Greetings: I have an old aluminum framed sliding glass doors with one stationary and the other slides.

The frame is not plumb and it is basically shot, leaks like a sieve.

It is in a rental unit so I am looking for the "easy/low cost way out.

I have read about replacement inserts where you can keep the existing aluminum frames.

Does anyone have experience with ths type of retrofit and/or have any specific recommendations?

Thanks,

Tom

 

Tom, welcome to the forums! First a word of caution. Modifying a rental unit will set you up for possible litigation, so stay away from it. Contact the landlord and have them replace the door. I wouldn't try to replace just the panels as it is too easy to R&R the entire unit, retrim it and be done.

 

Tom,
I read this different from Chandler. Are you the owner of the property? If not, as Chandler said, landlord should be doing this.

If so..then...

I've never heard of a replacement insert for sliding doors. You mean leave the old frame and insert a whole new frame and panels? That would raise the sill to what I think would be an unacceptable height, as well as leaving all the old problems you mentioned. Replacement windows install as you described, and most window companies also make low cost vinyl doors, but they do not install the same as the windows. If you have a link to what you described, I'd like to take a look.

I know what a retrofit or remodel door is, as opposed to new construction. Normally it has no nailing fin and may be a slight amount smaller in width and height, but is pretty much the same. This eliminates having to remove siding to install it. That may be what you are thinking of.

 

I am the owner and I am looking for a replacement slider.

I guess an insert is not a real solution.

Knowing that this is a rental I want to get something on the low-cost end but that is not a total piece of junk, at least wear-wise (word?) - which means decent rollers.

Are the big box stores the best solution for this. The big issue is air infiltration. I am not concerned about "E" values, just would want double pane.

IF you have any commercial recommendations and if you can give me a ballpark idea of typical cost, acknowledging I want a typical replacement... I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks,

Tom

 

Box store or builder supply store...used to be about $300 -329 or so. All the vinyl sliders in that range are pretty equal. Next step up will probably run double that or more. This is assuming that its a standard size door (72or60" x 80"). Theres some odd ducks out there, hope you don't have one.

One thing to watch out for is that it has a metal sill. Some I've seen have a vinyl sill with a metal insert or cap for the door to roll on. Not the best idea to me, at least the ones I've seen.

You might also check if you have a seconds/closeout supply store. How about a Habitat for Humanity Re-Store? I've seen perfectly good higher quality doors donated there, for less than the price of the basic models.

Taking the old door out will be the hard part.

Good luck!