Karla News

DIY: Replace a Sliding Glass Door

Door Repair, Patio Doors, Sliding Glass Door

One of the projects I have on my 2011 calendar is replacing two sliding glass doors in my house. One is in the living room, opening out into the back yard, and the other is in the master bedroom, opening into the back yard.

They are both eight feet wide (96 inches) and 78 inches tall. New models are typically smaller, six feet eight inches wide (80 inches) and 72 inches high.

Both have single panes which is inefficient and one door frame is bowed, allowing cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer to pour into the house.

For my house, which was built in 1968, I will face one of two options. The first is to order a custom- built door, which costs more than the stock models, or once the old door is removed, re-frame the opening to accept the new door. Reframing requires a permit and an inspection from the code inspector before the project is finished.

It’s entirely possible to use all the money saved on buying a new stock model for the re-framing. That’s not such a bad thing, as many new models are Energy Star rated, meaning they save money on heating and cooling costs.

Some have blinds built in between the dual glass panes; others have faux window dividers. Some have doors that open inward or outward instead of sliding. I’m still in the process of choosing.

There are many different brands of sliding glass doors, and the specific details may be different for your model. This article gives general instructions, be sure to study and follow the steps for your particular door.

See also  The In's and Out's of Pet Doors

First check with code compliance

This is the first step to major remodeling, renovating and repair projects. If your city requires a permit, pick one up before you begin. Your home insurance will most likely not cover unpermitted work, and you could face fines from your city.

Check to see if any new codes have been passed since your old door was installed. For example, flashing or some sort of moisture barrier under the threshold is now required by my city. It wasn’t when my house was built, because my house sits on a cement slab.

If you need to re-frame, schedule your inspection, and find out all the particulars of space requirements, size of wood, and type of materials to use. For example, OSB strandboard is fine for roof decking, but not for door framing. Composite wood is fine for decks, but not structural (walls and so forth) building.

Your local DIY store can instruct you how to accurately measure your door frame for the new model.

Remove the inside and outside door casings

Remove gently so they can be re-used if still in good condition. I have no exterior casings, as my unit is all aluminum.

If the screws are old and strip or break off, that’s more than annoying. Follow this link to find out how to remove broken screws.

Remove the fixed door

Have a friend help you, as patio doors are heavy. They are also bulky, so aren’t a safe lift for just one person.

Begin by removing the fixed door. Most models have a bracket holding the door in place. Remove the screws, slide the door to the center, lift up from the bottom using your legs, and remove. Set this door aside.

See also  Replacing a Pool Pump & Motor - Do it Yourself

Now remove the retaining strip that holds the sliding door in the track. Lift the door out and set aside.

Remove the frame and threshold

Unscrew and remove any nails holding the frame in place to the door frame. Lift the old frame out of the way.

Inspect the door frame before proceeding

If any of the wooden frame has rotted, it must be dealt with now. Mounting a new unit in rotted wood not only goes against code, the wood will continue to rot and the door unit could conceivably fall on someone. If you’re selling the house, it could stop the sale.

Install any new framing or flashing

Following your city’s building code ordinances, install any flashing, moisture barriers or any other requirements. If an inspection is required before proceeding, do so now.

Bend out the nailing flange and run a bead of caulk along the edge. Run a bead or two along the threshold plate on the bottom of the house door frame.

Install the new door frame

Gently lift the new door frame into place and nail one holding nail in the top flange. With a level, make sure the sides of the frame are perfectly vertical (plumb). If not, use wood shims at the bottom or on the sides. If the frame sides aren’t plumb, the door won’t open or close properly-ever.

Once plumb, nail the other flanges to the house.

Replace the door casings inside and outside

Once the casings are replaced, open and close your door. The newer units are made to be installed all at once, which makes this DIY project easier.

See also  Wood Furniture Repair: Fixing Broken Arms, Legs and Other Structural Parts

My old door has no such thing. The fixed door is part of the old frame. The entire thing has to come out at the same time- old frame and the fixed door together. That in itself isn’t so bad.

Now that you’ve removed the old door, you have to dispose of it properly. My city will not pick up old glass doors, so I need to look in the phone book for disposal places and take the old door there.

Alternatively, I could just pay the charge for the installation- but where would the fun be in that?

Source: Ron Hazelton, “How to Replace a Sliding Glass Door,” Ron Hazelton Website, no date given

Reference: