How to Remove Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors not only serve as an outdoor exit but also let the sunshine flow through your living room, bedroom, dining room, etc. They add an aura of classiness and modernity to your house, which makes them all the more appealing. Sliding doors come in a wide variety of styles, so when it comes time to update them, you have to remove the old ones.

Removing a sliding patio door is only moderately challenging, and using the tools and steps below, you can remove one with little difficulty.

Step 1: Remove the Interior Casing or Trim

As the sliding door is generally heavy, with a considerable width of 6-8 feet, you might need to ask for help from a friend while lifting it out. In order to make your task easier, disassemble the door before you try to take it out. Do away with the interior casing or trim (found around the inner side of the door) with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Do this cautiously, so as to not damage it in the process. If there is dirt stuck in the casing, you have to remove that before you insert the screwdriver. If you have any decorative trim at the top of your door’s frame (called a head-stop) remove that too before you proceed any further. Having done that, locate the roller adjustment screws in the sliding panel and raise them by rotating them in an counter-clockwise direction.

Step 2: Lift the Sliding Door Panel

Sliding patio doors have 2 separate units, namely the sliding door panel and the stationary panel. So, in order to remove the sliding panel effectively, lift the sliding door upwards into the upper track and ask a helper to push the bottom gently and carefully towards you. Keep lowering the panel until it is completely out of the upper track and get the panel out.

Step 3: Remove the Stationary Panel

Once the sliding panel has been removed, remove the stationary unit by cutting away the seam (metal piece) connecting the stationary panel to the door’s side jamb with a utility knife. Proceed by removing all the screws, brackets and trim pieces (both internal and external) holding the stationary panel intact by using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Use a flat pry between the base of the stationary panel and the lower track of the door to pry out the base. Ask a helper to lift up the panel while you apply pressure on the base. The panel should come off from the opening without much difficulty.

Step 4: Remove the Exterior Trim

After the panel has been removed, use a pry bar to lift the trim enough so as to make the nail shafts detectable. They are pretty difficult to locate, as they are usually found underneath the door trail or behind strike coat. However, once they are visible, pry them out, using a pry bar or a hammer. After that, you may easily remove the trim surrounding the door.

Step 5: Remove the Jamb

Using a reciprocating saw with a bi-metal blade, cut away any nails, caulk or paint holding the door jamb to the frame. The jamb should come out after a little sawing and prying if the frame is rotten, or your old door is damaged somehow.

Step 6: Remove the Door

Finally, pry up the sill of the door frame using a pry bar and a hammer forcefully. After sufficient prying of the frame, lift the frame out. Be sure to remove any old nails or shims before fitting your new door.