Sliding glass doors are a common fixture in homes and apartments. They are stunning embellishments that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living spaces. When you need to replace a sliding glass door, it is important to work with a professional to ensure proper installation. Sliding glass door replacement will help solve drafts, difficult openings, and outdated appearances. If you replace the glass door yourself, there are some important steps that need to be followed. Following these steps will give you confidence in the longevity of your door.
Remove The Old Door
Taking out the old door is usually the first step in the replacement process. Removing the door will give you a wide opening or the existing frame to install a newer door. If your frame is damaged, you can remove it as well.
Preparing For Replacement
Before any home project takes place, proper preparation will help set the foundation for the project. When it comes to sliding glass door replacement, check the door frame for damage, clean out the tracks, and replace the entire frame if necessary. Making sure the opening is even and caulked will ensure that the door sits snugly and is able to slide correctly. Proper preparation is the only way homeowners will see the benefits of a sliding door.
Other preparation steps to take include:
- Inspect the opening and measure to obtain the proper-sized door
- Make sure the sill is level
- Measure diagonally to make sure the opening is square
- Apply caulk to your drip edge, between siding, and house wrap
Door Frame Options
Wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass can all be used to create a door frame. Depending on what aesthetic and maintenance considerations you want, you should choose a frame option that fits your lifestyle. For example, aluminum is known for its strength, durability, and minimal maintenance, while wood offers a traditional look and benefits from frequent maintenance and cleaning. Consider the color and style, hardware integrations, and how easy it is to install before purchasing. Choosing the right material and size of frame can improve the process of sliding glass door replacement.
Positioning The New Sliding Glass Door
Once the frame and opening are ready, you can bring in the glass door and begin to place it in the home. Start from the exterior of the home and tilt the door into the opening, bottom side first. Shims, a thin piece of material used to fill gaps, may be necessary to provide support and achieve a more level door. Once the door is flesh with the wall and frame, you will secure hinges, finishing nails, add insulation and caulk, and replace interior and exterior trim to create a seamless finish.
Depending on the size of your sliding glass door, you may need additional people to help you tilt it into place. Glass doors are heavy and often larger than the average human, so enlisting some extra hands will prevent damage to the glass and improper installation.
Install Weather Stripping
Before the door is caulked and trim is replaced, some homeowners will want to install weather stripping to accomplish better energy efficiency. These strips will be applied to the door frame and can be done once the door is in place. Weather stripping often has an adhesive backing that will be placed along the door frame, from top to bottom, to keep out wind and weather. After applying weather stripping, ensure there are no gaps and adjust the stripping as needed.
Other considerations when it comes to weather stripping include:
- Make sure the area is clean and free of debris before sticking the strip to the frame
- Ensure the door slides and seals correctly
- Don’t skip edges or corners
Other Final Touches
Once the door is installed, you can replace trim, touch-up paint around the door frame, caulk the interior of the home, apply tint to the glass, and install security features. Finishing touches and clean up will help the doors’ appearance blend seamlessly into your home and enhance the view outside your home. Test the door operation again and haul off the old doors before enjoying the clear view.
Door Installation From Peak Windows
Sliding glass doors are used for patios and back entrances to a home. Peak Windows offers sliding glass doors for homes wanting to enhance their natural light, connect more with the exterior of their home, and stay comfortable during all seasons. Peak Windows offers sliding glass door replacement so that you don’t have to worry about proper seals and the longevity of the doors. Our sliding glass doors are energy efficient, durable, and resistant to sun damage. Reach out to our team to learn more about all the door options and schedule your sliding glass door replacement!
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