How To Replace A Sliding Patio Door

Enjoy Big Savings By Removing Your Glass Sliding Door Yourself

Whether you want to replace the door or fix some hardware, removing a sliding glass door requires patience, some DIY know-how, and of course the right equipment. For safety and ease of work, ask someone to help you with securing and freeing the door from its tracks.

Here’s a quick recap on how to detach your sliding glass door:

• Remove the screws at the top and bottom of the sliding panel. Tip the top of the window and lift it off the tracks.
• If you have a screen door, lift it and tilt it outward to free it from the rest of the door
• To remove the stationary door, locate and remove all fasteners that might be holding door the frame. Firmly, pry the door to release it from the frame, slide it along the track, and then lift to release from tracks.

Do you have any questions or comments? Leave them right below—we’d love to read them!

Upgrade Your Old Patio Door With Great New Privacy Features

Sliding patio doors are a common, but a number of new features and benefits are available. Privacy features including upgraded lock hardware, tinted glass, and between the glass shades and blinds are just the beginning. No matter what features you are looking for for your home, Ron shows the basic steps required to remove your old door from the opening, and then securely install the new unit so that it is weather tight, looks great, and lasts for years.

How To Replace Broken Glass In A Patio Door In 3 Easy Steps

Gloves, a hammer, a pry bar, a putty knife, measuring tape, a permanent marker, replacement glass, a glass cutter, and caulk are the tools you’ll need to successfully replace broken glass in a patio door. To replace shattered glass, there is no need to remove the entire door, but always use gloves to avoid wounds from the glass.

Remove the trim around the broken glass with a putty knife, small pry bar, and hammer. Set this aside in a safe location until it’s time to install it. Remove any remaining nails from the trim.

Remove the broken glass from the aperture and remove any glass particles attached to the original caulk using the putty knife.

Take measurements from left to right and top to bottom of the empty opening and subtract 14 inch from both. The size of your new glass item will be determined by this.

Place your new piece of glass on a large enough surface to accommodate it. Mark your cutting measurements with a permanent marker and a straight edge against the marks. Gently scribe across the line with the glass cutter, forming multiple soft lines. Make multiple deep cuts rather than a single deep cut, as this will cause the glass to shatter.

Apply a little amount of transparent silicone caulk around the edges of the glass aperture. Place the glass into the caulk slowly and carefully. After that, run a line of caulk over the inside corners of the glass that has been inserted. You can now use the same size nails and nail holes to replace the trim.

Clean The Track Before Reinstalling Your Sliding Glass Door

You don’t want to put your brand-new sliding glass door rollers on a dirty track, so take a few minutes to clean the track before reinstalling the door. Use a vacuum with a long, thin attachment to suck up any dirt or debris in the track and then use a soft, damp cloth to wipe up any grime or buildup. Now would also be a good time to spray some lubricant on the “sliders” or channels that the rollers slide upon. Once your track is clean and lubricated, reinstall your sliding glass door.

Thompson Creek Can Help With Your Sliding Glass Door Needs

When you are ready to replace your outdated, poor performing sliding patio door call Thompson Creek for a free estimate. Thompson Creek provides quality, energy efficient, custom-crafted sliding patio doors for our customers backed with the No Hassle Guarantee. The Thompson Creek vinyl sliding doors use fusion-welded master frame and multi-chambered construction for maximum strength and thermal protection. Let us design your custom sliding patio doors that will expand your view but not your heating and cooling bills.

Cost To Install A Sliding Glass Door In An Existing Wall

If you wish to install a sliding glass door into an existing wall without any kind of pre-existing door or opening, the costs will be higher on average than simply replacing a door. This kind of installation will cost around $1,500 to $5,000 on average.

The cost of creating a new opening in the wall ranges from $400 to $1,500, and then there’s another $300 to $600 in costs to frame the new opening, plus the potential costs of permits and structural engineers, which can add anywhere from $300 to $1,500 onto the total price.

What Affects The Cost Of My Patio Door Glass Replacement

The cost of glass replacements for exterior doors will depend on what type of patio door you intend to restore. For example:

• Double pane glass in your door is typically more expensive to replace than single pane options because more glass product is involved. However, the two layers of glass reduce your energy bill and increase comfortability within your home by stabilizing the indoor temperature.
• A sliding door glass replacement is necessary to ensure ease of access to your patio, but it will typically cost more to replace the entire glass pane for a sliding door, since the sheet of glass is much larger than the average window or glass door panel.

