Problem with storm door.

[japple]

Years ago, my parents installed a solid glass storm door on the front doorway of the house. (Both Mom and Dad are gone now and the house is mine.) It held up for maybe 12 years, but the hinges finally gave way after several repairs and I had to have it removed. Is this a common problem for solid glass storm doors? Are they all created equal? What would be a good alternative? This doorway leads to a large screened porch and I like to keep it open during the day for the additional light and so I can see out into my yard. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[MADem]

1. Did the hinges give way or did the screws just fail?

Are you sure the problem wasn't with the way the door was attached to the house?

A heavy door can put a strain on the screws and hinges over time, and will sag. Sometimes if you just tighten up the screws that attach the door to the house, you'll be ok.

You can buy replacement hinges at the hardware store if those are what failed--I had to do that with a door where the hinge got warped and ruined because the door got caught in a BAAAAAAD windstorm of hurricane proportions....the door is still hanging in there, though.

[japple]

3. It was the hinges first, then the screws. The screws were replaced at lease twice.

A couple of people have told me that replacement hinges are not available for these types of doors.

[MADem]

5. You'll just have to upgrade, then, if you can't find a hinge that will work.

If you're handy or know someone who is, they might be able to find a hinge that is "close enough," if you aren't fussy about the odd hole in the wrong place. Take the whole hinge to the hardware store if you try that route, so you can compare/contrast. Don't rely on measurements!

I finally broke down and got a new storm door for my back door, that has a dog door built in so I don't have to play doorman. It also has one of those jazzy windows with the screen built in, which is swell for me as I am slow to swap out the glass for screens!

[japple]

6. I will probably upgrade to one with a pet door and hope the cats and dog will actually use it.

I play butler to 4 cats and a dog who all want in/out at different times. It gets old fast!!
I'd also like the screen door part, too.

[MADem]

7. If the animals like treats, you can train them to use the door fairly fast.

They might not take to it the first few times they use it, but don't give up.

[edgineered]

2. For the hinges to last 12+ years is pretty good.

When you do replace the door keep in mind that the hinges will last longer with a little lubrication. Maybe a drop of oil a few times a year as part of something you do as a routine, like when the time changes or sooner if they have a tendency to get dry. A few thoughts to consider - oil them before the winter freeze, use a door stop, a closer or similar method to prevent excess stress on the pins. As a general rule, it is not so much a problem of things getting wet that causes damage, it is the trapped water. If water puddles against the door drilling a weep hole along the bottom is suggested.

I'm sure your selection will be fine; the door is in good hands.

[japple]

4. The door had a closer on it. I guess its useful life was at an end.

Thanks for the good advice about oiling.

[Warpy]

8. They usually last a bit longer than 12 years if neighbors

are any indication. Some around here have held up for the 15 years I've been here. The solid glass doors are usually a little beefier than the half glass doors. Usually what wrecks the hinges is having it blow open once too often. If you keep it open, you'll want to secure it with a hook and eye to prevent this.

It's not a drastic fix although replacing it is expensive. You just unbolt the frame around the door and bolt a new frame and door into place.