Removing Your Old Sliding Glass Door

Last week I explained how to measure your existing sliding glass door so you can order the vinyl replacement door. This week I am going to go over the steps required to remove the old sliding door before installing the new door.

First, you have to remove the sliding panel and the stationary panel. The vast majority of doors out there have the sliding panel on the inside half of the track, and the stationary panel is on the outside. Whatever the case in your particular door, the outside panel has to come out first. To remove the fixed panel, you need to remove the sill cap that snaps into the bottom track and runs from the fixed panel to the side jamb where the sliding panel locks. Force a screwdriver into the crease and pry the cap up. Then, look for screws on the inside side jamb holding the fixed panel in place. These screws prevent someone from prying up the sill cap and pulling out the fixed panel in order to gain entry into the home. In addition to the side jamb, be sure to check across the top header and bottom track for screws there as well. Once all the screws have been removed, you need to pull the fixed panel away from the side jamb. You can start by simply grabbing the side rail of the fixed panel and pulling as hard as you can. If you're lucky, the panel will pop free. Then you can lift the panel up as far as it will go into the top channel and swing the bottom away from the track, and remove the panel.

Now, I said "if you're lucky", because in most cases the panel will be stuck in the side jamb, the bottom track, or both. Usually, you're going to have to use a pry bar to loosen the fixed panel before it will slide out of the side jamb. Once the fixed panel is out, removal of the sliding panel is usually easier. Just lift up and swing the bottom away from the track, then remove the panel. Sometimes the bottom rollers will prevent the bottom from swinging out of the track. If that's the case, you will need to find the roller adjustment hole in the bottom corners of the sliding panel. Put a screwdriver into this hole and turn the screw counterclockwise to bring the roller as far up into the bottom of the sliding panel as possible. This should allow the slider to come out.

Now, you want to remove all the screws from the side jambs, top header, and bottom track. Then, take a pry bar and get it under the bottom track about in the center. Pry up until the track is separated from the floor. The next step will depend on whether your old frame is nailed to the house frame, or simply screwed in. If it's screwed in, then the frame should now be loose in the opening, since you removed all of the screws. You just need to remove whatever inside trim there might be around the door frame. This type of frame should come out. If your door is nailed to the house frame, you will have to do a bit more work. Use a hacksaw to cut the track in half, approximately in the center. Start with either half and raise the cut piece up towards the side jamb until the the track piece separates from the side jamb. Do the same thing to the other half.

So, now you have to remove the side jambs. You want to do this without damaging the exterior material that surrounds the door frame. Take a heavy chisel and pound it into the crack between the frame and exterior material, whether it's stucco, siding, etc. Start at the bottom 6 inches first. What you are trying to do is pull the nail fin away from the nails holding it in place. So, once the chisel is pounded through the metal frame, pry away from the side wall. The heavier and longer the chisel, the more leverage you will have. You will hear the frame "pop" free of the nail. There will be several nails holding each jamb in place, so you want to start at the bottom and work your way to the top corner. Once you get the bottom third loose, many times you can grab the jamb with both hands and pull the rest of the nails free as you go up. When you get to the top corner, work the jamb free. Do both jambs, then do the top. Sometimes the top has no nails, or just one in the center, so it will come down pretty easily. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when doing this job, especially when removing the top header.

At this point you are ready to install the new door. The installation procedure is slightly different, depending on whether you're installing a retrofit style frame or a replacement frame. We will discuss both procedures next week.

John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

---

Dehumidifiers Wring Out Your Home

Anyone that has a home office or bedroom in the... Read More

Reduce Noise to Reduce Stress: Sound Advice From the Rug Doctor

Maybe getting the silent treatment at home isn't a bad... Read More

Choosing Window Frames

There are three main types of material used to manufacture... Read More

A Few Concrete Suggestions

Up until a few years ago, my professional experience was... Read More

Pre-drawn House plans the Benefits and Styles

Pre-drawn house plans are those that are drawn by architects... Read More

How To Choose The Right Home Water Filters and Water Purifiers For Your Needs

When it comes to home water filters and water purifiers,... Read More

Mahoganys Beauty and Durability Makes it Ideal for Deck Construction

A couple of years ago I had the chance to... Read More

The Cost of Remodeling a Bathroom

Before beginning any bathroom remodeling, you should create a budget.... Read More

Three Types of Lighting for Room Remodeling

When remodeling a room, choosing the correct lighting is one... Read More

Choosing a Furnace Humidifier

While everyone longs for a white winter, the problems associated... Read More

Feng Shui, Design Psychology and Bed Placement

I love Feng Shui! Whether you believe this ancient Asian... Read More

Design Psychology: Beds and Emotional Well-Being

The bed represents the beginning and ending of life. In... Read More

Enjoy The Beauty Of Hardwood With The Endurance Of Laminate Flooring

Everyone likes the beautiful, timeless look of hardwood floors. Elegant,... Read More

Home Inspection Basics

The Home InspectorWhen you think about it, it is a... Read More

Concrete Cutting - Adding a Pre-Cast Concrete Stairway Bulkhead to Your Home

Installing a pre-cast concrete stairway to your home's basement is... Read More

CCTV for the Home

Securing your property is one of the growing domestic issues... Read More

Do You Know How To Use Window Coverings?

Window coverings serve an important role in your home, giving... Read More

Outdoor Kitchens ? Simple and Sophisticated

After September 11, many of us decided to stay closer... Read More

Home Fire Prevention Effectiveness 1

Are you aware that you can lose all your personal... Read More

Your Home is Your Symphony

"Dr. Carl Sagan once wrote, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting... Read More

Lighting and Your Emotions (Part One)

Do you feel unhappy in your home and you don't... Read More

What Two Words Will Double the Space in Your Home?

Just two words and a bit of explanation about them... Read More

At Last You Can Customize Your Pegboard As Much As You Want

Customizable metal pegboard is set to revolutionise utensil storage. For... Read More

Things to Consider when Buying a Hot Tub or Jacuzzi Tub

We recently purchased a new Hot Tub and Gazebo from... Read More

Swimming Pools ? Lets Get Wet

"Beverly Hills. Swimming pools. Movie stars."That line from the theme... Read More

Why Should You Need Tools for Everyday Living

How often you have used tools for your everyday living?... Read More

3 Great Reasons to Shop for Home Lighting Online

If you are a consumer who knows just what brand... Read More

Swim Spas Make a Big Splash with Baby Boomers

If you are an aging baby boomer like I am,... Read More

Replacement or Retrofit Style Frame? Which is Right for You?

Last week I told you how to measure for your... Read More

Choosing a Home Builder

So you've decided to build a new home. Like many... Read More

A New Era in Bathroom Technology - Bathroom Home Improvements

Spa treatments in your own home? Sounds to good to... Read More

Planning Permission Tips Uk - How To Select A Property to Extend or Develop

Many people purchasing a property for their main home actually... Read More

An Introduction to Air Compressors

Air compressors are widely used among American manufacturers, industries and... Read More