Can I Replace A Screen Door Myself In Ontario?

Installing a screen door comes with a lot of benefits. They increase ventilation, let a ton of natural light in, and improve the energy efficiency of the home as well.  Plus, modern screen doors now come with enhanced security features that ensure you are protected all the time. However, if your screen door is not serving its purpose anymore, it is about time to replace it with a new and better one to enjoy all the benefits. 

If you are wondering whether or not you can replace it yourself, the answer is yes. But there are a few considerations you must know about. Let’s learn them in detail. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Screen Door

Unlike popular belief, most screen doors are durable and sturdy. If maintained well, they can last anywhere between 20 to 30 years in Ontario. However, other factors like environmental conditions, usage, and door materials play a huge role in determining the lifespan of a screen door. (Read more about Is It Worth Replacing Windows And Doors In Ontario?)

In Ontario, where the weather can get a little challenging, your screen doors may not be as durable as they used to be. So, replacing it with a new one is the best way to maintain a comfortable and secure living space. And yes, you can do this at home with proper guidance and steps. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace your screen door at home.

Step 1: Remove the Existing Screen Door 

If you have a hinged screen door, start by unscrewing those hinges to remove the existing screen door. Once you have removed the screws, gently pull out your current door away from the frame. However, if your door has a closer mechanism, you need to detach that as well to pull out the current door from the frame. 

On the contrary, for the sliding door, you can find the screws at the bottom of the door that are holding the wheels. These screws allow your door to slide open and close on its fixed track. So, you need to pull the door up and unscrew each screw to loosen up the wheels. You also want to locate and unscrew the head stop at the top corner of the frame so that you can remove it easily from the frame. Once each screw is unscrewed, gently remove the frame. 

Step 2: Measure the Door Frame

Once you remove the old door, make sure to measure the frame and door to get the exact measurement. For this, use the measuring tape to get the height and width of both the door and frame. For accuracy, you want to measure at multiple points and get the measurements from the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. 

Moreover, you want to take measurements based on what type of door you want to install next. For instance, for sliding screen doors, you also need to measure the depth of the track. This will make sure that when you go out to purchase the new screen door, you know exactly what you need to make the right decision. 

Step 3: Shop for a Replacement Door

Once you have all the measurements, the next step is to shop for a replacement door at a hardware store. Now, when it comes to buying a screen door, there are many factors come into play. Choosing the right material is extremely important, considering the fluctuating weather in Ontario. The best options include aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, and sometimes even wood. 

The most common choice is aluminum, as it is durable, lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to care for. Based on your budget and requirements, choose the screen door for your home. For standard door size, you can visit your local hardware store to buy the door you need. However, if you have a custom door installed with unique measurements, you need to have one tailor-made according to your requirements. 

Step 4: Install the New Door

After buying the new door, it is time to install it in place. To do this, start by placing your new door in the opening. Make sure the door is sitting correctly in the frame. Next, mark the places where hinges will sit on the frame. Pre-drill the holes for the screws.

Once you are satisfied with the placement, attach the door to the frame. Now, before screwing in the hinges and handle, you need to decide where you want the door to open from. For instance, if you wish your door to open from the left, you will attach the hinges on the right side, and vice versa. For the sliding scream doors, simply insert the top part of the door in the upper track and then tilt the door to add the lower part of the door in the lower track. Make sure the door is sitting perfectly on the sliding wheels.

Step 5: Test Your New Door

Finally, you have installed your new screen door. To check if it is working smoothly, open and close it several times. If the sliding door is not gliding smoothly, you simply need to adjust the rollers height with a screwdriver for proper functioning. Moreover, considering Ontario’s weather, adding a door sweep or weatherstripping is recommended to make your home more energy efficient, saving you on energy bills. 

Pros and Cons of Replacing a Screen Door Yourself 

Just like any DIY project, there are a few pros and cons to replacing a screen door yourself. Where on the one hand, you get to save money on hiring professionals to get the job done. On the other hand, mistakes may occur, which can end up costing you more than anticipated. 

Let’s weigh both the advantages and disadvantages of replacing a screen door so you can make an informed decision. 

Pros

• Cost-Effective: One of the most attractive aspects of replacing a screen door yourself is how much money you can save on professional installation fees. Replacing a door yourself is much cheaper than hiring a professional door replacement company. If you have the skills to replace a door, consider doing it yourself. (Related read The Average Price Of Installing A New Door In Ontario?)

• Custom Control: When doing any home improvement and renovation project yourself, you have complete control of choosing the materials, colors, textures, and designs that you think match your requirements. So, instead of a company telling you what works best, you have the final call to make. 

• Sense of Accomplishment: There is no better feeling than taking on a project and completing it just how you imagined. The same goes for replacing a screen door yourself. Installing a new door yourself will give you a sense of accomplishment. 

Cons

• Lack of Expertise: To remove the old screen door and install a new one, a certain level of skill and expertise is required. While you may have a basic knowledge of how to take on the project, completing it successfully is a different story. So, if you still need to be fully equipped with the knowledge, call a professional door replacement company like Custodia in Ontario. They will handle the project with their years of experience and expertise. 

• Measurement Challenges: While you may think it is easy to take all the measurements, even a minor error can lead to a costly mistake. To properly install a new screen door in place, precise measurements are important. Professionals with years of experience know how to take exact measurements. 

• Durability Issues: When you are not skilled enough to install a ne screen door, there are chances you make mistakes, and the door needs to be fixed. When this happens, the door loses its durability and may not last you a very long time. Plus, you will face daily challenges in closing, opening, and locking. 

Legal Considerations & Building Codes for Screen Doors Replacement in Ontario

When it comes to installing a screen door in Ontario, there are specific legal considerations and building codes you must adhere to. These regulations include accessibility, fire safety, door hardware, door dimensions, and more. According to the Ontario building codes and regulations, doorways should be 32 inches wide, with passageways being 36 inches wide at the minimum. Also, screen doors must comply with all the rules and regulations mentioned under Article 3.8.1.2.

Moreover, barrier-free door designs must comply with accessibility standards that are clearly outlined in Section 3.8 of the Ontario Building Code. This ensures that differently able individuals can also access the doors without any problem. So, when installing a screen door yourself, make sure to check building codes in Ontario to ensure you legally comply with these regulations.

Final Words: When to Call a Professional

Replacing and installing a new screen door yourself is easy. All you need to do is follow the steps mentioned above in the blog. While it seems like an easy and cost-effective way, it can get challenging to carry out the job professionally. So, if you need to gain the right skills, equipment, and confidence for this job, call a professional company like Custodia for door replacement services to get the job done efficiently and professionally.