Easy Things to Look For

• When diagnosing a problem with your storm door it is good to quickly eliminate some of the simpler possible problems first. Someone may have mistakenly locked the door opening mechanism on the door handle, which could prevent the door from closing properly. Unlock the door handle mechanism and then press the door release button a few times to make sure it is operating properly. Check down where the bottom of the storm door meets the door frame near its hinges, to make sure there is no debris preventing the door from closing, or that the door frame is not damaged.
  
  

The Strike

• The strike is the small spring-loaded bar installed on the door frame that the door handle mechanism interconnects with to hold the door closed. There could be two things wrong that prevent the door from shutting properly. The strike could just be worn out and need replacing. Gently press the small bar in and see if it instantly pops back. If it does not quickly pop back then the unit needs to be replaced. The other potential problem could be that the strike is not latching on to the door handle mechanism. Over time the strike can become slightly recessed into the wooden door frame due to constant exposure to the elements and the pressure created when the storm door closes over it. When closing the door, check to see if the strike is being moved by the door handle or if they miss each other and do not latch. If there is a space, then purchase metal spacers and place them between the strike and the door frame. This will raise the strike enough to allow it to latch on to the door handle and close the door.
  
  

Closer Tube

• The closer tube is the black cylindrical tube that extends from the door frame to around the middle of the door. It is designed to allow the door to close smoothly, and it is also designed to try and prevent the door from flying open in a wind storm. Near the door frame mount of the closer tube is a stopper that can be moved up and down the metal rod that the closer is on. This stopper helps prop the door open when you are trying to bring things in and out of the house. Make sure the stopper is all the way back towards the base of the closer tube to help close the door properly.