Sliding glass doors are a common sight in homes. They’re the perfect way to bring an indoor and outdoor space together, while also providing natural lighting and fresh air. There are a lot of things you need to consider before installing a new sliding glass door, keeping in mind your home’s overall design and security needs. Homeowners should also be aware that replacing a sliding glass door is not as simple as replacing any other type of door. It requires more planning and tools, as well as some additional support from professionals who have experience with this specialty project. In this article, we’ll take you through all the considerations needed for installing a new sliding glass door at home and give you tips so that the installation goes smoothly from beginning to end.
Understand the Basics of Sliding Glass Doors
Before you start shopping for a new sliding glass door, it’s important to understand how they work. Sliding glass doors are made up of several parts: – The frame – The frame of the glass door is usually made of wood or aluminum. It is installed on the exterior or interior side of the wall, depending on the design. The frame is what holds the glass in place and allows it to slide open and closed. The frame is also what you see when you look at the door from the outside. – The glass – The glass is what actually lets light and air in. It is often tempered glass, which means it is more resistant to breakage compared to regular glass. Tempered glass is also a lot safer than regular glass during a break-in because it breaks into tiny pieces, rather than large shards like regular glass. – The seal – The seal is what makes the door airtight and watertight. While the seal can be made from different materials, the most common is silicone. – The track – The track is what the door slides on, allowing it to open and close smoothly and effortlessly. – The shower/window panes – The shower and window panes are the glass panels that protect the shower or garden from the outside.
The Pros and Cons of Installing a New Sliding Glass Door
Installing a new sliding glass door has its pros and cons. You need to consider all aspects of this project so that you make an informed decision. – The biggest pro of installing a new sliding glass door is that it brings your home’s design and aesthetic up to date. It also allows you to choose the kind of glass (for privacy, safety, etc.) and frame design that best matches your home’s architectural style. – Another pro of installing a new door is that it will likely boost the value of your home. Having a sliding glass door that opens and closes smoothly and easily, and has clean, even lines can make all the difference. – New sliding glass doors will also increase your home’s energy efficiency compared to old ones. New doors have better insulating properties, so they keep more heat in during the cold months and more cool air in during the hot ones. – Another pro of installing a new door is that it requires less maintenance compared to repairing or replacing a door that’s at the end of its life cycle. – And finally, a new door will come with a warranty. This is something that the warranty on an old door might not provide.
Know Your Options: Different Types of Sliding Glass Doors
There are many different types of sliding glass doors. The best one for your home will depend on your budget and design preferences. – Standard sliding glass door – A standard sliding glass door is more affordable than other models, but it also has less aesthetic appeal. Since it is less expensive, it is often the model of choice for pool houses and sunrooms. – French sliding door – A french sliding door is a great option if you want to enhance the aesthetics of your home while bringing additional natural light inside. It is a more expensive option, but the price is usually justified by its quality. – Bi-fold sliding door – Bi-fold sliding doors are designed to take up less space, making them a popular choice for smaller spaces, such as condos and apartments. They are also a popular option for basements and unfinished rooms, since they allow for more light and fresh air to come in.
Plan Your New Sliding Glass Door
Once you’ve decided on the type of sliding glass door, it’s important to plan the installation. It’s a job that requires time and extra effort from contractors, so it’s best to be prepared. – First, take measurements of all the doorways in your home where you want a new sliding glass door installed. You will need these numbers for ordering the new door and for letting contractors know where to install it. – Next, make a list of all the things you need to take care of before the new door is installed. This includes removing old doors and frames, installing shutters, and replacing electrical outlets and light switches that are too close to the new door. – You will also need to create a plan for the day of the installation. Make sure you have any tools you need and schedule enough time for the job. – Remember to account for the weather, too. If there is a chance of rain or extreme heat, you may want to reschedule the installation.
Install the Frame of the Glass Door
Once you’ve measured and marked the spots of where the new sliding glass door will be installed, it’s time to install the frame. The frame of the sliding glass door is what holds the glass in place, as well as provides support for the seal and tracks that keep the door in place. Install the frame before you install the tracks and glass to make the installation go more smoothly. – If the frame is made of wood, you can install it on the interior or exterior side of the wall. The frame will have pre-drilled holes through which you can secure it with drywall screws. Follow the instructions on the frame’s packaging, but in general, you should first put a piece of wood against the wall and mark where the holes go. Remove the wood and pre-drill the holes, then insert the screws and apply a little bit of pressure to keep them in place. Put the frame in place and secure it with screws. – If the frame is made of aluminum, install it on the interior side of the wall. The frame has a small lip on its exterior side that you will use as a guide to locate and mark the wall. Place the frame against the wall, with the lip of the frame facing the wall, and mark the wall where the frame’s holes go. Remove the frame and pre-drill the holes, then insert nails and apply a bit of pressure to keep them in place. Put the frame in place and secure it with nails.
Install the Track for the Door
The track is what the glass door slides on. It has two components – a top track and a bottom track. The tracks are usually made of metal and come as a single piece that you join together and install. – Install the top track first. It is usually secured to the top of the frame with screws or nails. You can also use a track that has an adhesive backing, so you don’t have to use any tools. – Next, install the bottom track. It’s best to install this track after the glass is installed, so you can make sure it is perfectly aligned with the glass.
Install the Shower and Window Panes
The glass panes that protect the shower or garden from the outside are called shower and window panes. You can purchase them as separate pieces and install them after the rest of the sliding glass door installation is done. – If you are installing a shower pane, check the measurements of your new sliding glass door, take the correct measurements of your existing shower, and then order a shower pane of the same dimensions. – If you are installing a window pane, check the measurements of your new sliding glass door, take the correct measurements of your existing window, and then order a window pane of the same dimensions.
Conclusion
Installing a new sliding glass door is a great way to update your home’s aesthetic and bring more natural light and fresh air inside. However, it’s important to remember that this is a specialty project that requires more time and effort from contractors, so it’s best to be prepared. Before you start shopping for a new sliding glass door, make sure you understand how they work and have
