How to Insulate Patio Doors

Well-insulated patio doors

Door insulation is very important if you don't want unnecessarily high energy costs each month. Most older patio doors have poor insulation. The insulation can either be missing altogether or just need to be replaced. Installing insulation on new doors is even a good idea if you need additional protection from extreme weather. Door insulation is quite inexpensive and is not too time consuming to install.

Things You'll Need

• Eye protection
• Dust mask
• Gloves
• Plastic scraper
• Residue/gum remover
• Degreaser spray cleaner
• Clean rags
• Glass cleaner
• Tape measure
• Peel-and-stick window film kit
• Utility knife
• Squeegee
• Blow dryer

Instructions

Peel-and-Stick Insulation

1. Put on all protective gear.

2. Pry off the old peel-and-stick patio door insulation with your hands. It goes around the frame area of each door, on the hinge side of hinged doors and on the edge of the sliding door for sliders. It does not go on the glass, just around the frame edge. This insulation is foam and has a sticky back that can be peeled off.

3. Scrape off the remaining old insulation. This may take some time. Apply a residue/gum remover to help you remove the sticky tape from the door frame area. Continue to scrape off the residue with the putty knife until it's all been removed.

4. Clean the area with a spray degreaser and clean rags.

5. Apply the new foam insulation by peeling off the backing as you unroll it. Apply it by pressing it firmly in place as you continue to unroll the insulation and peel off the backing little by little. Cut the insulation at the corners with a utility knife.

Window Film Insulation

1. Clean the window area of the patio doors with a glass cleaner and rags.

2. Use a tape measure to measure the window width and height. Add 1/2 inch to each side, top and bottom, so the window film has room to shrink once heated.

3. Cut the film to size with the utility knife. Apply the double-stick tape to the inside window glass edge, going all the way around. Leave the top backing on the tape.

4. Begin to press-fit the window film onto the window glass. Start at the bottom and work your way up to the top. Slowly peel back the top paper backing on the tape as you push the film onto the window glass. Use the squeegee to get out any air bubbles.

5. Heat shrink the film in place by running a blow dryer over the window film until the film shrinks.

References

• Indepth Info: Insulating Doors

Resources

• 3M: Window Insulator Kits