How to Install a Fin Seal for Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors are a common option for patio and deck entrances, as well as anywhere that homeowners desire additional sunlight. Since the doors slide along upper and lower tracks, there are gaps that allow air penetration into the home. These gaps need to be sealed with a special weather-stripping called fin seal. Fin seal sits along the bottom of the sliding door and extends to the track, thus blocking the gap. Installing fin seal requires that you first remove the door.

Screwdriver
Sawhorses (2)
Pliers
Tape measure
Fin seal
Shears

Instructions

- 1
  Step to the inside of the sliding door and locate the two plugs at the bottom edge of the door panel that slides. Pry off the plug caps and remove the underlying screws with a screwdriver.
- 2
  Look at the upper portion of the door for a thin strip that runs along the upper inside of the door. Remove the screws that hold it in place.
- 3
  Grasp both sides of the door. Lift the door up and pull the lower portion out of the track. Set the door on two sawhorses so that you can easily access the bottom of it.
- 4
  Look at the bottom of the sliding door and locate the existing fin seal. The seal is in the center bottom of the door and has rubber or fiber fins shaped like a fan. Grasp the end of the fin nearest the door edge with a pair of pliers. Pull the fin out and away from the door to detach it.
- 5
  Measure the width of the sliding door and cut a new fin seal to size with shears if necessary.
- 6
  Turn the fin seal so that the flat edge faces the bottom of the door. Slide the end of the seal into the T-shaped slot at the bottom edge of the door. Continue pushing the seal in until it extends across the entire bottom of the door.
- 7
  Grasp the last 1/8-inch or so of the fin at the edge of the door and bend it upward to secure it in place.
- 8
  Carry the sliding door back to the opening and insert the upper rollers into the upper track then push the lower rollers into the lower track.
- 9
  Reinstall the top bar with the screws and screwdriver then reinstall the two lower screws and the plugs.

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