How To Switch Your Fullview Storm Door From Glass To Screen

Is it time to get your storm door ready for that fresh air? Maybe it is getting chilly and you want to install your glass insert again for the winter. Here are a few simple steps on how to do that with your Fullview storm doors.

As LARSON has always been a leader in innovation. One thing that is always being worked on to give our customers a better experience are the retainer strips and how our interchangeable glass inserts work. That means there are many different styles and colors of retainers strips. Not every retainer strip looks the same but they all work the same. Depending on their age, some will be harder to insert than others. 

For new installations, locate the two long retainer strips in the box with the storm door. They will be plastic and the length of your glass or screen. They will typically be marked with dashes and arrows or the statement "insert this edge".

Their shape may vary by door type. New storm doors will have yellow shipping clips that should be removed and discarded. With the glass or screen insert in the door, place the retainer strip against the glass or screen surface with its markings facing to the edge of the door frame. Slide the retainer strip towards the narrow channel at the very edge of the glass or screen.

This channel is designed to hold the retainer strip. Starting at the top, use your fingers to push the marked edge of the retainer into this channel opening. If this seems difficult, spraying some glass cleaner into the channel will make it a bit easier. You will hear or feel a snap when you get to the bottom and the strip is fully inserted. Once installed, the channel will conceal the markings on the retainer strip.

If you’re switching from glass to screen, you’ll need to remove the glass insert first.  To do that, place a flat nose screwdriver or any blunt small object in the groove next to the door frame approximately one inch from the top or bottom of the glass insert.  Some retainers will have a slot cut into them for this.  Next, tilt the screw driver at a slight angle, tipping the handle towards the door frame.  Tap the end of the screwdriver until the end of the retainer pops out of the track.  Then grab the retainer and remove it.

Remove the glass and place the screen in the door opening. Insert the retainer strips in place. Start at the top of the door and hold the retainer at about a 45 degree angle, with the edge with writing on it facing you. Slide it into the door channel in front of the screen; it should not go in between the screen and the door frame.

Working your way down the door, slide and snap the retainer into the track until the markings are no longer visible, applying pressure as you go. When you get to the end, you will hear a snap as the last portion of the retainer goes in. If you find the fit to be tight, spray glass cleaner on the retainer strip to help it slide in the channel.

If your find that your glass or screen no longer fit, try gently tapping the metal trim back in place with a rubber mallet or a hammer and block of wood. If the metal trim and the rubber boot have come off too far to tap back on, first tap the metal trim OFF the glass. Reset this rubber boot on the glass edge and then tap the trim back on.

With these simple steps, you can interchange your screen and glass in your Fullview storm door to welcome in the fresh breeze.