How to Remove a Glass Panel from a Storm Door and Replace with a Screen

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the irresistible urge to fling open windows and doors, inviting in the rejuvenating breath of fresh air. But if your storm door is still sporting the glass panel from winter, it’s time for a change.

If you have an interchangeable full glass storm door, learn how to remove the glass panel from the storm door and replace it with the screen, opening the way for fresh breezes and sunshine to fill your home. With a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to welcome spring to your doorstep.

How to Remove the Glass Panel on a New Storm Door

For new installations, locate the two long retainer strips in the box with the storm door. They will be the length of your glass or screen inserts and will typically be marked with dashes and arrows and/or the statement "insert this edge". Their shape may vary by door type.

New doors will have shipping clips that should be removed and discarded. With the glass or a screen insert in the door, place the retainer strip against the glass or screen surface with its markings facing 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. Spraying glass cleaner into the channel can make this 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.

How to Remove the Glass Panel on an Existing Storm Door

If you’re switching from a glass panel to a screen, you’ll need to remove the glass insert first. To do that, place a flat nose screwdriver blade 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 screwdriver 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. The edge with writing on it should be 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 you 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.

NOTE: Try not to carry the glass panel by the metal trim alone.

By learning how to remove the glass panel from your interchangeable full glass storm door, you can adapt your entryway as the seasons change and let fresh air and sunlight flow freely into your home.