It is always important to weigh the advantages of different glass types, styles and sizes, and how they will affect the interior and exterior of your home.

You should take into consideration your budget, and how the replacement will pay off in the long-run. Your home will benefit from enhanced safety, insulation and energy savings, so these custom glass solutions are an investment that may increase the value of your home, and actually save you money over time.

What Influences The Cost To Replace A Sliding Glass Door

Preparation

• Removal of the old door.

To remove an existing sliding glass door system that has become drafty, leaky or the latch doesn’t secure anymore requires the removal first of the interior trim. The job requires two people to safely remove the panes from the frame and then the jamb and the frame itself.

• Installing a different size sliding door system

If you are replacing your existing sliding glass door unit with one of an equal size, the structural work is already in place. However, if you choose a sliding glass unit that is not the same width or requires a different framing unit, the cost to prepare the wall will increase your total project cost. If structural changes are required, in most places be prepared to pay an additional cost to pull a permit for the work to ensure it is properly ventilated and structurally sound.

What To Know Before Replacing Glass In Your Patio Doors

Replacing glass in your patio doors is a complicated and costly process, even for DIY experts.

• If the glass is not removed and re-installed correctly, the process could further damage the door causing more broken glass or even require complete door replacement.

• You’ll have to meticulously disassemble and reassemble the door panel, so you’ll need to be careful to avoid injuries and broken glass.

• While you might intend to save money by doing it yourself, you may save more in the long run if you choose quality glass solutions that are built to last.

If you need glass replaced on your exterior doors, you’ll find responsive customer service, convenient scheduling, high-quality workmanship and upfront pricing with Glass Doctor.

How To Replace A Sliding Glass Door With French Doors

This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow’s Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards.There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 7,579 times.Learn more…

Replacing old sliding glass doors with new French doors is a popular option for updating homes and giving them a new style. Installing French doors from scratch is a big job, but it’s made easier by pre-made door kits. Start by uninstalling the glass doors and pulling out the old door frame. Then glue down the base for the French doors and screw the frame into position. Finish by installing the necessary hardware and sealing all spaces to prevent leaks in your new door.

How To Know When Its Time To Replace Your Patio Doors

If you have a patio or deck attached to your house, chances are high that you have some sort of glass sliding or french doors that allow you to transition from interior to exterior living, while also bringing light into your home.

Glass patio doors are great because they allow you to enjoy a view of the backyard, the pool, or even just the wide-open blue sky, while simultaneously increasing the sense of spaciousness in your interior living space.

These doors are probably a cherished and noteworthy feature of your living room , but occasionally, you will need to replace them. So how can you tell when the time is right to replace your patio doors? There are a few simple signs you can look for, ranging from the numbers on your energy bill to the physical appearance of the door itself, in order to determine if it’s the right time to replace those patio doors.

Porch And Patio Retractable Screen Replacement Costs

Retractable models for the patio come in two essential varieties. The first features a soft frame that you can zip to close. The of this kind ranges from $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot, assuming that you already have a patio or porch base and cover.

For other styles that offer a hard frame that you can pull open and close, or motorized options, you may expect to pay as much as $400 per unit. Patching can function as a temporary fix for ripped or damaged mesh. But, replacement often serves as the best way to keep the material looking its best. Installation for this service sits around $50 to $75 per hour, and may take an hour or several hours, depending on the size and number of screens.

Method 3 Of 3:replacing Rollers On An Aluminum Door

1Remove any screws on the rollers with a Phillips head screwdriver. These are the screws keeping the rollers and aluminum frame together. They will be along the bottom or lower side of the door next to the rollers. Turn each screw counterclockwise as far as you can. The rollers may come out on their own, but in most cases, you will have to remove the bottom panel to get to them.XResearch source

Do not remove the adjustment screw. The adjustment screw is attached only to the rollers and not to the door itself.

2Remove the bottom panel of the door with a hammer and wood block. Set the narrow edge of the wood block against the upper lip of the panel containing the rollers. Try not to rest the wood on the glass. Tap the top of the block with the hammer to gently ease the panel off of the glass.XResearch source

3Identify what type of roller you need. Each brand of door may have their own type of roller that needs to be used. The only way to identify what type of rollers you need is to take the old rollers out. Go to the hardware or glass store to find an exact match. You may need to put the door back on the track until you are able to find a replacement.XResearch source

Make sure to get 2 rollers so that you can replace both rollers at the same time.

