Sliding Patio Door Installation - DIY Chatroom

flyultralite · 05-02-2007, 08:46 PM

Hi everyone, I'm about to take out my large dining room window and replace it with a Sliding Patio Door tomorrow. This door will be the access point to our new deck in the future. I have a Home Improvement D.I.Y homebook that I commonly refer to with my projects. Sadly it doesn't cover sliding doors. I'm quite confident and comfortable on taking the old window out and framing the opening for the slider, after that I'll be "winging" it. I really can't think of any questions, I'm just looking for advice, suggestions or web links with detailed installation instructions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!
Bryan

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 05-02-2007, 09:53 PM

Hi Bryan,

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/d...1/slider1.html

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/d.../drslrepl.html

troubleseeker · 05-02-2007, 11:09 PM

I believe that the pvc sill liners are a very worthwhile expenditure. Be sure the sheathing is protected with felt or peel and stick, and don't omit a good drip cap, if the siding is lap siding. The ones that project out (look at any old wooden house window head) do much better than just a piece of metal z flashing. The most important point of any penetration in an exterior wall is to out smart the water by proper flashing. Way too many modern builders and roofers count on caulkings and sealants to keep water out...this is but a temporary solution for a permanent problem.

flyultralite · 05-03-2007, 01:55 PM

Ok, the old window is now out and framed for the new slider. I guess I staple tar paper down and put a good "S" pattern bead of caulking ontop. Drop the slider on caulking and position it in place. Now what??

I was always shown to shim and plum the hinged side of a pre-hung door first. Then shim the latch side using the crack as your guide between the doors edge and jamb. Thats proven to be quite effienct. What's the principle when it comes to sliders though? I'm a little stumped with the shimming process for a slider. HELP PLEASE!!!

Thank you in advance,

Bryan

fhivinylwindows · 05-03-2007, 02:04 PM

Does your slider have nailing fins or is it installed through the jambs? What brand is it?

KUIPORNG · 05-03-2007, 02:27 PM

I have the sliding door come with my new home... but hope it would be a french door.... as you are going to do it from scatch... why not pick the most beatiful french door ? sliding door is day and night difference when it comes to look...

Oh... looks like you already got the door... too late...

flyultralite · 05-03-2007, 02:39 PM

No there isn't any nailing fins, it's installed through the jambs.

I priced french doors and was quickly corrected that they are actually called Garden Doors. Anyways, it was literally double in price to get one. I'm building a big deck and am on a budget. I chose to but the money into deck materials instead of a door.

P.S the door is made by Nuance.

fhivinylwindows · 05-03-2007, 05:51 PM

Start with your base and make sure that it is level.

Next put the unit in the opening and take diagonal measurements, these should be within 1/16". Under the assumption that the base is level and the door is square, the sides should be level.

I generally line the door up with the interior surface, sheetrock or plaster. Install your top and bottom screws/shim and check for operation. Once you are happy with the placement and the operation you can install the other mounting screws.

Several notes about most sliding patio doors, they do not have to be perfectly plumb like prehung doors. Cheaper units are generally not built really square so you will have to find a happy medium between square and level on the sides. Vinyl frames like to wrap so make sure that you use all of the mounting locations. Most patio doors leak water and are designed to leak this water to the outside---do not caulk any weep holes or vents.

In regards to under your door there are two different ways of preventing water from entering your house. One way is to "pan flash" the opening so any water that enters the opening exits under the sill. Generally you can caulk the back of the pan to prevent wind and wind driven water from entering the home. The other way is to use caulking but it prevents any water from exiting the opening. Water is sneaky!

Since you unit does not have fins you will want to run a flexible flashing from your house that bonds with the door. I hate to send people to lowes but the Pella window flashing tape that they sell works great.

flyultralite · 05-03-2007, 09:15 PM

Hi everyone, Thank you so much for all the help. I got the slider installed and all went well. Thanks again everyone, you'll be hearing from me again!

zel · 05-04-2007, 08:25 AM

Awesome view!

KUIPORNG · 05-04-2007, 12:54 PM

That view is so nice... you don't need to buy fish do you...

flyultralite · 05-04-2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KUI****G

That view is so nice... you don't need to buy fish do you...

It is a great location and view, that's for sure. There are only two houses on the whole lake. Mine on the east side and my fathers on the west side. He and I own and operate a hunting and fishing lodge here on the lake (www.lostlakelodge.com) so buying fish is out of the question, LOL.