I want to replace the old one and don't know where I should measure. Do I measure the door that is there now, or the concrete walls that it is embedded in or ? Could someone also recommend a good web page to view some inexpensive doors..I'm on a budget. i heard that the labor would cost more than the door?
You measure the opening of the frame that the door is mounted to. You will remove the hinges to take down the old one and put the new on in its place. Doors are made to be adjustable within an inch or so.
Are you handy with tools? Most can be installed in a couple of hours with screwdriver, hacksaw, tape measure, drill and a couple of bits. I used to charge $20 to install doors, but that was 35 years ago.
Most doors in the US are one of two sizes 32x80 or 36x80. There are exceptions to that rule. The ready made doors can usually accommodate 1/4"
If you have some odd ball size there are "cheats" that can be done. Post back for those.
I have had good luck with the Larson wood core storms. Unless $ are really tight the aluminum clad one is worth the extra cost when compared to the vinyl clad. Here about $120 for the better.
Around here the installation costs about 20% more than the door. In urban areas I am sure it could be as much as twice the cost.
Colbyt
I put my own Larson wood core doors on and it was a nasty job, mostly because the wood core doors weight 6 times as much as the cheapo aluminum doors. Depends on your age and how many hernias you've had. If you're young and fit, go with the Larson, it's a good door.
Bob
remove the old one and take it to the store. the correct answer may involve the connected frame.
Thanks to all that replied. I cannot remove door and bring to home depot...nearest store...i don't own a car. After I posted the original message, I came across a Anderson brochure that shows how to measure for a new storm door. It shows horizontal arrows going to each end of the opening...not the door itself and the same vertically. So now its more confuseing than ever. Too bad they don't come over and measure and give an estimate at the same time. I guess those days are gone forever. Have to pay for their time...they say.
Home Depot comes out and measures and gives you an estimate. Generally you just measure the interior door slab that should be the measure of the storm.
Who is "they"? If you are talking about the big box stores, they are interested in high volume, fast turnover, and don't much give a damn about you. OTOH, many small independent contractors will be happy to come to your house and show you some brochures, talk about what you need, and do the measuring while there. And do it for less than the big guys. I made a comfortable buck doing just that and underpricing Sears by 20% or more for the same door from the same factory.
Home Depot comes out and measures and gives you an estimate. Generally you just measure the interior door slab that should be the measure of the storm. >>>
For Free? Where do u live? HD here in NYC, would not do this? Don't u think I had asked before submitting any info here in this newsgroup?
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