Are you planning to replace or clean your sliding glass door? In both cases, it is important for you to know how to remove sliding glass door properly. When it comes to removing the sliding door all by yourself, it sounds like a big task. But with the right approach and tools, the process will become easy for you. So, we are here with a step by step guide to simplify the process for you.
How to Remove Sliding Glass Door?
It is an easy process to remove sliding glass doors. All you need to do is follow some simple steps. But before that, let’s take a look at the tools and safety considerations.
Tools & Safety Considerations
- Phillip screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Hammer
- Drill bit set
- Flat pry bar
- Foam sheets or blankets
We recommend wearing safety glasses and work gloves to keep yourself safe in case the glass panel breaks. Now that you have gathered all the essential tools, let’s start with the steps.
Step 1 – Secure Your Workspace
The first step is to secure your workplace. Start by clearing the area around the door and remove the furniture aside. You would need at least 10 feet of clear space around the door.
As you evaluate the space and ensure no obstacles, lay down some foam sheets or blankets to protect your flooring. Furthermore, make it a point that all your tools are in one place for easy access.
Step 2 -Inspect the Sliding Panel
Now, it is time to examine the door panel to see how the door tracks and panels operate when you open it. After you have understood the mechanism, check the bottom outside edges of the panels and look for small caps or holes. These are the spots where screws are placed often.
Moving forward, if you find a cap, take a flathead screwdriver to pry it off. Now see what kind of screws are used there to hold up the door. Fathead screws are most commonly used, but you should double check. It is to be noted that most sliding doors use the same open-shut technique. However, it could vary in custom sliding doors.
Step 3 – Disconnect the Door Tracks
After completing the examination, it is time to disconnect the door tracks. To do so, insert the screwdriver into the hole and turn it counterclockwise as far as it goes on both ends of the panel. This will lower the door slightly, making it easier for you to lift the door off its tracks. You can watch this video as it shows how to remove the screws properly.
Step 4 – Remove the Door
Once the tracks are disconnected from the door, it is time to remove the sliding panel. Start by simply grabbing both sides of the sliding door. Now lift it a bit to release it from the bottom tracks. Sliding doors are heavy in weight and are difficult to manage alone. We recommend taking someone’s help in lifting and placing the door in the desired area.
If your sliding patio door has a removable screen, you can lift it after removing the sliding doors. However, you must see if the sliding screen door is attached with screws. If this is the case, then loosen them with the screwdriver before lifting.
Step 5 Remove the Stationary Panel
After removing the tracks, it is time to remove the stationary panels. The stopper holds the stationary panel in place and is usually a bracket made of aluminum or wood. If it is not visible, then you can find it hidden under the sheathing on the door frame.
Use a flat prying bar to lift the sheathing at the top corner at the stationary corner. Once the stopper is exposed, unscrew the stopper so that the stationary panel can slide along the track. After that, slide the panel along the track and tip it inwards. Now you can lift it off.
FAQs
How do you remove a sliding door from its track?
To remove a sliding door, you first need to adjust the height of the door by loosening up the screws. Now, lift the door up and tilt the top towards you to take it out of the frame.
Can a sliding glass door be removed?
Yes, a sliding glass door can be removed by disconnecting the door tracks, lifting the slide doors and then removing the stationary panel.
Do all sliding glass doors have adjustment screws?
Yes, most standard sliding glass doors have adjustment screws for easy height adjustment for easy removal. However, it is recommended to check the door frame before you start the process.
How do you fix a sliding glass door that won’t slide?
To fix a sliding door that is not sliding, try cleaning it to remove any dirt and debris because it is the most common reason. You could also use silicone lubricant to make it smoother. If the door still does not move, check if the rollers are working fine, or you will need to replace them.
Winding Up
When you think about how to remove sliding glass door, it might seem difficult initially. But with the right tools and methods, you can easily turn it into a DIY project. Make sure that you follow the steps mentioned religiously. Additionally, take the safety measures seriously and wear safety glasses and gloves to avoid any injury.
If you have any further queries about removing or replacing the glass sliding door, our team is here to guide you. Our experts will also guide you on the options and materials for sliding doors for your wholesale business. Contact us today!
