Installing new patio doors is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project. You may want to install patios doors to go with a new patio you have just added to your house or you may just want to replace old patio doors with new ones. Either way adding new patio doors can really enhance the appearance of your home. Here are step-by-step instructions that will teach you how to install patio doors.
The first thing you will want to do is gather together a few supplies and tools that you will need to install patio doors. You will need a hammer, nails, measuring tape, level, wooden shims, insulation, and caulk.
Before you purchase your new patio doors you will need to measure the door opening to determine the size of doors you need to buy. Measure the door opening from stud to stud horizontally and from the floor up to the top of the door opening vertically.
Once you have your measurements you will need to decide on the type of patio door you would like to install. French doors are always a nice option if they fit in with the decor and door space you have available. Find a reputable manufacturer or dealer of patio doors and review your various options of pre-hung patio doors. There should be knowledgeable staff available to help you in your decision process. You will want your new patio doors to be one inch smaller both vertically and horizontally than your door opening.
Once you have your patio doors purchased you are ready to install the patio doors. Slide the pre-hung patio door unit into the middle of the door opening. You want to make sure the door unit is centered and that the doors swing out.
Next, take your hammer and nail the patio door unit temporarily into place. Don’t sink the nails all the way into the jambs until you have the door unit fully adjusted and level.
Use a level to make sure the door is plumb. If it is not even then place wooden shims along the sides until it is level.
Once you have the patio door unit level, countersink the nails you installed before. You can also place insulation around the jambs and studs and install a trim kit if your door unit came with one. Finally caulk the joints to help seal and weatherproof the door unit.
Following the easy steps, you will have your new patio doors installed in no time.
Thu, Mar 12, 2009
Doors