How to Install Sliding Glass Doors for a Patio

Sliding glass doors make going to and from your patio easier. They can also act as a source of fresh air on a nice day. Just slide the doors open a little bit to allow the air to circulate. Children can play outside on the patio and still be in your sight at all times. For the purpose of this article, we are going to assume that you have already removed the old door, or that the opening for the sliding glass patio doors has already been built, and you are ready to install the doors themselves.

Things You'll Need

• Sliding glass doors
• Metal screws or mounting hardware
• Self-adhesive foil tape
• Heavy scissors, “razor-blade” knife or other cutting instrument
• Caulking
• Measuring tape or level
• LOW-EXPANSION foam insulation sealant

Instructions

1. Unroll or unwrap the self-adhesive foil tape, peel off the strip(s) to expose the adhesive and apply the tape around the door sill and six inches up the sides of the door facing (or jamb). When fitting the tape in the corners, make any necessary cuts so that the tape will wrap around or lay flat on the corners.

2. Continue to install the foil tape around the entire outer edge of the frame. Again, make sure the tape fits snugly in corners and around edges.

3. If the original door frame had a sill support, replace it now. If not, skip this step.

4. Apply caulk (at least three lines, running next to each other) to the foil tape on the threshold (bottom) of the door.

5. Make any adjustments necessary to the new door so that it will fit into the frame correctly.

6. Set the door in the frame WITHOUT DISTURBING THE CAULK THAT YOU APPLIED IN STEP 4. Start with the bottom of the door first, then carefully bring the door to an upright position. (See Tips for more information.)

7. Fasten any supports to the door frame, at the top, to hold the door in place. Make sure the door is level and flush with the frame; if not, make any adjustments necessary.

8. Install the latch/latch frame part of the door, then continue to fasten the door to the frame, using roofing nails or the supplied mounting hardware.

9. Apply caulk to the screw holes at the bottom (or sill) of the door, and then insert the screws to hold the door at the top and bottom.

10. Put one more layer of self-adhesive foil tape to the supports, then set the glass portion(s) of the door itself in the frame.

11. Apply the foam sealant around the frame, then replace any trim on both the outside and inside of the house that was removed.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need some help when you actually go to set the door in the frame, as one person will need to hold the door steady while it is being set.

• Take care when using your cutting instruments. They are sharp and can cause serious injury.

• Take care when setting the door in the frame. Although the glass can most likely stand a few licks and knocks, it could still break, and even “safety” glass can cause injury.