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How to Install and Replace a Screen Door

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published September 23, 2024

A screen door allows fresh air and sunlight into your home. It keeps insects out and gives an extra layer of security. In this guide, learn how to install a screen door.

Tools and Materials

Types of Screen Doors

There are 3 main types of screen doors:

Hinged Screen Door

Hinged screen doors are typically made of wood, aluminum or steel. They are well known for their safety and durability, as well as their ability to seal tightly against the doorframe.

How to Install a Hinged Screen Door

  • Check the measurements of the screen door by dry fitting it in the door frame.  


Tip

Leave a gap of 1/8-in - 3/16-inch around the door for the hinges and lockset.

  • Check the handle placement to ensure that the handle and latch for the screen door do not interfere with the main door’s handle.
  • Put the handle on the same side as the main door if nothing is in the way. If something is blocking it, put the handle on the other side.
  • Keep a distance of 7” from the top of the door and 11” from the bottom for the placement of the hinge and mark it.
  • Drill pilot holes and attach the hinges to the door frame with the screws.
  • Open and close the door a few times to check if it works properly.

Sliding Patio Door Screens

Sliding door screens are typically made of aluminum, vinyl or wood. They are easy to use and don't take up much space. They're also low maintenance and affordable.

How to Install a Sliding Door

  • Slowly lift the top part of your sliding screen door with the wheels and fit it into the upper track.
  • Use your putty knife or screwdriver to lift the lower wheels over the bottom track.
  • If the wheels don't go up, use the screwdriver to adjust them by turning the screw. Then, slide the wheels and the bottom part into place.
  • Use lubricant for rollers on the bottom track and wheels for smooth sliding.
  • Set J-hook for latch. You will need the drill, the J-hook and screws. 

Tip

Track guides are attached to the black latch in a clear plastic bag.

  • Find where the metal latch is on the door frame and make a mark. Then, decide where to put the J-hook and mark that spot too. Finally, use screws to attach the J-hook to the marked spot.
  • Test the screen door to make sure everything works. 

Retractable Screen Doors

Retractable screen doors are a new kind of door with a screen that rolls up. They are usually made of metal. These screen doors retract or nearly disappear into the doorframe when they are closed.

How to install a Retractable Screen Door

Good to Know

The boot body is the part that goes around the screen.

  • First, attach the end piece to the boot body using screws. Then, slide the boot body over the top of the screen holder. Lastly, slide the top holder over the pull bar and adjust it.
  • Install one mount clip 16 inches from the top of the door frame and another from the bottom. Secure the screen part to the mounting clips.

Tip

Check if the top and bottom parts of the sliding track are the right size before you put them in place.

  • Using pliers, compress the ends of the other side of the rail to hold the weather-stripping in place.
  • When the bottom rail is ready for installation, position it onto the tab on the tape end cap.
  • Attach the top guide rail to the tab of the boot body. 
  • Slide the rail at an angle behind the bottom guide rail and slide the side of the door into the top section, ensuring that it fits firmly against the upright part of the door frame.
  • Using a pile opener, install screws on the top and bottom of your door to secure the screen door frame.
  • Finally, tighten all the screws in the retainer and the screen door is ready.

Storm Doors ( Optional )

Storm screen doors are designed to provide extra protection in areas with harsh weather conditions. These doors are typically made of aluminum and even come with locking mechanisms.

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