How to Install a Vinyl Patio Door

A vinyl patio door will create a bright and welcoming entrance to your patio. Vinyl is a durable and easily cleaned material, making it ideal for a patio door. Although there is a variety of door styles such as double-hinged door or sliding door, installation is essentially the same. Preparation before you install is essential to make sure the patio entrance is sealed from the weather. Caulking and adhesive-backed foil tape will ensure a leak-free installation for your patio door.

Foil-backed tape
Window and door caulk
Caulk gun
Vinyl patio door with installation hardware
Wood shims
Level
Screw gun
Galvanized nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Apply foil-backed tape along the bottom of the door opening and up the first 6 inches of each side of the opening.
- 2
  Tape around the entire door opening, including taping over the area that you taped in Step 1.
- 3
  Apply three evenly spaced beads of caulk across the bottom of the door opening using window and door caulk in a caulk gun.
- 4
  Place the bottom of the door against the bottom of the opening and pivot it into place. The nailing flange along the exterior sides and top of the door should rest against the outside edges of the opening. Ask someone to help you place the door if it is large or awkward.
- 5
  Set a level across the sill of the door. Check the sill or bottom of the door for level. Slide wood shims under the door as needed to ensure the door is level.
- 6
  Set a level across the sill of the door. Check the sill or bottom of the door for level. Slide wood shims under the door as needed to ensure that the door is level.
- 7
  Hammer galvanized nails through the holes in the nailing flange on the exterior of the door along the sides and top to secure the door in place.

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Doors