How To Remove A Glass Panel From Storm Door

Storm doors protect the home from harsh weather conditions, so maintaining their quality is the best way to ensure a safe entrance for your home. This type of door is meant to be sturdy, and disassembling it for either cleaning or a replacement can be tricky. But don't worry! We have done the research to provide you with all the information you need to know so you can remove your storm door's glass panel.

To remove a standard storm door glass panel, carefully follow the instructions below:

1. Open the door and slide the clip closer to the door to keep it in place.
2. Locate the release latches on both sides at the bottom of the glass panel.
3. Push both latches inwards until it releases from the track.
4. If anti-bow pins are present, release both pins from the notch.
5. Carefully lift and pull the glass towards you until the whole panel is released from the track.

Disassembling a storm door can seem complicated if you are unfamiliar with the door's mechanisms. There are a few more types of storm doors, and each has additional instructions for dismantling that are specific to their style. Continue reading as we discuss all the additional details that can help you remove any kind of storm door glass panel.

How Can I Detach A Storm Door Glass Panel?

Removing the glass panel is possible for any type of storm door. Before looking to detach the glass panel, first assess the type of storm door that you have. Below is a list of three common types of storm doors and instructions on how you can detach each variation:

Standard Storm Door

This type of door has an insect screen attached to the frame and a detachable glass panel. The glass panel is placed on a sliding track to allow the owner to remove and replace the panel depending on what protection a season might require. The insect screen panel is not detachable.

To remove the glass panel of a standard storm door, carefully follow the instructions we provided above. Make sure that you inspect the glass panel's track carefully before removing it from the frame.

Assess which type of lock your door's manufacturer had provided you and remove all attached latches to prevent the glass from shattering.

Full-View Storm Door

Full-view storm doors come with both an insect screen and a glass panel that can be removed. Each panel has its track on the door frame, which allows the owner to switch, remove, or replace both panels when needed.

This means that the screen panel can be replaced with a glass panel, or a glass panel can accompany a screen panel.

To remove the glass panel of a full-view storm door, carefully follow the instructions below:

1. Open the door and slide the clip towards the door closer to keep it in place.
2. Locate the glass panel's retainers at each side of the door frame's inner channel.
3. Remove the top and bottom retainers off the door frame by holding the lip and pulling it downwards until it pops out of the crevice.
4. To remove the side retainers, flip up the door handle before following the same procedure. Make sure to handle the retainers with care and avoid folding them to prevent crimping on the material.
5. Save the retainers for later reinstallation.
6. Gently push the glass panel towards you until the top part of the panel is out of the door frame. The bottom part of the panel should stay on the door frame to prevent it from falling.
7. Hold each side of the glass panel and pull it out of the door frame.

To replace the glass panel or insect screen, simply place the panel first and then return the retainers. Ensure that the flange, which is the bent side on the retainer, is placed back into the door's channel.

Slide an end of a retainer to one side of the door frame and pop the flange back into the channel with your fingers until the whole strip is secured.

Retractable Storm Door

Similar to a standard storm door, retractable storm doors have a glass panel that can be removed from the door frame. The glass panel is sealed with either a dual latch or an anti-bow pin, which allows the glass to be replaced when damaged.

The screen panel in a retractable storm door is connected to a mechanism on the door frame that allows the screen to slide up and down when needed.

To remove the glass panel of a retractable storm door, carefully follow the instructions below:

1. Open the door and slide the clip closer to the door to keep it in place.
2. Locate the center mullion, which is the vertical bar between the panes of the top and bottom glass panels.
3. Using the appropriate screwdriver, remove both screws at each end of the center mullion.
4. Remove the bottom glass panel from the door frame by pulling the pane from the center mullion. Set aside the bottom glass panel in a safe place for reinstallation.
5. Place the retractable screen door at a working level, and remove the window latch assembly with the suitable tool.
6. Slide the screen door back into the door frame.
7. Remove the top glass panel retainers located on each side.
8. Locate the latches at the top of the glass panel and simultaneously push them inwards until both are removed from the sliding track.
9. Holding the glass panel on both sides, slide it upwards until both pivot keys are released from the balance shoes inside the track.
10. Carefully remove the glass panel from the window frame.

How Do I Remove A Storm Door Insect Screen Panel?

The process to remove the insect screen panel on your storm door depends on the type of storm door you will be removing it from.

With the standard and full-view storm door, you can remove and replace the insect screen much like you would with a glass panel. A retractable storm door will require you to disassemble the case of the screen before you can remove it.

To remove the insect screen panel of a retractable storm door, carefully follow the instructions below:

1. Open the door and slide the clip closer to the door to keep it in place.
2. Pull the screen panel to a working level, and cut the screen horizontally. Make sure that you are maintaining a firm grasp on the upper side of the screen to prevent it from snapping back into the case once you've fully cut through the material.
3. Remove the window latch assembly with the suitable tool.
4. Remove the screws from the retractable screen's cover plate.
5. Push the cover plate up to remove it in place.
6. Remove the latch rail by pulling off the retainers at both sides of the door frame's inner channel.
7. Remove the retractable insect screen and dispose of it properly.

What Are The Benefits Of A Storm Door?

Storm doors shield your home from outside elements you want to keep your family away from. Whether it's snow or heavy rain, a storm door is an added layer of protection that can accompany any door that serves as an entrance to your home. Storm doors are multifunctional and can serve many purposes.

Storm Doors As Filters

While the insect screen on your storm door serves as a barrier to keep harmful insects out of your home, it also filters other outdoor elements that could enter the doorway.

This could also potentially lessen the number of irritants that affect the residents of the house. An insect screen door can reduce the amount of dust that enters the home while still providing ventilation and comfort.

However, it's important to note that the screen door can only prevent dust and debris bigger than the size of the holes on its surface. A screen door cannot prevent other microscopic irritants like fine dust or pollen.

Storm Doors As Additional Security

Storm doors do not just serve as a shield between your family and harmful outdoor elements, but they also serve as additional security from potential intruders who might force their way into your home.

A storm door can serve as a safety panel if you have to interact with a stranger that you do not feel comfortable letting into your home.

There are storm doors that are specifically designed to double as security doors. These storm doors are made of steel frames with laminated security glass sturdy enough to prevent any shattering in an emergency. A knife-resistant steel screen door mesh is also available for additional protection to your home.

Storm Doors As Supplemental Light Source

Unlike regular doors, a storm door utilizes the available light from outside your home without reducing the amount of protection you want to keep. With either a glass or an insect screen panel, natural lighting can still enter your household without needing to completely open the main door.

To Wrap Up

Removing the glass panel on your storm door can be done at home without paying for professional service. You can do this by finding out what type of storm door you have installed on your home and then following the proper instructions carefully to prevent the glass from shattering.

In this article, we discussed the different types of storm doors and how you can detach the glass panels from them. Make sure you use protective gear and the appropriate tools to complete the removal without injury or damage.

Made it to the end? Check out some of our other related posts:

How Much Does A Storm Door Cost?

Screen Door Vs. Storm Door – Which To Choose?