How to Install a Vinyl Patio Door
Vinyl patio doors are as functional as they are good looking. They allow sunlight to flow freely into the home and can make a room cheerful and bright. Hanging your own vinyl doors can be accomplished with the right tools and a bit of know-how.
Items you’ll need:
- Vinyl door
- Door hardware
- Caulk
- Aluminum tape
- Level
- Shims
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Use the aluminum tape to tape all the way around the door frame. You may find it necessary to tape several layers. This tape will help you to ensure that no type of draft or moisture will enter into the house through the area where you hung the doors.
- Install any hardware as necessary before you continue. The type of hardware that you have will depend on the type of patio door that you have. Since there are several types, follow the manufacturers instructions. Most likely, you will need your hammer, screwdriver and caulk to accomplish this step.
- Hang the door in place, using the shims to help you keep it level. It is likely that you will need one or two other people to help you with this step because of the weight and awkward size of the door. As one or two people are holding the door in place, the other person needs to use the level to ensure that the doors are hung level in place. If the door is not level, it will not close properly once it is hung.
- Secure the door in place once you have ensured it is level. Again, this process will differ depending on the type of patio doors that you have. Sliding glass doors are generally easier to install than a hinged door, due to the fact that the door can be simply slid into the track. Consult with the instructions for more information.