Take a picture of the rollers once you find them. This will help you easily buy them again if you need to replace them at a later date.

Remodeling 19: How To Replace A Sliding Patio Door

In conversing with a member of our site, recently, I was shocked to hear that he was quoted $900 for labor to remove an existing patio door and replace it with a new unit. I sent him these instructions, hopefully they will help you too.

Here are the steps to remove and replace a sliding patio door unit with the same size unit:

1. Remove the window liner of the patio door and casing from the inside.

2. Removing the existing patio door: If the house is stucco, by using either a circular saw or an angle grinder with a masonry blade, remove the stucco about 1 1/2″ from all around the patio door unit. These patio door units have a flange on them that is designed to hold the patio door units against the sheathing on the wall. You have to remove the stucco, siding and trim for the first 1 1/2″ around the patio door unit, right down to the sheathing, to expose this flange. Get a nail claw and remove the nails driven through the flange into the sheathing. I remove the sliding patio door to make the frame lighter. Lift up and out on the bottom when the patio door is in the full open position. The new patio doors have blocks in the frame header which prevents upward movement unless the patio door is opened enough to slide by these blocks. Older patio door units do not have these. Remove any screws through the frame into the cripple, especially around the latch. Remove the patio door frame unit.

6. Open and close the patio door and adjust if necessary.

Enjoy your new patio door.

How To Replace A Sliding Door With A Hinged Door

A sliding door that no longer slides smoothly may at times need to be replaced with a hinged door. Providing both doors can fit into the same frame, this replacement can be done quite simply.

Step 1-Removing the Sliding Door

Typically, a sliding door you replace will include two doors. Remove the outside door first by lifting it straight upward until the rollers at the bottom edge of the door clear the channel they’re in. Pull the bottom of the door toward you until it is out of the channel, and then let it gently down until the top edge has cleared the channel it’s in. Do the same to remove the inner door. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the sliding door frame onto the door jamb.

Step 2–Installing the Hinged Door

Mark the location on the door jamb where you’ll want your new door hinges. Hold a hinge flat against the door jamb surface and trace around it with a pencil. Chisel out a space in the door jamb for each door hinge. With the hinges attached to the door, hold the door into place against the jamb, with the hinges in place in the space you chiseled out. Then, attach the hinges with screws.

Steps To Installing Your New Sliding Glass Door

1. Cut off the interior and exterior trim

• first, slice through the caulk and paint
• then, use a pry bar to remove the trim
• set it aside if you want to use it when installing your new sliding glass door

2. Remove the doors by lifting it straight up and then backward

• you may need assistance from others

3. Take out any leftover screws and nails

• you may have to cut through stripped screws and nails using a bi-metal saw

4. Measure the height and width of the door frame from stud to stud

• you may have to chip away some drywall to reach the door jamb
• for height, measure from what the door will rest on rather than the floor

5. Purchase your preferred sliding glass doors

• prehung glass doors may cost more but are easier to handle and install

6. Clean the opening and make any necessary adjustments

• level the door frame
• you can adjust the size by nailing one or so 1×3? plywood into the opening

7. Apply some flashing adhesive to the door frame of the house

• leave a margin over the side of the frame
• also, apply it 6” up the doorjamb on both sides

8. Put the sliding glass door frame in place

• make sure the side with the screen door track is facing outside

9. Screw the frame in

10. Add insulation into any gaps

11. Install the glass panels and handles

• place the bottom in first, then press the top in
• the handles should come with screws whose places will be noted on the door
• you can also attach the lock clasp

12. Nail the trim back in place

13. Snap the screen door in place

How To Replace The Glass In Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors offer good access to the outdoors and a wonderful source of natural light indoors. However, the location means that a stray ball or stone can easily break the glass, and if damaged, it needs to be replaced quickly. You can call a glazier, but it’s significantly cheaper to do the job yourself. It’s not as big of a project as you might imagine! It can actually be completed in a couple of hours, including all the clean up.

Step 1 – Trim

Replacing the glass on sliding patio doors doesn’t mean removing the entire door; it can be done with the door in place. The first thing you need to do is remove the trim around the glass, which is known as the mull. Slide a putty knife in between the trim and the door and then use a small pry bar and hammer to ease it off. Be careful not to bend or damage the trim as you work, and wear gloves and long-sleeved clothes to protect your hands during the job since broken glass is obviously a hazard.

