Installing a man door
#1
01-27-08, 07:30 AM
Installing a man door
I need to replace a man-door in the back of a garage. the door has a screen door. I'm a little confused as to the right door I should buy, and the sequence I should follow. With the weather a very brisk 20, I wanted to do this as quickly as possible. I appreciate any help.
#2
01-27-08, 11:49 AM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the DIY forums!
I'm not quite clear on what you currently have, but most of the time you'll have an exterior door and then a storm door is mounted to the brickmould or trim on the exterior door.
If that's the case, and you want to replace both the door and the storm door, you would first want to determine if your current door is a standard size. Exterior doors (measure the part that swings open) will usually be either 36" or 32" wide, and they are usually about 80" tall. That's what is commonly stocked in stores. Other sizes are available, but they are usually custom sized and will usually cost you quite a bit more. Sometimes it is worth it though.
It's much the same with storm doors. They fit openings that are 36 or 32" wide, and will fit openings that are 80-82" tall.
If I'm on the right track, and you have additional questions just let use know.
I'm not quite clear on what you currently have, but most of the time you'll have an exterior door and then a storm door is mounted to the brickmould or trim on the exterior door.
If that's the case, and you want to replace both the door and the storm door, you would first want to determine if your current door is a standard size. Exterior doors (measure the part that swings open) will usually be either 36" or 32" wide, and they are usually about 80" tall. That's what is commonly stocked in stores. Other sizes are available, but they are usually custom sized and will usually cost you quite a bit more. Sometimes it is worth it though.
It's much the same with storm doors. They fit openings that are 36 or 32" wide, and will fit openings that are 80-82" tall.
If I'm on the right track, and you have additional questions just let use know.
#3
01-27-08, 12:12 PM
jbehra,
XSleeper's got you covered on the size.
You called it a "screen door" that's on the outside; XSleeper called it a "storm door". Which ever it is doesn't make too much difference. If it's reusable, you'll be mounting it back the same way it is presently mounted.
As far as the man door itself, you basically have the options of going metal, wood, or fiberglass. Metal and fiberglass are going to hold up better (last longer) than wood, and would involve very little maintenance. Metal will cost less than fiberglass. The rest of the choices are pretty much cosmetic. Do you want a window in the door?, Flush (smooth on both sides) or raised panel?
A pre-hung door, trimmed on both the interior and exterior sides, the first time you install one will take about 4 to 6 hours. Have a helper, and if it's somebody who's actually installed a pre-hung door, that's all the better.
XSleeper's got you covered on the size.
You called it a "screen door" that's on the outside; XSleeper called it a "storm door". Which ever it is doesn't make too much difference. If it's reusable, you'll be mounting it back the same way it is presently mounted.
As far as the man door itself, you basically have the options of going metal, wood, or fiberglass. Metal and fiberglass are going to hold up better (last longer) than wood, and would involve very little maintenance. Metal will cost less than fiberglass. The rest of the choices are pretty much cosmetic. Do you want a window in the door?, Flush (smooth on both sides) or raised panel?
A pre-hung door, trimmed on both the interior and exterior sides, the first time you install one will take about 4 to 6 hours. Have a helper, and if it's somebody who's actually installed a pre-hung door, that's all the better.
