How to Install a Patio Door featured image

If you want to add value and beauty to the exterior of your home, one of the easiest, least expensive ways is by adding a patio door. Installing a new patio door is something any do-it-yourselfer with common sense can accomplish in just a few hours. If you have an existing door, you may want to consider sliding door repair as a cheaper option. For installing a patio door, follow this helpful guide to get your project started.

1. Prep Work

The first thing you need to do is contact your local building inspector and ask about the necessary permits for replacing a patio door in your area. If you are installing a pre-hung unit, you should already comply with all applicable city codes, but still, check to be sure. You will also need to check your local building codes regarding window installation to ensure you are putting in enough insulation around the new door.

2. Remove Old Door

If replacing an existing patio door, you can skip this step and proceed to #3 (if not, keep reading). The first thing you want to do is remove the old door. If it has a screen, cut the screen away from the frame and remove all of the screws that hold it in place. Then remove all weatherstripping between the door and storm door, along with any caulking within the existing frame. A professional expert from a sliding glass door repair company like here will inspect the door and determine if it is suitable for sliding door repair.

Read more: A Few Tips On How To Storm-proof Your House.

3. The New Door

How to Install a Patio Door

When you have selected your new patio door, the first step is to remove any caulk from the existing frame of your home. Next, make sure you have all of your tools and materials together. After that, read the directions on your patio door carefully before starting and executing accordingly.

Read more: San Diego Glass Doors – Custom Interior Sliding Doors For Your Place

4. Assemble the New Door

This is where you want to ensure you have all your tools and materials together. Assembling a pre-hung door will come packaged with everything you need (including screws and nails). Pre-hung units snap tightly into place and should only require a rubber mallet for final placement.

Recheck all of your measurements and make any necessary adjustments before installing the door. This step usually only takes a few minutes, but if this is your first attempt at establishing a patio door, you may want to allow a touch more time.

5. Nailing It In Place

Now that everything is in place begin nailing the door to the frame. You want to make sure that everything is lined up before you start hammering in the nails – if this is your first time installing a patio door, do not be discouraged by any minor setbacks at this point. Even experienced installers have occasional misalignments and will need to recheck their measurements.

6. Window Stops

Finally, once you are satisfied that your new patio door is installed correctly, it is time to attach the window stops to keep everything in place properly. Make sure you have measured them carefully before installation – if they are too long, they will be challenging to work with, and if they are too short, you will have problems closing your door.

7. Trim It Out

Now that your new patio door is installed. The finishing touch will be installing all the necessary trim pieces left. Just follow the directions included with the new door – there should be no problem putting them in, especially if you have a pre-hung unit.

8. 2″ Foam Insulation

Finally, this is the last step – closing up any cracks in your home with a spool of 2″ foam insulation. If you live in a cold climate, you must put in enough insulation around your new patio door, as it is a significant source of heat loss.

9. Weatherstrip It

You should place weatherstripping between the door and the storm door to seal the gap. You can buy this accessory at any local hardware store or use extra caulking from your original installation kit.

Read more: Why Should You Consider Aleko Automatic Doors?

10. Install the Screen

Now that you have finished installing your new patio door, it’s time to install the screen. You can use any screen kit (available anywhere) to take out the old screen and install the new one. Remember to ensure that you attach it to the door frame tightly so your family doesn’t get any uninvited bugs or critters through.

There you have it! You can always install a new patio door where sliding door repair does not work.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Greetings! We have recently started our own sliding door repair company in Central Florida and came across this article as I was looking for informative online resources.

    Really appreciate you taking the time to educate us on the topic of DIY replacement. As you mentioned, misaligned doors are one of the most annoying problems you can run into with sliding doors and this is one of the most common complaints I hear on service calls.

    I believe you did a good job at engaging readers with your content and being informative. Thank you for the information!

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