How to adjust security screen door to fit?

[victoriacalhoun]

Hi Bunnings Community

External door and security screen surgery!

I’ve enclosed my garage and I am making it into a functional living space ON A BUDGET!

So, I need a security screen, for light and air primarily but can’t seem to find one the right size. And can’t really justify the nearly $1500 for a new one for the back. When I still have my really ugly diamond shaped one at the front. I did see a response on our awesome Bunnings Community page from @EricL   a few years back about making my own frame I DON’T need encouragement @EricL .

Measurements:

• external door is 810 x 2110 x 35mm. This door leads to a courtyard. Door jamb is 35mm
• Security screen I have my eye on is 820 x 2035 x 25mm (yes, I get the math). Door jamb is 30mm

So could I use the one above?

• Height - (75mm - difference). Is it possible to use this add height to a security screen that is 2035mm high to match a 2120mm external door? ? Add a plate to the frame to match the door height? And if this is possible would I go evenly top and bottom or maybe just bottom?
• Width & door jamb - (10mm+ difference & 10mm- difference jamb) Could I add some kind of trim to the security door? No idea how to do it mind you. I can’t widen the door jamb itself & I definitely wouldn't trust myself to trim the screen door. And I'm assuming I can just offset the screen frame 5mm on the jamb?

I haven't uploaded any images because this is all hypothetical right now. 

Can't wait to hear from you.  Thank you. Victoria

[MitchellMc]

Hi @victoriacalhoun,

What makes you think I’m going to be any less encouraging than @EricL about building your own custom frame? 😂

Now, in terms of getting that screen door to work, the simplest fix for the height is to make a solid timber adjustment to the frame, rather than trying to add anything to the door itself. You could install a timber chock or block across the top of the door frame, secured to the jamb. That’ll bring your opening down to suit the 2035mm screen, and it’s a lot less fiddly than trying to add material to the top or bottom of the door itself. I’d do it at the top only, rather than splitting the gap, just to keep it tidy and make the bottom seal easier to manage.

As for the width, you’ve got a few options depending on how confident you’re feeling. While you can’t really trim the screen, you could look at modifying the jamb. Jambs are often beefier than they need to be, so removing one side and replacing it with a slightly thinner custom timber piece might give you the extra 10mm clearance you need. Alternatively, you could install timber trim around the outside of the jamb to extend the mounting surface and hang the screen slightly offset. It just depends which direction makes more sense with your existing wall and cladding.

Either way, you’re definitely not stuck — just need to decide whether it’s easier to bring the opening down to suit the screen or modify the jamb width slightly to fit it in. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[EricL]

You can do it @victoriacalhoun! I believe in you!