Sliding patio doors, sometimes known as just patio doors, are frequently constructed of tough glass and frames made of steel, aluminum, vinyl, or wood. These doors are made to provide an unobstructed view of your backyard. They can also be utilized to expand the space within your house to include a patio or deck. It's time to think about replacing your draughty patio door with a new, energy-efficient model if it sticks, fogs up, or leaks after a strong downpour. Although expensive, a high-quality door will reduce draughts, require almost no maintenance, slide easily, and latch firmly.
Ultimate Guide Of Replacing A Patio Door With Vinyl Siding
In addition to updating your patio, upgrading your sliding glass door can improve insulation and let in more natural light. DIYers who have worked on building projects before will feel most at ease working on this challenging endeavor. Here's how to handle the process if you're replacing an old sliding glass door with a new one that is the same size.
Step 1: Remove The Stationary & The Sliding Panels
- Start by removing the original sliding door's fixed stationary panel. The stationary panel brackets, which are normally located at the top and bottom of the inside of the door, can be removed using a screwdriver. With the assistance of a buddy, carefully remove the door by tilting it inward (it might need a little shaking).
- It ought to be a little simpler to take off the sliding panel. In the roller adjuster hole at the bottom of both sides of your door, insert a screwdriver. By rotating the screws in the other direction, you can lower your door as near to the track as you can. This will give the two tracks more room to move about. Lift and push the door off its track, then remove it with a companion in the same manner as before.
Step 2: Disconnect Exterior Trim & Loosen The Frame
- The inner and exterior door frames are encircled by the outside trim. Carefully pry it off while being mindful not to damage the inside wall or siding of your home. Save the trim for later in the project if it is still in excellent condition.
- You should be able to remove the frame from your house using a reciprocating saw or a pry bar, depending on the age of the frame. Remove all readily accessible and visible nails from the frame as well. The fact that you will be cutting through sealant, nails, and shims means that this technique does require some strength and trial and error.
Step 3: Loosen The Threshold & Remove The Old Frame
- To release the caulk, unscrew the threshold and slide your pry bar under the sill plate. You might need to tilt the threshold back and forth to further loosen it since it was probably extensively caulked to the base of your door.
- Disconnect the frame from the top, sides, and threshold by tilting it towards the house's exterior using two sets of hands. The entire frame ought should come out intact. We prepare for the worst when replacing an outside door, whether it is a single door or a big sliding glass door. When a sliding glass door is removed, a sizable hole appears in the side of the home that must be sealed off. To seal off the opening, use a plastic tarp and painter's tape at the very least. You must seal off the opening with a sturdy barrier, such as OSB plywood if it will be present during the night.
Step 4: Check For Damages & Install Waterproof Flashing
- Now is a good time to check your door's rough opening for wood rot. During this stage, you might need to contact a nearby contractor to replace or reseal the wood that encircles the frame. Additionally, make sure the sides and threshold are level so you can make shims for installation if necessary.
- Rolls of waterproof flashing tape for windows and doors are available at hardware stores. Start by using tape to completely cover the floor sill, folding the tape over the edges as you go. If you want to reach the corners of the doorsill, you might require flexible tape. The door frame will be positioned at the top and sides of the rough opening, so place the tape there as well.
Step 5: Caulk The Frame And Sill
- For both indoor and exterior applications, pick a waterproof silicone caulk. Here, be sure to attentively adhere to your instruction handbook. On the inside of the flange of the new door, apply a bead of caulk. The door frame is encircled by the flange, which mounts to your wall. The sill itself should then receive two lines of caulk.
Step 6: Attach The Frame Along The Nail Flange
- Line up the door outside your house and tilt it into position with your friend's assistance so the base of the frame adheres to the caulk on the sill. The flange's caulk should also press into the rough opening's sides and top.
- As you check that the door is level and evenly upright, or "plumb," ask your assistant to keep the door in place. To make sure the door is level and upright, use your level to check the top of the door and the surface of the door. If not, before you tighten the last screw, you must add shims under the sill or along the side of the frame.
- As you screw into the precut holes on your frame, keep the level and shims in position. Use your reciprocating saw to cut the shims flush with the house.
Step 7: Install The Panel & Test The Door And Adjust
- For instructions on how to install the sliding and stationary door in the track, consult your instruction manual. For the most part, this just entails screwing in the brackets and inside head stop, a piece of wood at the top of the frame that prevents the door from tipping out of its track, as well as tilting each panel into place.
- Slide your door back and forth to check that it aligns with the locking mechanism. The roller adjusters are raised or lowered by a tiny, movable screw located at the base of your door.
Step 8: Seal The Interior And Exterior
- With a line of expanding foam insulation or a strip of foam insulation trimmed to the size of the opening, seal the interior and exterior seams between the door frame and the rough opening. Use silicone caulk to seal the area.
- On the inside and outside of your door frame, fasten the outdated trim or use your circular saw to cut new pieces. The trim can be fixed in place with a nail gun.