deckdoorsscreens
I'd like to install a screen door for accessing my deck. Currently I have French doors with one that is stationary and one that opens to the inside. Looking at the existing setup, it appears that there might(?) be a rail for attaching a screen door to? Is the ridge in this picture for a sliding screen door, and if not, what is it? It seems like it would impede me installing any sort of swinging or sliding screen if that's the case.
Guardian is the manufacturer of the glass itself, but not the door assembly. See http://www.guardian.com/en/na/gd_002563.html
I think the key to finding the proper sliding screen is going to be finding out the manufacturer of the assembly. Have you looked all around the door frame for a nameplate?
There is a wide range of standard mounting kits for sliding doors, many of which can be purchased in home centers such as one of these:
The sets come with a track, trolleys for the doors and attaching hardware. Some come with trim strips that may or not work in your configuration. Stock trim cam be used instead.
These systems are designed to be attached to standard doors. There is no reason you could not use the existing doors unless they are way beyond standard weight (unlikely). You will likely need to cut 3/4 to 1+ inch from the doors, preferably from the bottom. You also will need to remove the handle and hinge hardware and fill the gaps left behind.
You can choose from a variety of options, depending on how heavy duty a setup you want (pick commercial grade if you want stronger), and how you want to place and face the track. It can easily be hidden behind your own trim work once the track is hung and the doors are in place.
It isn't hard to do, but requires some care in leveling, and an extra pair of hands helps in mounting the doors.
Best Answer
I’d be careful screwing anything down through the threshold.
The “lip” (ridge as you call it) is for keeping wind blown rain from backing up to your interior swinging door.
An exterior swinging screen door would be difficult at best. You’ll need a screen door frame that is “L” shaped that will lap over the existing door frame. I doubt if you’ll find one that is the exact correct depth, so you’ll need to install furring stripes on the head and jambs. Sealing the head is usually with flashing, but maybe you could use glazing tape.
Likewise for sliding screen doors you’ll have similar installation problems.
My daughter just installed magnetic screens on her deck door and she (and her dogs) love it.