Frequently Asked Questions

Handleset will not engage into strike in jamb.

Door is too far away from jamb. 1. Add a shim behind the strike plate that is in the hardware box. 2. Use a strike plate that has a 90°angle, such as a strike plate stamped “A”.

My closer is not working properly. What should I do?

"Adjustments need to be made to the closer. First, recheck closer instruction manual for proper closer installation. Proceed by removing the closer adjustment screw from the closer. Fully open door and allow it to close (door will slam shut). Reinstall closer adjustment screw allowing only 1 or 2 threads of the screw to be turned in. Fully open door and allow the door to close. Adjust the screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn to achieve the desired closing speed sufficient to latch the door.

My storm door is installed but it is not closing.

There is air pressure between the entry door and storm door. The air is trapped and needs vented or the closer speed needs adjusted. To vent the air, raise the bottom expander up so that the bottom of sweep(s) only touches the top of the threshold. You can adjust the closer by turning the adjustment screw to release pressure.

The Hinge side of the door is binding with the weatherstripping.

The most likely cause is that the Z-bars are out of square in the opening. Remount z-bars and shim behind the z-bars. However, a secondary consideration should be that the weatherstripping needs to set. You could set the closer with a little tighter force of compression to pull over the weatherstripping. Remember, when first installing your storm door, the weather stripping is new and will only take a little time to “set.”

The latch side of the door will not close

The problem is either 1) the striker not engaging with handleset or 2) Z-bars are out of square in the opening. Determine if you should remount the striker and shim behind it or remount the z-bars and shim behind them if necessary.

What if more latching force is needed?

The jamb bracket may be moved up to 1” away from the door (rather than the recommended 1/4”) to provide more force. However, please note: moving the jamb bracket further from the door reduces the door opening!

What if my door is squeaking?

The hinge to jamb screws are too tight. Back off screws 1/4 of a turn. For new storm doors, the hinges may be too tight. Lubricate hinges with a silicone spray lubri­cant.