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DIY trailer storm door
All items needed to make your
own storm door can be purchased at any well stocked hardware or home improvement
center. Use either plexiglas or acrylic panel, both materials are
easy to cut and work with. I suggest using either clear or smoke
color, frosted is available for those that enjoy there privacy, but still
want the light of an open door. Some have installed the lower
panel on the inside to prevent
pets from damaging the lower screen.
Top section of screen door with plexiglas attached over
screen with plastic clips.
I made our storm cover in two sections, upper section
and piece next to slide latch are all one section.
Two sections make it very easy to install or remove on
a windy day.
Close up of plastic clip that holds plexiglas in place.
Drill screw hole through first layer or aluminum only.
Use very short stainless steel or aluminum screws.
Bottom section of door.
This small section next to latch slide is part of the
top section.
Shows small section is attached to upper section.
Complete door showing placement of clips.
By installing with screen on the inside it is much easier
to keep the plexiglas clean as the outside gets the most dirt or rain spots.
Using this plexiglas covering you get full viewing and light on those rain
days, Hot weather run the A/C, cool days stay warm and have the door open.
NOTE
I've had several e-mail, asking what thickness to use. I used 3/32"
thick as it allowed a nearly flush fit to the frame so the clips lay flat.
I would suggest not using any thinner material as it is to flexible and
requires several more clips to hold in place. I have heard from several
that have used 1/8". You can buy a special tool to scribe the plexiglas
for about $3. You can also cut the material with a jig saw or saber
saw, but its best to have one with variable speed and use on low speed.
If run at high speed it will melt the plexiglas causing a very
rough edge or the melting will bond the cut back together. Sandpaper or
a file works great to get the final fit. Most hardware stores will
cut the material to size for you at a small fee. If you have a round
corner door such as mine they may not want to make that cut.
Another common question is can I run my A/C or heater having the door
open and just the plexiglas storm. Yes you can, we have a 35' 5th
wheel, it cools fine in hot weather and in cool weather down to the low
30's it's not a problem to heat with just an electric heater.
This same idea works well when installed on the inside lower panel to
keep pets from clawing at screen.
Click
here if you have questions
