Storm Door Not Closing When Front Door Is Shut? Here's Why ...
If your storm door stays open unless the front door is open, air pressure, misalignment, or a faulty door closer could be the cause. Here’s how to fix it.
1. Air Pressure Buildup Blocks the Door
🔹 Why It Happens:
- Your storm door and front door create a tight seal, trapping air inside.
- As you try to close the storm door, the trapped air pushes back, preventing it from shutting.
🔹 How to Fix It:
✔️ Open the front door slightly and close the storm door—if it shuts easily, air pressure is the issue.
✔️ Add a vent or drill small holes in the storm door frame to allow air to escape.
✔️ Adjust weatherstripping—if it’s too thick, it can create an airtight seal that traps air.
💡 Tip: Some storm doors come with built-in vents or adjustable closers to prevent air pressure problems.
2. The Door Closer Needs Adjustment
🔹 Symptoms:
- The door closes too slowly or stops before latching.
- You hear a whooshing sound as the door struggles to close.
🔹 How to Fix It:
✔️ Adjust the tension screw on the closer—turn it slightly to increase or decrease the closing speed.
✔️ Check for leaks in the closer—if it’s leaking oil, replace it.
✔️ Ensure the closer isn’t too strong—a high-tension closer can resist closing when air is trapped.
3. Weatherstripping Is Too Thick
🔹 Symptoms:
- The door gets stuck or won’t latch properly.
- The issue only happens in certain seasons (expansion due to heat or moisture).
🔹 How to Fix It:
✔️ Trim or replace thick weatherstripping to reduce resistance.
✔️ Check for gaps—if the weatherstripping is uneven, reposition it.
✔️ Use a thinner, flexible seal to maintain insulation without blocking door movement.
4. The Frame or Hinges Are Misaligned
🔹 Symptoms:
- The door closes unevenly or drags on one side.
- The storm door only gets stuck in certain spots.
🔹 How to Fix It:
✔️ Tighten the hinges—loose screws can cause misalignment.
✔️ Adjust the frame—if the door isn’t sitting flush, loosen and reposition the mounting screws.
✔️ Use shims to slightly realign the frame if needed.
Final Thoughts: Fixing a Storm Door That Won’t Close
✔️ Check for air pressure buildup—this is the most common reason your storm door won’t close when the front door is shut.
✔️ Adjust the closer to improve closing speed.
✔️ Trim or replace thick weatherstripping to reduce resistance.
✔️ Realign the hinges or frame if the door isn’t sitting properly.
If none of these fixes work, your door closer may need replacement. Ensuring proper airflow and alignment will keep your storm door closing smoothly every time!
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