Step 2 – Removing Glass

With those pieces gone, you can remove the remnants of the glass. Pick out as much as you can. There will inevitably be some pieces that remain stuck to the frame, so use the putty knife to remove these before you take off the caulk around the trim.

Step 3 – New Glass

Step 4 – Fitting the Glass

Step 5 – Replacing Trim

Use A Center Punch To Avoid Damaging The Siding

Depending on the way the door was installed, the siding and frame might overlap, making it difficult to simply lift and pull the door. Drilling can help to separate the overlap without damaging the siding.

• A center punch is a handy tool when it comes to drilling holes accurately. Use this tool to punch an indentation along the overlap between the frame and siding and then use the drill to put a hole through and break the overlap without any damage.
• Repeat the process along the entire frame until it easily separates from the siding with minimum prying needed.

Method 2 Of 3:replacing Rollers On A Vinyl Door

1Remove the screw keeping the rollers in place with a Phillips head screwdriver. In most doors, this will be the screw above the adjustment screw. You do not need to remove the adjustment screw. Turn the screw counterclockwise as far as you can to release the rollers from the door.XResearch source

Some newer doors may not have a screw above the adjustment screw. Instead, the screws may be located on the bottom of the door directly next to the wheels.

2Pull the rollers from the door to identify their type. The only way to tell what kind of rollers you need is to look at what kind of rollers are currently in the door. Rollers vary in shape, size, and brand. You can take the rollers to a hardware store or a glass shop to find a perfect match.XResearch source

If you can’t get to the hardware store right away, you may need to put the door back on its track until you are ready.

It may be a good idea to take a picture of the rollers in case you need to replace the rollers again at a later date.

Most doors will have one set of rollers on each end. It is a good idea to replace both rollers at the same time.

3Screw the new rollers into the bottom of the door. Insert the rollers into the door. The side with the holes or countersink screws should line up with the holes on the door. Insert the screws and turn them clockwise until they are tight. Make sure that the wheels are facing down towards the bottom of the door.XResearch source

Replace A Patio Doors Broken Glass On Your Own

To replace shattered glass in a patio door and repair it yourself, follow these simple five steps. It’s simple to replace shattered glass in a patio door yourself, and Galron Sliding Doors supplies the tools you’ll need. Galron Sliding Doors has all of your tools and new glass at a reasonable price. Don’t worry about replacing the entire door or paying someone to replace your broken glass; you can fix it yourself.

Sliding patio doors provide easy access to the outside as well as an abundance of natural light inside. However, because of the placement, a stray ball or stone might easily break the glass, which must be replaced as soon as possible if it is broken. You can hire a glazier, but it will be far less expensive if you do it yourself. It’s not nearly as difficult as you may think! It can actually be finished in a couple of hours, including clean-up.

 

Screen Door Costs Insulation And Other Factors

In addition to labor and materials, other factors can affect the total cost of your patio door installation or replacement project:

• Screen doors: $100-$250. Helps keep insects out even as air flows into the home. Compare the cost of a screen door to less expensive retractable screen doors.
• Added insulation: $300-$600. Helps reduce energy bills.
• Security: $30-$300. Dual point locks or locking systems.

Other cost factors are less exact and similar to exterior door installation. They include access difficulty, reusing part of the old frame where possible, treatment and painting of wooden doors, and any structural concerns related to the door opening.

Variations Of A Traditional Sliding Glass Door

In addition to traditional sliding panels, homeowners now have variations of sliding glass doors.

The French Slider

The French slider is meant to mimic French doors but instead of two panels the French slider has four with two out panels that are fixed and two inner panels that slide back and forth. When closed it appears to be a traditional hinged door, but opened and it can provide an even wider opening than traditional sliding doors- in some cases up to 16 feet.

The Telescoping Patio Door

This door system uses three or more panels that slide past one another stacking on one side. This give the widest opening possible and virtually eliminates and exterior wall. The doors can also open from either side offering flexibility of design. The downside for this design is the actual track for the system has to be wide enough to accommodate all the operations so it can present a tripping hazard.

Folding Glass Doors

Instead of sliding on a track these doors can fold back like an accordion. The advantage is the large opening with virtually no evidence on the floor. This option can be pricey with quotes ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 per linear foot.

Build Your Own Replacement Sliding Patio Door

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Replacement 101

Caulk And Install The New Sliding Door Frame

• Assemble the frame following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you have a “knockdown” door frame, assemble it on the deck, garage floor or other flat surface.
• “Dry-fit” the assembled door frame in the opening to make sure everything fits.
• Apply two beads of silicone caulk along the length of the threshold and tip the frame into the opening.

