Tips on Installing a Sliding Door for Your Patio

A sliding door is quite an attractive piece of fixture in your home. Having a sliding glass one in your patio, for example, would not only be aesthetically good but will let in more light and air inside your house. Having it made of glass can also let you have a great view of your deck or garden. You can go to any home improvement store and look for the kind or design that you want.

They usually come in kits which basically contains all the materials you need and a detailed instruction manual to guide you with the installation process. All you need is a set of tools and the guts to do it. Although, instruction may vary depending on the product, the following are some of the general guides that you could follow when you install a sliding door for your patio.

The first step like any other project is surveying your site. You need to closely inspect the sides of the wall and even the attic and basement for signs of heating ducts or other things that may cause problems later during your installation. It is best to come prepared and plan ahead taking into consideration every minute detail. Always avoid all electrical and plumbing fixtures.

When you mark the door dimension on the wall, always allow some extra inches on each side. Around four inches on each side would be sufficient enough for double jack studs and shim space. Also, leave an extra 7 inches on the top. This will give the header and shim enough space.

As an added protection, before you start doing your work, it would be best if you could turn off the electricity in that specific area. It is better to be careful and protect yourself from possible shocks. Also prepare dropcloths or plastic sheeting around the work area. Make sure you have a trash can ready. This will keep you from scratching your floor or making things around the area dirty. With all these preparations installed, you can now begin working with the actual installation.

You should carefully remove the wall covering inside the borders you marked. Slowly and carefully cut and chip away the plaster or drywall by hand or if its too toughly attached, you now have an excuse to use those power tools that you kept in your garage but hardly ever used. But be sure to go slowly. You don't want to damage any electrical or plumbing set-ups in the wall. With every chunk or piece of plaster that you take out, throw it away in the trash can.

The same goes with all the other insulation, dirt and debris. Once you've accomplished making the space, you fit full-length studs against the outside of the studs at each edge of your opening. Test if the patio door fits the still rough opening. Adjust the door by shimming it if necessary.

Mark around the edges of the door frame brickmoulding. This will serve as your guide when cut through the siding. Place a piece of cut drip edge to the width of the rough opening. Apply silicone caulk to the inside of the drip edge along the top of the rough opening. That's the space between the siding and the existing building paper.

Cut 8" to 10" wide strips of building paper and place them between the siding and the existing building paper on the outside wall. Make sure that you apply silicone caulk around the edges. Also applying several liberal beads along the bottom of the opening would be ideal.

Install the door in the rough opening. Make adjustments like if there are gaps under the threshold, add additional shims under the door and so on. Ensure that the brickmold is flat against the framing lumber from outside. Screw the threshold to the floor and perform finishing touches.

Admittedly, these steps only show you a very rough and general sketch on how to attach a patio door. If you have the time, the energy to construct the sliding doors yourself, then stock up with more knowledge and learn some more tips of the trade.

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