Sliding glass door how to install

Tip: Make sure the foam pads are in place before you start assembling the frame. It is advisable to start from the center screw and then work your way outward. Repeat this on the opposite side.

This is an important step because it helps to provide a weather-tight seal. Follow the steps outlined below to check the rough opening and take any corrective measures if need be;.

Seal the joints between the sill and the end-caps in order to achieve a watertight sill. Continue applying up to 6 inches up the jamb. Install the drip can to the head and flash.

Check to ensure the sill is level and flat and if not, adjust until it is level. In some scenarios, you might need to add some temporary blocking under the projecting exterior edge in order to provide support during the construction. You must ensure the jambs are straight and plumb. If there is any bow, shim to remove it. You can then secure the jamb limbs with screws. As you do this, take precautions to avoid pulling the frame out of the square.

In order to install the vinyl sill cover base, you will need to start at each jamb and work towards the center of the door. Use a rubber mallet to snap it into place. Fasten the frame to the rough opening through the predrilled holes in the frame. You should use 12 of the 10 x 3 pan head screws for this. The screws are meant to go through the frame because there are no pre-drilled holes in the sill. Start by removing the top screw in the inactive panel and then once this is done, you can proceed to insert the panel anchor.

To install the weather-strip carrier, you will need to use a block of wood, or better yet a rubber mallet in order to avoid damaging the parts. The active panel should be installed into the interior channel in the head jamb, from the interior side of the unit. You will need to push it as far as possible and then rotate it into place until the rollers are perfectly engaged in the sill roller track.

Note: It is important to have the active panel close to the closed position before your installation.

This is to ensure that the interlocks will align properly when the door is closed. As a rule of thumb, make sure the panel is square to the frame. Use the screwdriver to turn the adjustment screws in rollers right or left. Keep doing this until the panel is moved easily on the track. This cannot happen if the panel is not level so start by ensuring that the panel is adjusted to be straight with the frame. You may need to trim the straight edge of the bottom panel to achieve this.

The head stop bumper is to be installed in the innermost channel in the head jamb and against the stationary side jamb.

If need be, the bumper can also be trimmed down from 6 inches to 4. This will allow for a wider entrance. Install the mortise lock through the pre-fabricated holes in the active door edge. Note: You can change the thumb knob to a different position when in the locked or unlocked position as you please.

This can be done by removing the screw in the stem of the thumb turn and then rotating the adaptor until the desired threaded hole in the adaptor lines up with a hole in the thumb turn stem.

Close the door and adjust the keeper in order to get the needed latch engagement. You can adjust the latch throw by the slotted adjustment screw on the mortise lock. This is an optional step. If you decide to install the foot bolt, you will have to order it with the sliding glass door because it is usually not available separately.

Align the foot bolt to pre-drilled holes in the active panel and fasten it with screws. The most important thing to remember before you begin installing your sliding glass door is to assemble all the tools, materials and components you need.

In fact, it is not a good idea to begin the installation if you do not have one of the items from the list. James specializes in apartment, bathroom, and kitchen remodeling as well as fine cabinetry, lighting, paint, and wallpaper. James has developed a proprietary system of construction called the Luxury Build Method that hinges on a skilled team, respected partnerships, and clear, transparent communication.

There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 49, times. Homeowners often install sliding glass doors in order to let in sunlight, or to give them easy access to a patio or backyard.

You can install your own sliding glass doors over a period of a few hours. Ask a friend or family member to help you, since the glass doors themselves are heavy and awkward to move. To install a glass door, start by appying waterprooof adhesive to the frame to protect it from water damage. Next, lift the frame into position and attach it to the walls with screws. Additionally, position the door panels in the slot at the bottom, and install the handles and lock clasp.

Finally, install the screen, and the interior and exterior trim to complete the job. For tips on how to purchase a glass door, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article.

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Things You'll Need. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Cut away the interior and exterior trim. Use a utility knife to cut through the caulk and paint holding the interior trim in place.

Once the caulk is cut, work a pry bar into the opening. Put pressure on this to pull the interior trim away from the wall, removing it slowly so you can deal with any caulk, paint or glue that might still be present.

There may be staples holding the top piece of trim to the side pieces as well. Repeat the same steps on the exterior trim. If you pry the trim away without cutting the caulk first, you risk damaging the wall.

Set the trim aside. Lift the doors out of place. Grasp each section of the door firmly with both hands. Lift it straight up out of the running track, and pull the door backwards out of the frame. The doors are heavy, so should be removed one at a time. Each section of the door can weigh about pounds 45 kg. If you notice the bottom rollers are hanging up as you lift the door, get an assistant to pry them up gently as you move the door up and out.

Remove nails holding the door frame in place. Once the trim has been removed, you can remove any nails that are left behind. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the screws which hold the frame of the sliding door to the wooden door frame.

Remove screws on the left, right, top, and bottom sides of the sliding door. If the door is older, its screws may be stripped or caked with paint or caulk, making them difficult to remove with a screwdriver.

Instead, have someone hold the door to stop it from falling while you use a reciprocating saw with a bimetal blade to cut between the door frame and the framing and quickly slice through any screws and nails.

Part 2. Measure the opening for your glass door. Use a tape measure to measure the full width of the hole. Measure from stud to stud. Write down these measurements so you can refer to them when shopping for a door.

Before you measure, make sure to remove any boards or shims that may have been added to make the old door fit. Purchase a sliding glass door. Make sure to bring your tape measure with you to confirm that the door you choose will fit well within the opening in your house. Glass door frames can be made of various materials, including wood, vinyl, or aluminum. A simple 6 feet 1. Pre-hung sliding glass doors can be installed as a single unit. Clean up and adjust the opening.

At this point, the opening that you pulled the old door out of will likely be cluttered and rough.