Patio Door Glass Replacement: What To Expect

When you call Glass Doctor for glass repairs and replacements, we make it simple to provide the best experience for you:

One of our glass professionals will provide an in-home consultation, take measurements of the patio doors and evaluate the work needed to be done.

We will offer an upfront, flat-rate quote, detailing pricing and the scope of the project. Once you approve the quote, we will schedule a follow-up installation appointment.

After the patio doors have been replaced, we will clean up the work area and give you instructions on how to take care of your new doors.

Step 2 Examine The Sliding Panel Of The Door

Patio glass doors typically have a sliding and a stationary panel. You will need to first remove the sliding part to make way for the unmovable portion of the door.

Most sliding doors have screws at the top and bottom along their edge on either side. These attach the door to the tracks. Examine the screws to determine the type of screwdriver you will need. In most cases, a standard flathead screwdriver gets the job done.

Average Cost Of Sliding Patio Door By Brand

The cost of your glass sliding patio door will be largely determined by the brand you choose, along with the size and type. Different manufacturers offer different types of doors and use different methods and materials for their construction. In addition to that, the brand you choose will determine the door’s warranty. Since a sliding glass door can be an investment and can be costly to replace, finding a brand with a good warranty against defects can be important to factor into your choice. Below is a table of the most popular sliding glass door brands and their average costs.

Brand
$2,800 – $3,900

Sliding Patio Door Cost By Number Of Panes

When choosing sliding patio doors, you need to determine the number of panes you want your glass door to have. For each pane that is added, the glass will be thicker and more durable and better insulates your home. If you live in a temperate climate that sees few storms or weather events, then a single-pane door would suffice. But if you live in an area that is vulnerable to high winds and storm damage, a double- or triple-pane glass can lower the risk of damage. Double- and triple-pane glass is also recommended in areas that see temperature extremes as they are more energy-efficient and reduce your energy costs.

Panes
$2,000 – $3,000

Solutions For Patio Glass Door Replacement

Patio glass door replacements are one of the most common yet trickiest types of door repairs. It can be challenging to replace patio door glass by yourself—save time and money by having it done the right way.

Glass Doctor® offers the best value in home glass repair and replacement services at over 250 locations nationwide. Get custom glass solutions from the glass experts you trust.

Replacing A Sliding Glass Door/patio Door:

For accomplishing the task of replacement, purchasing the right window/door is the most important step, but it’s not the only one. Here are the basic steps to follow, though hiring a professional is the best idea:

• Measure the existing door from the inside and the outside of the frame
• Purchase the replacement patio door accordingly. 
• A different frame needs to be created to replace any other type of door with a sliding door as there will be a door gliding past the other.
• Now, you should have the kits of framework readily available, which would be used to construct the frame. 
• For the construction of the frame, you would require a drill and wood glue. If you already have a sliding door that needs to be repaired, ensure you make the repairs when the door has been removed. 
• Once done with the replacement, double-check the fitting. Make appropriate use of shims and caulk to ensure gaps are left in the framework.  

Lastly, it’s crucial to note that sliding glass doors should only be replaced by someone who has related experience. If you don’t have any experience replacing doors or windows, you’d instead leave this to the experts, as mentioned above.

Sliding Patio Doors: What You Need To Know

Patio doors and front entry doors often get replaced at the same time as windows around the house. But whereas an entry door is often made from a combination wood and steel, the manufacturing and functions of your patio doors are almost identical to that of your windows.

In a crude way, you can even think about your patio door as an oversize window.

There are several reasons why people opt for new patio doors, or even expanding an existing opening into a sliding door. Obviously one of the main reasons is the unobstructed view and additional daylight that these doors provide. Another convenient feature is that these doors are easy to operate and slide. Most of us go out onto the backyard with our hands full, whether it is a marinated steak or some gardening tools. When the patio door is properly installed it can be slid opened with a light push. Of course some people may see this as a detriment to security, but as you will see further down, there are plenty of features in modern patio doors that prevent a break-in into your home.

A sliding glass door is usually considered a single unit consisting of two-panel sections, one being fixed and one being operable. However, there are options for three and four-panel patio doors on the market today. Usually, patio doors can accommodate any standard or custom-sized openings up to 12 feet in width. Every patio door should come standard with a sliding screen door.