In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to open up a wall for a large glass slider.

Project details

Skill

Cost

Estimated Time

Steps for installing a sliding glass door

  • Use reciprocating saw to cut around the old window.
  • Pull out the lower section of wall.
  • Remove the old door and window from the wall.
  • Use 12-pound sledgehammer to bust out concrete curb at bottom of wall opening.
  • Fasten pressure-treated 2x4 form to floor with concrete screws.
  • Mix quick-setting cement in mortar tub with shovel.
  • Spray the form with a garden hose, then seal outside edge of form with silicone sealant.
  • Fill form with cement, then smooth it with a trowel. Allow cement to cure for 24 hours.
  • Reduce the width of the opening by building a wood-frame wall. Use pressure-treated 2x4 for the sill plate, standard lumber for the wall studs, king studs and top plate.
  • Cover the newly framed wall section with ⅝-inch-thick exterior-grade plywood.
  • Fasten plywood sheathing to studs with 2½-inch (8d) nails.
  • Rip a 2x4 filler to fit across top of wall opening. Nail filler in place with 3½-inch nails.
  • Staple builder’s paper to the exterior surface of the plywood sheathing.
  • Apply thick bead of silicone sealant around nailing flange on doorjamb, and along top of sill.
  • Set doorjamb into rough opening, making sure the nailing flange fits under shingles.
  • Measure the diagonals of the doorjamb to ensure it’s square.
  • Secure jamb to rough opening by inserting wood shims behind jamb. Drive 3-inch screws through the jamb and shims, and into the 2x4 frame.
  • Set the active, rolling glass panel into the doorjamb.
  • Install the stationary glass panel into the jamb. Screw through the retaining clips to securely hold the stationary panel in place.
  • Fill the void around the inside of the door with minimal-expanding foam insulation.
  • Cover exterior of new wall section with shingles to match the house.

Tools

Tools & Materials

  • Reciprocating saw
  • Sledge hammer - 12-pound
  • level - 4-foot
  • Hammer drill
  • Drill/driver
  • Square shovel
  • Mortar tub
  • Caulk gun
  • Pointed trowel
  • Flat trowel
  • Hammer stapler
  • Utility knife
  • Masonry bit