Best Way to Install a Replacement Sliding Patio Door
Replacing a sliding patio door is a good way to give your home's appearance a quick upgrade without completely breaking the bank. Almost any homeowner can complete the installation of a new door. All that is required is some basic carpentry experience, detailed installation instructions and a few simple tools.
(Note -This article assumes the existing patio sliding door has already been removed.)
- Get measurements on both the interior and exterior part of the existing door frame. Dimensions should be obtained from across the top, middle and bottom areas.
- Write down your dimensions.
- Find the narrowest one and deduct 3/4 inch from the measurement. This will be the width of your new door.
- Use a similar procedure to obtain the height of the door. However, it is only necessary to measure the exterior portion of the frame for this dimension. Measure the left, center and right of the door frame.
- Find the narrowest height dimension but this time deduct only 1/2 inch from the measure this will provide the height for your new door.
- Purchase your new door.
- Put the top edge of the new door into the upper track in the frame. Make the new panel more flexible by loosening the screws at the top of the track.
- Push up on the door until the bottom edge is secured into the bottom track.
- Re-tighten any screws that were loosened.
- Slide the new panel back and forth in the track to test the door. It should slide easily without catching or dragging.
- If the door does not operate smoothly, tighten or loosen the roller screws to adjust the alignment.
- Attach the handles and hardware to the new panel and mark the door jam where the latch is to be placed. Install the door striker plate in the proper position on the jam. The door now should be able to be easily locked and unlocked.
- Test the lock with your key.