Doors & Windows

[oppsol]

I have the frame and the 2x4's and the two doors i'm installing on top of a concrete patio slab.  How do I frame it in?

[gotogregg]

Hello Oppsol ,

Welcome to the community!

There is nothing better than a brand new patio door! So, it sounds like you have to frame in an existing opening on your house smaller to fit a new patio. I have some questions about your project so I can give you the correct advice.

Are you installing it on an exterior wall of your house? 

What was there before you decided to put a patio door on?

Is the wall load bearing? What do you have as a header right now?

What size patio door? What brand?

What kind of siding do you have the exterior of your house?

Sorry for all the questions, but i don't want to give you any bad advice. Let me know what you are working with. -Gregg

[oppsol]

Thank you for responding so fast.  I would rather you ask the questions than me do this wrong. LOL

Are you installing it on an exterior wall of your house? It is a mobile home with a pre existing patio enclosure. 

What was there before you decided to put a patio door on? There was a regular metal door and window in it's place.

Is the wall load bearing? Dont understand this question. But, we can attach the 2x4 to the existing medal door frame and the mobile on the other side. What do you have as a header right now? The header is too high for the new slidding door

What size patio door?  approx 6'   What brand?  No idea

What kind of siding do you have the exterior of your house? alumium

Thank You

[oppsol]

After placing the frame for the slider in the place where it goes I have found that the frame can be supported by the existing framework for the patio on both sides.  The only part that I can not support is the top. Maybe run a 2x4 on the top to support the top of frame.  What do you think?  Do I need to build a 2x4 frame for the door frame?

Thank you

[gotogregg · Accepted solution]

Hey Oppsol,

Ok, That makes sense to me now. Thanks for answering.

So your new door is shorter than the existing opening. You are on the right track. (No pun intended) Haha.

You have to build down the header by adding a new header lower than the existing one. You need to attach the top of the patio door frame to something. You can make this out of 2x4's and 7/16" OSB plywood.  Sandwich the OSB in between the 2x4's. The OSB adds strength and makes it the proper width (3- 1/2") to add onto the existing framing of your porch. I know it doesnt have any weight coming down directly onto it, but this will prevent it from warping. 

Here is a picture of what I am talking about.

If this doesn'st help let me know. -Gregg

[oppsol]

Thank you Gregg!!  Yes we are on the same track  and I am sure I can get it done.

Thank you so much for your time!!

[Bretup]

I have a exterier sliding door that rocks and makes it hard to close. When the person moved in they removed the door. Maybe they didn't put it back right. Any thoughts?

[corky1957]

its going in exterior wall,72x80 pella,have aluminum sliding,was a window there approx 27x50..can u hlep

[corky1957]

72x80 pella.was a window 27x50,alumium siding,exterior wall