How to plan a change from sliders to patio doors?

Mayra
by Mayra

I am considering removing my sliders and installing patio doors? How much will this cost and should I use a professional to do the removal and installation?

  3 answers
  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Feb 14, 2019

    If you're talking about French doors, I wouldn't suggest it. French doors leak, no matter what anyone tells you. And the only way to stop the leak is to put French door screen doors on. I made that mistake when building a house about 6 years ago. It leaked, the builder came out and caulked everything. It leaked and he came out again and caulked some more. It leaked and the builder had the company rep out. They replaced the doors with new ones and it leaked again. Had the company rep out again and he said all doors like this leak some and ours leaks more because of where we put it. It was on a second floor deck with just a soffit to protect it, so it had the wind and rain hitting it. He said to get screen doors for it. We did and no more leaks.

    Also, keep in mind that French doors open in and will need room to swing and lay flat against the wall.

    • Dottie Weirich Dottie Weirich on Feb 14, 2019

      That happened to me also,  NEVER again - I ended up just putting a large old very heavy glass door. Should of done it the first time as it would of saved me a ton of being upset and money! Still had to hire a pro from the place I bought the door & with check- able references.

      Dottie

  • Seth Seth on Feb 14, 2019

    Mayra,

    We installed Anderson in-swinging French doors with the screen doors like Grandmom suggested several years ago and they never leaked You can buy French doors that are the same dimensions as your sliders if they are a standard size like 60x80. Swapping them out would not be that difficult. If the French doors are smaller, you will need to do some framing. Waterproofing the doors is the difficult part. Getting all of the membranes, flashing and siding just right is tricky. The doors are expensive, $2,000 and up for good ones. The installation would be less. If you do it yourself, you would need a way to get rid of the old door or donate it perhaps. Try and get a personal recommendation or check Angies List for a reputable installer and get an estimate. If you think you want to hire someone, get a couple more estimates.

    • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Feb 14, 2019

      Mine were Anderson also, expensive ones. They all need screen doors on them. It's pretty bad when the company rep says that they all leak!