{"id":18468,"date":"2026-06-01T20:28:40","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T14:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/?p=18468"},"modified":"2026-06-01T20:28:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T14:58:42","slug":"how-to-measure-for-storm-door-correctly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/doors\/how-to-measure-for-storm-door-correctly.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Measure for a Storm Door Correctly"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A storm door that doesn\u2019t fit is worse than no storm door at all. Gaps let in drafts and insects. An oversized frame won\u2019t close. A misaligned door binds on the threshold. And once you cut the box open, you usually can\u2019t return it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Measuring sounds simple \u2013 but most homeowners make at least one mistake. This guide walks you through every step: width, height, trim clearance, out\u2011of\u2011square checks, and mobile home specifics. Get these numbers right, and installation goes smoothly. Get them wrong, and you\u2019ll be shimming, cutting, or returning the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Accurate Storm Door Measurements Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Storm doors are not \u201cone size fits all.\u201d Standard doors are designed to fit a range of rough openings (e.g., a 32\u201d door fits 31.5\u201d\u201333.5\u201d), but the tolerances are tight. A 1\/4\u201d error can mean:<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The frame won\u2019t sit flush against the brick mold<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weatherstripping doesn\u2019t compress, leaving air gaps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The closer bracket doesn\u2019t align with the jamb<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The bottom sweep drags or leaves a gap<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Worse, if you order a custom door, measurements become legally binding. Most custom fabricators will not accept returns if your measurements were wrong. Measure twice \u2013 or three times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a full understanding of door sizing and costs, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/doors\/how-much-storm-doors-cost-2026.html\"><strong>storm door cost guide for 2026<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tools Needed Before Measuring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gather these before you start:<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Steel tape measure<\/strong> (25\u2019 minimum; cloth tapes stretch)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pencil and paper<\/strong> (or phone notes)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Level<\/strong> (24\u201d or longer)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Carpenter\u2019s square<\/strong> (or a speed square)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flashlight<\/strong> (to see behind trim)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step ladder<\/strong> (for header measurements)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not use a laser measure for rough openings \u2013 it can\u2019t detect out\u2011of\u2011square conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a quick reference on standard sizes after measuring, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/doors\/what-are-storm-doors-types-benefits.html\"><strong>what are storm doors types and benefits<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Measure Door Width<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Width is the most common mistake. Follow this exact process:<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Open the primary door<\/strong> \u2013 You need clear access to the frame.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Measure inside the existing door frame<\/strong> \u2013 Not the trim, not the brick mold. The frame (jamb) is the vertical surface where the weatherstripping sits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Take three measurements: top, middle, bottom<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Top: just below the header<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Middle: at handle height<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bottom: just above the threshold<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Record the smallest of the three<\/strong> \u2013 This is your nominal width.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Example:<\/strong> Top = 32.5\u201d, Middle = 32.25\u201d, Bottom = 32.125\u201d. Use 32.125\u201d as your opening width. A standard \u201c32-inch\u201d storm door typically fits 31.5\u201d \u2013 33.5\u201d, so 32.125\u201d works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the smallest and largest differ by more than 1\/2\u201d, your frame is significantly out of square. You may need a custom door or heavy shimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Measure Door Height<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Height mistakes are less common but still critical.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Measure from the top of the threshold<\/strong> (the flat surface the door closes against) to the <strong>underside of the header<\/strong> (top of the frame).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Take three measurements: left, center, right<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Left: near the hinge side<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Center: middle of the opening<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Right: near the latch side<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Record the smallest measurement.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Standard height for most homes:<\/strong> 80\u201d \u2013 82\u201d. Mobile homes and older houses may be 78\u201d or 79\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your height is under 78\u201d or over 83\u201d, standard doors may not fit. You\u2019ll likely need a custom door or a specialized mobile home model. For mobile home specifics, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/doors\/best-storm-doors-for-mobile-homes.html\"><strong>best storm doors for mobile homes guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Measuring the Door Frame Opening (Rough Opening vs Finished Opening)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most storm doors mount to the <strong>finished opening<\/strong> \u2013 the exterior brick mold or trim, not the rough stud framing. But you still need to know what\u2019s behind the trim.