PatioDoors

Installing a Patio Door

Installing a patio door doesn't have to be difficult. If you have a knack for home improvement tasks and you can devote time to completing your task, you should be able to replace your own unit in a day, or at most, a weekend. If your home repair skills are questionable, or if you'll be installing a patio door where there wasn't one before, you'll need the knowledge and aptitude of a trained professional. If you do feel you're up to the job, replacing a unit may require you to ask a benevolent friend or colleague to assist you.

When to Call a Professional

Hiring a professional to help with installing your patio entryway will definitely add to your overall budget. The precision and skill they bring to the job however, will give you peace of mind as you know the job will be done right the first time. You want the abilities of a professional, especially if you'll be creating a space where there was none before, to ensure that your patio sliding door project is completed on time and with the utmost care. The last thing you want is to wait until you have the time to complete your task, leaving a gaping hole in your home indefinitely.

Most professionals will warranty their work as well. If the job isn't completed to your specifications, you'll have some recourse. You can easily find someone who's proficient at installing a patio door buy checking with your local hardware center or home improvement store.

Depending on the age of your patio door, or if you're installing a patio door where there's never been one before, you may find a whole new generation of upgrades which may or may not be standard in your unit. You might not be familiar with the privacy locks, insulated glass, or even between the glass blinds and window treatments and those items are just the beginning. If you have particular ideas for customizing your unit, such as adding a personalized screen or pet door, or stacking deck doors, the sky's the limit.

Installation Basics

If you're installing a patio entrance as a replacement for your current patio unit, it's not too difficult installing it yourself. These units come as a kit complete with all that you need for installing a patio door. The vinyl framework, sliding glass and screen patio components and all the hardware come complete. With simple instruction, you'll be able to replace your old unit with a new and attractive one in about an afternoon.

If you'll be installing a patio door where there wasn't one before, you'll need to set aside quite a bit of time and call on many talents. Once you decide on the area where your new entryway will go, you'll need to cut out a space to accommodate the unit. Make sure you've measured your door and determined the necessary space you'll need prior to making that first cut. Once you've opened an area, you'll begin by installing the framework. Secure lightly as you may be installing shims in order to provide a plum and snug fit later.

A French door is easy to install or replace and also comes to you as a unit. Again, if it's necessary to open up an area in an outside wall, you should consider hiring a professional. You'll quite possibly need to apply with your county or municipal permitting agency to secure the legal permission to add a door. In this case, you may be required to hire a professional when installing a patio door, either sliding or French.

If you're replacing French doors, you'll go about it in a similar fashion. If one part of the unit is damaged, you may be able to replace only the damaged portion, however, it is more likely that you'll end up replacing the entire unit. The unit will come, just as your sliding patio unit did, with all of the necessary hardware. You only need to provide the most basic of common household tools.

Maintaining your New Addition

Once you've completed the task of installing a patio door, or hired a workman to perform the job, you'll need to maintain your unit to ensure a long life. Clean your tracts regularly with a standard household cleaner. Take special care to keep your sliding tracts debris free. Dry the area thoroughly and apply a lubricant made specifically for a sliding unit, typically a silicone spray.

If you're installing a patio door of the French style, you merely need to keep it clean. Routine maintenance of the unit by tightening screws and adjusting the threshold to accommodate settling is the same as with all household entryways. This will keep your new addition clean and operational for years to come.