Replacing Cracked Patio Door Windows
A patio door, sometimes referred to as a sliding glass door, consists of two large framed glass panels, one fixed and one movable, and provides easy access to an exterior porch or patio. A sliding patio door that has multiple panes of glass in a grid pattern instead of one large expanse of glass may also be called a French door. Replacing a cracked glass panel in a patio door is a good task for a homeowner with average do-it-yourself skills, but a helper may be necessary to help lift the panels. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Unlock and open the movable panel of your patio door slightly.
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Lift straight up on each side of the open panel evenly on both sides until the rollers have cleared the tracks at the bottom, having an assistant help.
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3
Swing the bottom of the glass panel away from the door frame slightly. Lower the panel until the top clears the upper door frame. Move to step 6 if this is the glass panel that must be replaced.
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4
Remove the screws from the top and bottom brackets in the fixed glass panel of your patio door, twisting them out with a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the brackets to free the panel and set them aside. Slide the panel open slightly and remove it in the same fashion as the movable panel. Skip this step if the movable panel is the only one you must replace.
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5
Lift the new fixed glass panel in an upright position, with help from your assistant. Slide the upper part of the panel into the track in the upper door frame at an angle. Swing the lower part of the panel in toward the door frame. Lower the entire panel slowly and carefully until it is resting on the lower track. Slide the panel into position and replace the retaining brackets and screws. Skip this step if the movable panel is the only one you need to replace.
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6
Lift the movable glass panel in an upright position, with help from your assistant. Slide the upper part of the panel into the upper track while swinging the lower end of the panel inward. Lower the panel slowly until the rollers are resting on the track. Test the operation of the door. Make adjustments to the roller height by turning the adjustment screws on either side of the bottom of the door to raise or lower the panel in the frame.
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Tips & Warnings
Replacement glass panels may be available in stock at your local home improvement store. Check with the store to see if your panel may need to be special-ordered before you remove the old panel.
