How to Install an Adjustable Z Frame Screen Door

Mount the rain cap at the top of the door opening. Turn the cap so that the weatherstripping faces outward. Trim the cap to size, if needed, by cutting it down with a hacksaw. Sand down any burrs on the edges. Mark the location of the center hole in the frame with a pencil. Remove the cap. Drill a pilot hole with an electric drill and insert an anchor, if needed. Replace the cap and secure with a screw.

Lay the door flat on the ground.

Hold the Z-frame to the inside of the door opening on the side where you want the door to hinge. The side of the Z-frame with the screw openings should align with the door frame. Put a piece of tape at the top of the frame to indicate which end is up.

Turn the door on its side with the hinge side facing upward. Slide the bottom half of the Z-frame onto the channel on the side of the door, guiding it through the U-shaped channel along the door edge.

Slide the upper part of the Z-frame into the U-channel on the side of the door.

Insert the first hinge onto the Z-channel by aligning the opening at the back of the hinge with the channel and then sliding the hinge down the channel toward the bottom of the door. Flip the hinge over so it contacts the edge of the door frame. Drill a pilot hole through the bottom hinge opening with an electric drill. Secure with a screw. Drill another pilot hole for the top mounting screw through the hinge and secure. Slip the remaining hinges onto the Z-channel and secure with screws as with the first hinge.

Measure the door opening from top to bottom. Write this down. Cut the Z-frame to size to fit into the door opening. Sand down any rough edges on the Z-channel with a file.

Place the door in the opening with the Z-frame on the chosen side. Drill a pilot hole through the top screw hole. Insert an anchor if needed. Secure the top of the door through the Z-frame with a screw. Work your way down the side of the Z-channel, securing the door by drilling pilot holes and then securing with screws. Use a level held to the side of the Z-channel as you work to check that the door stays true.

Adjust the rain cap as needed so it is flush with the top of the door. Drill pilot holes through the openings in the cap and secure with screws.

Position the handle side of the Z-frame in the door opening. Cut the frame if needed. Secure the top of the Z-frame with a screw at the top of the door frame. Check the distance between the edge of the door opening and the door weatherstripping, as the handle side of the Z-channel and the door need to fit together tightly to seal out the weather.

Slide the sweep onto the bottom of the door. Drill pilot holes and secure with screws.

Install any door hardware, such as handles, as needed.