How to Insulate Sliding Glass Doors
It's important to make certain you have updated the insulation on your patio's sliding glass door. These doors typically have a high heat loss because the glass is so large. Old doors may not have been sealed right to begin with, and even some new doors can benefit from extra insulation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Small crowbar
- Hammer
- Cordless drill
- Screw bits
- Utility knife
- Backer-rod insulation
- Non-expanding spray foam
- Stainless-steel screws (for door trim)
- Window film kit
- Double-stick tape
- Blow-dryer
Instructions
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Insulation Behind the Trim
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1
Remove the door trim, both on the inside and outside, using a small crowbar and hammer. Some trim is held in place with screws, so use a cordless drill and screw bit to remove the screws first, then pry off the trim pieces.
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2
Inspect the area between the patio door frame and wall studs to see what kind of insulation is in place. Some doors will have no insulation at all. Others may have the "yellow" fiberglass insulation you sometimes see used around pipes. Other insulation may just be worn out or broken in places.
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3
Pull out all the old insulation. Cut away the insulation with a utility knife. Some insulation is toxic, so place all old insulation in garbage bags and dispose of properly.
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4
Press new backer-rod insulation into place. Backer-rod insulation is round and comes in a roll. Press in place as you unroll it, working your way around the door frame. Do this on the outside of the door.
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5
Spray in non-expanding foam to fill in any small spaces. Let dry for a couple of hours.
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6
Replace the trim again, using the old screws or new stainless-steel screws.
Insulating Sliding Door Glass
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7
Measure the height and width of the door glass.
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8
Cut the film in the kit 1 inch bigger than needed, all the way around the door, using the utility knife.
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9
Apply double-stick tape to the inside edge of the door glass.
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10
Press the window film onto the door glass, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Press the edges onto the double-stick tape to hold the film in place.
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11
Heat the film, using a blow-dryer, until it shrinks in place.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wear eye protection, gloves and a respirator.
References
Resources
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Comments
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investmentcar
Dec 16, 2010
The worst leak on my doors is at the base where the door slides across. The original insulation has lost its flexibility but I don't think I could replace it using the original mounting design. My idea would be some sort of crushable insulation that is the width of the track. You would lay it down and roll the door over it to create the form. Then it would theoretically firm up. I picture it to be something like a Fruit Roll Up or the material the ReBath tub liners are made of (though I have never actually see the ReBath material...) Any ideas?