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Finished opening measurement<\/strong> = what you take above (jamb to jamb). This is what storm door manufacturers use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rough opening<\/strong> = distance between wall studs. Rarely needed except for custom jobs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, check the depth of your trim (brick mold). Storm door frames need at least <strong>3 inches of flat mounting surface<\/strong> on each side. If your brick mold is only 2\u201d wide, the storm door frame will overhang \u2013 not ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pro tip: Use a flashlight to look behind the trim. If you see gaps or rot, fix those before measuring for a new storm door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For help identifying trim issues, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/windows\/how-to-maintain-aluminum-windows.html\"><strong>how to maintain aluminum windows and doors guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checking Trim and Mounting Space<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The storm door frame attaches to the exterior trim (brick mold) or directly to the siding. Verify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trim width:<\/strong> At least 3\u201d on hinge side, latch side, and top<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trim condition:<\/strong> No rot, no loose nails, no large gaps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flatness:<\/strong> The trim surface should be flat within 1\/8\u201d across the width of the storm door frame<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the trim is rotted or too narrow, you\u2019ll need to replace or extend it before installation. Factor that into your budget \u2013 see our <a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/doors\/storm-door-installation-cost-guide.html\"><strong>storm door installation cost guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Standard Storm Door Sizes Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manufacturers list storm doors by nominal width. Here\u2019s what they actually fit:<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Nominal Size<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Fits Rough Opening Width<\/th><th>Common Use<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">30\u2033<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">29.5\u2033 \u2013 31.5\u2033<\/td><td>Rare; mobile homes, small entries<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">32\u2033<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">31.5\u2033 \u2013 33.5\u2033<\/td><td>Most common for single doors<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">34\u2033<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">33.5\u2033 \u2013 35.5\u2033<\/td><td>Common for larger entries<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">36\u2033<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">35.5\u2033 \u2013 37.5\u2033<\/td><td>Wide single doors<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">38\u2033+<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">custom<\/td><td>Double doors, custom builds<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Height is almost always adjustable<\/strong> within a range (e.g., 80\u201382\u201d) via an expandable frame or spacer. But don\u2019t assume \u2013 check the spec sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your measurements fall between these ranges, you need a custom door. For more, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/doors\/custom-storm-doors-historic-nonstandard-entryways.html\"><strong>custom storm doors guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Measuring for Double Storm Doors (French Doors)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Double storm doors require two separate doors plus a center astragal. Measuring is more complex:<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Measure total width<\/strong> from left jamb to right jamb (top, middle, bottom). Use the smallest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Divide by two<\/strong> to get the width for each door.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Measure each door\u2019s height<\/strong> (left, center, right) \u2013 they must match.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check the center seam<\/strong> \u2013 The astragal will add about 1\u20132\u201d of overlap. Ensure the total width minus the astragal leaves equal panels.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Double door warning:<\/strong> Even 1\/8\u201d difference between the two jambs causes alignment issues. Professional measurement and installation are strongly recommended. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/doors\/double-storm-doors-french-doors.html\"><strong>double storm doors for French doors guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Measuring Mobile Home Storm Doors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mobile homes have unique challenges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Outswing doors<\/strong> \u2013 The main door opens outward, so handle clearance is critical. Measure from the jamb to the primary door handle when fully open.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Narrow jambs<\/strong> \u2013 Many mobile homes have 2\u00d73 walls. Storm door screws must bite into the thin studs without protruding inside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Odd widths<\/strong> \u2013 30\u201d, 31\u201d, 33\u201d are common. Standard 32\u201d doors may not fit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Measurement process for mobile homes:<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Follow the same width\/height steps above<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add a handle clearance check: open the main door fully and measure from the jamb to the furthest point of the handle. You need at least 1\/2\u201d clearance for the storm door frame.