How to Install a Mobile Home Screen Door

Replacing your mobile home screen door is a straightforward project that can make a big difference in your home’s comfort and appearance. Whether your old door has seen better days or you’re upgrading to a new style, getting it installed properly is all about having the right tools, accurate measurements, and a bit of patience. If you’ve been holding off because you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the process step by step, making it easy to get the job done and enjoy your new door in no time.

 

Gathering Your Materials

Before you start, it’s a good idea to have all your supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. 3/4″ Putty Tape (or Butyl Tape) – This non-hardening sealant around the door frame will help create a weather-tight seal.
2. Screws – Choose screws that are long enough to hold the door securely to the wooden door jamb. Hex Head Screws are often recommended because they’re easy to drive and less likely to slip.
3. Safety Chain (optional) – This helps control how far the door swings open, preventing damage from strong winds.
4. Storm Door Hardware Kit (optional) – Includes the latch, handles, and possibly a closer, which you can install if your new mobile home screen door also functions as a storm door.

Make sure you have a measuring tape, a level, and a reliable power drill or screwdriver. The more prepared you are, the easier the entire installation will be.

 

Taking Measurements for Your Mobile Home Screen Door

Accurate measurements are crucial to ensuring your new mobile home screen door fits perfectly. Getting the width or height off by even a fraction of an inch can lead to drafts, squeaks, or a door that won’t close properly. Here’s what to measure:

1. Width: Measure from the outside edge of the wooden jamb on one side to the outside edge on the other side. You’ll want the measurement to be as precise as possible.
2. Length: Measure from the top of the wooden jamb past the threshold (where you step) all the way down to the floor.
3. Hinged Side: Determine if your door is right- or left-hinged by standing outside your mobile home and seeing which side the hinges are on.

It’s important to note that storm doors (and many screen doors designed for mobile homes) are sized by the wooden frame casing (jamb). If these measurements are correct, you’ll have a mobile home screen door that fits snugly and operates smoothly.

 

Preparing the Mobile Home Screen Door Opening

Before you set your new door in place, make sure the mounting surfaces are ready. This includes checking the siding around the door opening. If there are any seams sticking out or areas that aren’t flat, you’ll want to fasten them or trim them back securely. A flat, level surface will allow your mobile home screen door to seal correctly and prevent any gaps where water or insects might get in.

 

Applying the Sealant Tape

Next, you’ll apply a non-hardening sealant tape, such as 3/4″ Putty Tape or Butyl Tape, to the backside of the new door’s mounting flange. This flange is the portion of the door assembly that will sit flush against the jamb and outer wall of your mobile home. The tape helps create a waterproof seal. It’s a simple step, but it’s extremely important for keeping rain and moisture from leaking into your home.

 

Keeping the Door Closed and Locked

Many new doors come with shipping clips or fasteners to keep the door closed and aligned before installation. Do not remove these clips yet. Opening the door too soon can cause the frame to shift and throw off the alignment, which might lead to uneven gaps. Instead, keep the door locked and closed while you position it in the doorway.

 

Fitting the Door Assembly

Carefully lift the mobile home screen door assembly and place it into the jamb. Make sure the sill (bottom part of the door) rests securely on the floor. If you have another person helping you, ask them to hold the door in place while you check that it’s aligned correctly.

Next, push the door assembly toward the hinge side of the opening until it’s firmly against the stud. This ensures that the hinges are adequately supported and that the door will open and close smoothly.

 

Securing the Mobile Home Screen Door

It’s time to fasten the door to your mobile home. Start on the hinge side by driving the first three screws through the pre-punched holes in the mounting flange. Place these screws in the middle area on the hinge side. Then, move to the lock side and drive in three screws in the middle section of that side.

After these initial screws are in place, go back to the hinge side and install the remaining screws from top to bottom. Then, secure the sill at the bottom, followed by the lock side and the header (the top part).

Using this approach—hinge side first, then lock side, then filling in the rest—helps the door stay square. A door that’s installed evenly is much more likely to seal tightly and last longer.

 

Removing the Shipping Clips and Adding Hardware

Now, you can remove the shipping clips and open your brand-new mobile home screen door. This is the time to attach your Storm Door Hardware Kit if you have one. That usually includes:

• Door handle and latch: The latch should align with the jamb’s corresponding strike plate.
• Closer: If your hardware kit comes with a door closer, attach it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The closer helps control how fast the door shuts.
• Safety chain: If you decide to get a safety chain, install it so that it prevents the door from swinging too far open on windy days.

Make sure to drive two long screws through the storm door closer bracket into the hinge side stud. This step ensures the closer is firmly anchored, preventing the bracket from pulling loose over time.

 

Additional Tips for a Good Seal

If your inner door (the main door to your mobile home) is attached with butt-type hinges, drive one long screw through each hinge on the jamb side so it reaches the stud. That extra length helps keep the door stable and secure.

Some mobile home screen door models feature an adjustable stop. This stop can be moved slightly to make sure the door seals tightly against the frame, reducing drafts and squeaks. If you have this feature, adjust it until you’re sure there are no gaps around the edges.

 

Checking Your Work

Once your mobile home screen door is securely in place and you’ve removed all shipping clips, check to see if everything functions properly:

1. Open and Close: Does the door swing smoothly without rubbing or sticking?
2. Latch: Does the latch line up correctly so the door stays closed when you want it to?
3. Seal: Are there any visible gaps between the door flange, jamb, or sill? If so, you should re-check your measurements or add more sealant tape.

By double-checking these details, you’ll ensure your new door lasts for many years without issues.

 

Conclusion

Ready to get started? Replacing your mobile home screen door is a simple project that can make a big difference in your home’s comfort and appearance. With the right tools, accurate measurements, and a step-by-step approach, your new door will be installed and working perfectly in no time. Take it one step at a time—you’ve got this!

When you’re ready to begin, Mobile Home Parts Store has all the supplies you need, from screen doors to hardware and sealants. Visit us today and get everything you need to complete your project with confidence!

Tags: diy, how to, mobile home, mobile home screen door, mobile home storm door, mobile home storm doors

This entry was posted on Monday, January 27th, 2025 at 3:50 pm and is filed under Interior & Exterior Doors. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.