Why is my storm door not closing properly?

A storm door that won’t close all the way, slams shut, or gets stuck can be frustrating. The good news? Most storm door issues are easy to fix with a few simple adjustments.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons your storm door won’t close properly—and how to fix them.

1. The Closer Is Malfunctioning

🔹 Symptoms:

  • The door slams shut too fast.
  • The door stays open and won’t close fully.
  • The door closes too slowly or won’t latch.

🔹 Causes & Fixes:
✔️ Adjust the tension screw – Locate the screw on the closer and turn it to adjust the closing speed.
✔️ Check for air pressure issues – If your storm door is airtight, try propping it open slightly to relieve pressure.
✔️ Replace the closer – If adjusting the tension doesn’t work, you may need a new closer.

2. The Hinges Are Loose or Misaligned

🔹 Symptoms:

  • The door sticks or doesn’t align with the frame.
  • The door closes unevenly or drags.

🔹 Causes & Fixes:
✔️ Tighten the hinge screws – Loose screws can shift the door out of alignment.
✔️ Realign the door – If the door still doesn’t close properly, loosen the hinges, adjust the position, and re-tighten.
✔️ Replace worn-out hinges – If your hinges are bent or rusted, swap them for new ones.

3. The Latch Isn’t Catching

🔹 Symptoms:

  • The door closes but doesn’t latch.
  • You have to force the handle to get the door to stay shut.

🔹 Causes & Fixes:
✔️ Adjust the strike plate – Loosen the screws, move the plate slightly, and re-tighten.
✔️ Check for misalignment – If the latch is off-center, adjust the hinges as well.
✔️ Lubricate the latch – A little WD-40 can help a sticky latch function properly.

4. The Frame or Weatherstripping Is Causing Resistance

🔹 Symptoms:

  • The door won’t close all the way.
  • The door sticks or requires force to shut.

🔹 Causes & Fixes:
✔️ Check for debris in the frame – Dirt, leaves, or even paint buildup can block smooth closing.
✔️ Replace thick weatherstripping – If the seal is too tight, trim or replace it with a thinner option.
✔️ Look for warping – Wooden frames can expand in humid weather, making the door harder to close.

5. Temperature Changes Are Affecting the Door Fit

🔹 Symptoms:

  • The door closes fine in one season but not another.
  • The door sticks in summer and shrinks in winter.

🔹 Causes & Fixes:
✔️ Adjust the hinges and closer seasonally – A small tweak can compensate for expansion/contraction.
✔️ Ensure the frame isn’t shifting – If your home’s foundation has settled, you may need professional help to realign the frame.
✔️ Replace a warped door – If the door has permanently changed shape, a replacement may be needed.

Final Thoughts: Fixing a Storm Door That Won’t Close

✔️ If the door slams or won’t latch, adjust the closer or strike plate.
✔️ If the door sticks, check the hinges, weatherstripping, and frame for obstructions.
✔️ If the issue changes with the seasons, adjust the hardware as needed.

A storm door that closes properly keeps your home secure, insulated, and looking great—so don’t ignore the signs of misalignment or wear!

📺 Watch More on YouTube: Storm Door Guy

Looking for expert advice, installation guides, and helpful how-to videos? Subscribe to my YouTube channel, Storm Door Guy, where I share everything you need to know about storm doors!

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