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If clearance is tight, look for a \u201cmobile home offset hinge\u201d kit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For door selection, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/doors\/best-storm-doors-for-mobile-homes.html\"><strong>best storm doors for mobile homes guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Mistake<\/th><th>Why It\u2019s Wrong<\/th><th>Fix<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Measuring only one spot<\/td><td>Misses out\u2011of\u2011square<\/td><td>Measure top\/middle\/bottom and left\/center\/right<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Measuring the brick mold instead of the jamb<\/td><td>Brick mold is decorative; jamb is the frame<\/td><td>Use a flashlight to see the actual door frame<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Including the threshold in height<\/td><td>Storm door sits on top of threshold<\/td><td>Measure from the top surface of the threshold<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Forgetting handle clearance (outswing doors)<\/td><td>Storm door frame hits primary door handle<\/td><td>Open the main door and measure<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Assuming standard size fits<\/td><td>Rough openings vary<\/td><td>Always measure; never trust \u201cstandard\u201d<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rounding up<\/td><td>Door may not fit<\/td><td>Use the smallest measurement, never round up<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When in doubt, call the manufacturer or a local installer. A $100 service call to verify measurements is cheaper than a $500 door that doesn\u2019t fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For finding a qualified professional, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/doors\/who-installs-storm-doors-near-me-guide.html\"><strong>who installs storm doors near me guide<\/strong><\/a> (next in this series).<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Choose a Custom Storm Door<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Order a custom door if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your width is under 29\u201d or over 37.5\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your height is under 78\u201d or over 83\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The opening is out of square by more than 1\/2\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You have an arched or non\u2011rectangular top<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your home is historic and requires matching trim profiles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Custom doors cost $600\u20132,500+ and take 4\u20138 weeks. But they fit perfectly and preserve architectural character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a deeper dive, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/doors\/custom-storm-doors-historic-nonstandard-entryways.html\"><strong>custom storm doors for historic and non\u2011standard entryways guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Final Thoughts<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Measuring for a storm door is not hard, but it must be done methodically. Take your time. Write down every number. Check for square. Verify trim depth. And when in doubt, hire a professional to measure \u2013 many installers will measure for a small fee that gets credited toward the installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your measurement checklist:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>[ ] Width at top, middle, bottom \u2013 use smallest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[ ] Height at left, center, right \u2013 use smallest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[ ] Check for out\u2011of\u2011square (diagonals within 1\/4\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[ ] Trim width at least 3\u201d on all sides<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[ ] Handle clearance for outswing doors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[ ] Compare to manufacturer\u2019s rough opening range<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[ ] Consider custom if outside standard ranges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Get these numbers right, and your storm door installation will be straightforward. Get them wrong, and you\u2019ll be making a trip back to the store.<\/p><div class=\"pai-ad\" style=\"min-height:250px;visibility:hidden;\"><span style=\"display: block; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #999999;\">Ads<\/span>\r\n<!-- Display-300x250-1 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3838168351244230\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"9933646018\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the next step, see our guide on who installs storm doors near you.<\/p><script>document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){\n        if(window.innerWidth <= 768){\n            if (\"immediate\" === \"delay\") {\n                setTimeout(function(){document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.style.visibility=\"visible\")},0);\n            } else if (\"immediate\" === \"scroll\") {\n                window.addEventListener(\"scroll\",function(){\n                    let s=window.scrollY\/(document.body.scrollHeight-window.innerHeight);\n                    if(s>0.1){\n                        document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.style.visibility=\"visible\");\n                    }\n                });\n            } else {\n                document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.style.visibility=\"visible\");\n            }\n        } else {\n            document.querySelectorAll(\".pai-ad\").forEach(el=>el.remove());\n        }\n    });<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A storm door that doesn\u2019t fit is worse than no storm door at all. Gaps let in drafts and insects. An oversized frame won\u2019t close. A misaligned door binds on the threshold. And once you cut the box open, you usually can\u2019t return it. Measuring sounds simple \u2013 but most homeowners make at least one &#8230; <a title=\"How to Measure for a Storm Door Correctly\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/doors\/how-to-measure-for-storm-door-correctly.html\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to Measure for a Storm Door Correctly\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":18469,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[46],"tags":[4165],"class_list":["post-18468","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-doors","tag-storm-doors"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18468","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18468"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18468\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18470,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18468\/revisions\/18470"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18469"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18468"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18468"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18468"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}