How to Replace an Existing Patio Door
Patio doors come in many types, including French doors, sliding doors or vinyl patio doors. If your patio door is old and needs to be replaced you will need to decide on the type of door to use for the replacement. The type of door to purchase should be adequate for the climate you live in and your type of house. Most patio doors come in one piece that can be installed in the existing door opening. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Nails
- Screw driver
- Stile cover
- Power drill
- Reciprocating saw
- Cat's-paw nail remover
- Utility knife
- Level
- Caulk
- Caulk gun
- Shims
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove the existing patio door. If you have an existing sliding door it will need to be removed first before taking out the frame. Remove the screws for the stile cover and then use a pry bar to pry it off. Use a screw driver to take out the screws that hold the track in place. Pry the track off of the frame using a pry bar.
-
2
Remove the patio door frame. Use a cat's paw nail remover to take out the nails that were used to secure the jamb, sill and door trim.
-
-
3
Run a utility knife along the edge of the frame to cut through the old caulking. A hammer will then need to be used to force the casing out of the door opening.
-
4
Lay the new patio door on the ground and attach the plastic flanges. The flanges need to go in the sides and top of the assembly for the new door jamb. You may need to use a hammer and a block of wood to tap the flanges into place.
-
5
Run a bead of caulk along the surface of the sill framing to seal the sill when the new door has been put into place.
-
6
Lift the new door and place it in the opening. Insert shims at each screw location to make sure the frame sits solid in the opening. Make sure the door remains level by checking it periodically with a 2- or 4-foot level.
-
7
Insert screws into each screw opening and tighten them with a power drill.
-
8
Install the latch and handles to complete the installation of the door.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
A reciprocating saw may need to be used to cut nails that do not want to come out. Insulation may need to be added to fill any gaps that remain. Place trim around the new door for a finished look.
If shims are not used the door will not fit properly in the opening. If gaps and are not sealed air leaks will occur.
