Storm Door Replacement - what do I need to know?

[NC Fabricator25]

I need to replace a storm door, 2 actually, and would like some feedback from the folks on GJ. While the project seems straightforward enough, I’ve never replaced a storm door and thought I’d ask before proceeding. It’s a 1960’s brick ranch, existing storm doors have seen better days, a couple of pictures for reference. My measurements say it should be the standard size of 32”x81”, and I’m looking for a door with glass panels and screen venting for the nicer weather days. Larson and Andersen seems to be the common fare at the local big box, several styles available.

Any tips or tricks from those that have done this before? Is Larson or Andersen good brands, or is there something else, better, that I should be looking for?

I’d like it to be keyed to match my door locks, which are an older Kwikset, I assume the doors come with a lock that’s keyable to common names, Kwikset and Schlage?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jim greengo]

Locks/keys are differant than regular door lock sets.
Make sure handle is on right side of door and width are most important things.

 

[Zeke]

Do not assume that the handle lock will be anything close to Kwikset.

 

[PoorUB]

Like the other comments, chances of keying alike to you existing lock is near zero.

You have the height and width, just decide on the swing, RH or LH and get to work. They are fairly simple to install. A cordless drill and a impact diver makes it go quickly.

I ike the Larson doors, I have three of them in my house.

 

[captain14]

Following

 

[Zeke]

Sometimes there is an interference with the two locks, storm door and entry door. You might take the measurement of the height of your existing locks to the store. If you have a fairly wide jamb this will never be a problem. If there is interference the simple solution is to reverse the swing. That's not as awful as it sounds.

Chances are, though, that if there is a door there now, a new one will fit fine.

 

[captaindiode]

Anderson storm doors have a kwikset keyway standard and a schlage keyway can be ordered for it. I bought Anderson to replace mine and the install was straightforward. Also, I second the check for handle interference with the main door

 

[nadogail]

You will need to make sure the door swing meets your needs and the handles don't interfere with each other.

 

[MegaVan]

Make sure your trim is sound and square.

Nothing slows a project down like finding out you need more things from the store than you planned on.

You'll likely need a second human to help raise the door while it is screwed in place.

 

[mike93lx]

I installed a Larson at my last house that had double pane glass and a sliding top panel that was attached to a roll of screen. Made it super easy to switch from all glass to ventilation. It's definitely what I would get if I needed another storm door.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/LARSON-Tradewinds-Fullview-White-Full-View-Aluminum-Storm-Door-Common-36-in-x-81-in-Actual-35-75-in-x-79-75-in/50375000

Mine had a lock, but we never used it, so keying wasn't a worry.

Get one with a bottom of the door gas strut that has a button to lock it open. You can tap it with your foot and it will hold. Really nice when you are carrying stuff in and out.

Ensure the opening is square and plumb. Make adjustments to achieve that before starting with the door.