Installing a Sliding Door
In this article, we will go over the steps for installing a sliding door for the patio. Although the process generally requires two people and a little bit of time, it is not necessarily difficult. Start by laying the frame face down on the ground in front of the rough opening. Next, apply a beading of caulk along the top and side nailing flanges. Then, the sill area where the door will go should also have a bead of caulk.
Place the door in the opening with a one, two-inch roofing nail to hold the upper right-hand corner in place. Next, use a four-foot level, placing it across the top frame, making sure it is straight. Install the mid section of the top jamb with nails, and then again at the top, left-hand corner. After the top flange is straight, measure the diagonals, checking the square factor. If necessary, make adjustments by pushing the bottom flange to the left or right.
Once the overall frame is squared up, check the side jambs for plumb. Remember, the middle of the jamb has to be pushed outward to make the jambs straight. Then to hold the jambs in place, use roofing nails. After the sides are all plumbed, the nails would be pounded in and any remaining nails installed, keeping them 12 inches or less apart. Put a few shims under some areas of the sill to keep it from moving.
Then, the frame is installed in the rough opening before any glass is installed. Install screws through the sill, going directly into the structure. For this, drill a few holes in the vinyl frame. You will now place a dab of caulk on each of the screw holes, which will prevent water from getting in under the fastener. Drive the screws in, we recommend a cordless drill. Then, use a few shims under the sill, making the sliding door frame completely solid.
For glass in the sliding door, move the rollers from the bottom, installing them on the other end. Then, adjust the rollers, using a screwdriver, making the door ride lower or higher. For the sliding door installation, you simply push the top end inside the groove, allowing it to rest on the bottom of the track so the rollers will ride freely and easily on the rounded rail. Then to adjust the height of the roller, you can use a simple screwdriver.
For the latch of the sliding door, you would insert it into the pocket, being held in place with two, flat-head screws. Now, the lock lever slips into the intended hole. You will notice the latch sticking out and then grabbing a metal plate that is attached to the doorjamb of the sliding door. The two-piece handle is then held together with just two, long machine screws. You now assemble the handle on the sliding door, adjusting the striker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
You will then have the fixed panel of the sliding door installed from the outside, making sure the top goes up inside the channel, sliding just a little bit so the bottom now rests on the sill. Finally, screws are used to install the sliding door on the inside, securing the fixed panel to the jamb. Simply add your choice of trim, caulk the gaps, and enjoy your new sliding door.