Andersen Storm and Screen Door Learning Center
| Learning Center > Product FAQs |
Product FAQs
Where can I buy a new Andersen® or EMCO® storm door?
Andersen and EMCO storm doors are sold through The Home Depot ® stores as well as through our network of Andersen dealers. To find more information on our current storm door product offering, click here.
What is the difference between EMCO and Andersen?
EMCO Enterprises, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Andersen Corporation. EMCO Manufactures Andersen® and EMCO® doors.
Can I repaint my storm door?
To paint your storm door, please determine which type of storm door you have.
All Andersen® and Millenium® by Andersen Storm and Screen Doors may be painted, with the exception of:
- Polypropylene Store-in-Door™ Traditional and Crossbuck model doors purchased after September 2002 cannot be painted
- EMCO® Wood Core Series doors cannot be painted
How do I adjust both closers to same tension?
- Unhook top closer by removing pin that attaches it to the door bracket.
- Adjust bottom closer to desired speed.
- Reattach top closer.
- Unhook bottom closer by removing pin that attaches it to the door bracket.
- Adjust top closer to desired speed.
- Reattach bottom closer.
- Unhook top closer by removing pin that attaches it to the door bracket.
- Adjust bottom closer to desired speed.
- Reattach top closer.
- Unhook bottom closer by removing pin that attaches it to the door bracket.
- Adjust top closer to desired speed.
- Reattach bottom closer.
Both closers should now be working in harmony at the desired speed.
How do I clean my brass and nickel handle set?
The brass and nickel handle components are coated with a clear polyurethane finish, which protects the metal from tarnishing. In order to clean the handle, this coating will have to be removed.
Keep all products containing chlorine or ammonia, such as bleach or many glass cleaners, away from components.
- Remove the handle set from the storm door. It is important that you do this prior to removing the polyurethane finish to avoid accidentally removing the paint from your storm door.
- Remove the coating by cleaning with mineral spirits, paint thinner, lacquer thinner, varnish remover, or another stripping agent, and fine steel wool (such as #000, or “triple-ought”). Please note that you will want to use fine steel wool such as is used to strip furniture. Do not use a coarse steel wool such as you would use for scrubbing pots and pans.
- Wash the components in a mild solution of soap and water, and allow it to dry thoroughly, then wipe it with a soft cloth to remove any residue.
- Use a high-quality polish according to the manufacturer’s directions on that product.
- Clear polyurethane finish may be reapplied to the clean surface to protect the finish. A spray finish is recommended to ensure an even coat. Several light coats are superior to one heavy coat. If you choose to not refinish the handles et, it will tarnish again and you will need to clean it on a regular basis. If the handle set is left unfinished, cleaning may be done in the future without removing it from the storm door.
- Reinstall the handle set.
How do I remove or install the windows in my fullview or decorative door with retainer strips?
Snap-Out Removal of Retainer Strips (best/safest with a helper who can help hold/steady window)
You will need to follow these steps to remove window in the future to change to insect screen in warm weather (or to change back from insect screen to window).
- Remove top retainer strip
- Starting at left end of retainer strip, place fingertips on the outer lip and pull downward (toward glass).
- Move from left to right, progressively removing entire strip.
- Remove bottom retainer strip
- Use Step 1 procedure, but pull upward.
- Remove the left — then the right — side retainer strip
- Use Step 1 procedure, but pull inward.
- Lift window out. (keep window vertical; never store or carry flat.)
Important Note: When brand new - or during cold weather - retainer strips may be stiff, so handle them with care.
Snap-in Installation of Retainer Strips (best/safest with a helper who can help hold/steady window)
You will need to follow these steps to secure window or insect screen in the future after changing from one to the other.
IMPORTANT: Using the steps below, you should practice on the side of the door with a short (top or bottom) retainer strip, which is easier to handle, before installing the long (side) strip.
- Place window
- Center window in bottom of door frame and carefully tilt it forward into frame. Make sure flat edge of window faces outward (away from your home).
- Install the left — then the right — side (long) retainer strip
- Align the retainer strip using these three checkpoints:
- Place Leg A on the glass, parallel/flush with the grey window frame, but NOT resting on top of the frame.
- Place Leg B in the channel at the corner of the door frame, NOT in the space between the door frame and the window frame.
- Make sure Leg C is flush with the small lip on the door frame.
- To snap in, start on the top of the strip and work downward gradually, using this method:
- Use one hand to hold the strip in place, and...
- Use the other hand's thumb to press straight in on strip's outer lip (pressing at 90° angle to door). Strip should easily snap in place.
Repeat for right side retainer strip.
Install the top — then the bottom — (short) retainer strips using the same technique used on the side (long) strips.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When brand new - or during cold weather - retainer strips may be stiff, so handle them with care.
Why does my inside handle pull apart?
The set screw that holds the interior handle to the latch-spindle was not fully tightened. To resolve this issue:
- Tighten the set screw with the hex wrench that came with your handle set.
- If you no longer have this hex wrench, you may use a 3/32” hex wrench to tighten the set screw.
- If this does not work, please contact the Solutions Center Hotline at (800) 933-3626 for assistance.
Why does my storm door close too fast or slow?
A probable cause is that your storm door closer is improperly adjusted. Follow these steps to adjust:
- Locate adjustment screw on the end of closer that attaches to the door.
- Open door, then let it close to note current closing speed.
- Use Phillips-head screwdriver to adjust closer to desired speed.
- For faster closing speed, turn adjustment screw to the left (1/4 turn counterclockwise).
- For slower closing speed, turn adjustment screw to the right (1/4 turn clockwise).
- Test door (open it, then let it close) after each 1/4 turn of the screw, and adjust screw further if needed until desired speed is achieved.
- If the closer doesn't have enough power after completing steps 1-3, it could be from improper pre-set of the closer. To help this condition, re-attach to the inner hole of the closer.
Why doesn't my storm door close all the way?
A probable cause is that the tension was not set properly on the closers prior to installing them. Follow these steps to adjust:
- Place hold-open washer on closer rod.
- Attach closer to jamb bracket with short pin.
- With closer attached, extend closer rod approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) and hold it in place with hold-open washer.
Extending the closer is necessary to ensure proper storm door function.
