a carpenter. I’ll point it out before installing anything.
On the same San Gabriel visit, people also tend to ask about door threshold replacement, weatherstripping and door sweeps, lock and door hardware replacement or window screen repair.
Send me
A straight-on photo of the doorway, the width inside the trim at the top and bottom, and the door model if you’ve chosen one.
Storm door questions
Can you install a storm door on an old door frame?
Yes. Out-of-square frames are shimmed so the door hangs straight.
Why won’t my storm door latch?
The frame has shifted or the closer is too weak. Realigning the strike or replacing the closer fixes it.
Can you replace a storm door closer?
Yes. Closers are a standard part and swap in quickly.
How much does it cost to install a storm door?
It depends on the door and frame. Text a photo for a free estimate.
Will a storm door fit with my security screen door?
Usually you choose one or the other for the same opening. I can help you decide from a photo.
Can you fix the gap under my storm door?
Yes. A new sweep or expander closes it.
Related guide: Storm door installation tips from our guide to screen doors and security door hardware.
Door guides for San Gabriel homes
- Fixing screen doors that slam, sag or will not latchHow we repair or replace screen doors, closers, latches and security door hardware on older San Gabriel homes.
- Heavy plank doors that sag, drag or will not latchHow we fix heavy plank and arched doors with iron strap hinges in San Gabriel's Mission Revival homes: sagging, dragging and latches that miss.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our doors, cabinets and hardware group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.