Upgrading a Window to a Patio Door  

For today’s homeowners, it’s easier than ever to get exactly what you want in any kind of custom windows or doors you can imagine. Window and door customers no longer need to modify their creative ideas and settle for some version of what they already have. Now you can get any unique style of window or door you can dream of. You can also convert any window to a patio door. The best window makers can produce and install an energy efficient custom sliding patio door for you that ideally matches your vision for your home.

Preparing to Convert a Window to a Sliding Door

Here are some of the most common challenges people confront when converting an existing window to a sliding glass door. You should be aware of these and other potential issues before you begin the process of designing and installing a slider to replace an existing window in your home:

Obtaining Permits

Converting a window to a door usually means the wall opening will need to be expanded. When you plan to increase the size of an opening in a wall, that work will probably require a permit from your local building authority. Some window companies require you to obtain all permits required for any work on your house. If you manage your own permit application processes:

• You will need to meet with your city’s building department representative before you get a quote from a window and door contractor. Or,

• You can obtain design ideas and measurements from a construction project specialist and try to get a permit approval based on that information.

• Anticipate and resolve all permit-related issues and be sure you receive all necessary permits before starting any work on your window conversion project.

Reconfiguring Wall Support Structures

Converting a window to a sliding glass door means you will have a larger opening cut into the wall. The process of enlarging the raw opening in the wall requires these processes:

• King studs must be removed from the wall, and the header above the window will need to be replaced with one of a size and structure suitable for the new door.

• Electrical wiring, outlets, and fixtures around the window may need to be removed, relocated, or replaced as part of the project and must be done in compliance with local building requirements.

• King studs will probably need to be cut, and window headers will need to be replaced with larger ones to expand a window frame into a sliding patio door frame.

Expanding Headers

Usually, the window header must be extended past the length of the planned opening for the new sliding door. So, you can expect to have gaps in the exterior siding and/or in the interior drywall at one or both ends of the newly installed door. That means refinishing and painting around the new patio door inside and outside.

Top-tier window companies have highly skilled installers who are well-trained and comfortable with creating cut-outs through stucco, adobe, wood siding, brick, etc. and drywall inside. However, if concrete cutting is involved, a special contractor may be called in.

Replacing Drywall and Siding

When the original raw opening in the wall for a window is taller and/or wider than the cut-out needed to fit the new sliding glass patio door, the interior and exterior wall areas and insulation surrounding the new door must be replaced in order to frame the door appropriately to support the weight of the door and to protect the home from water and air leaks inside the wall structure and inside the living space of the room.

Repositioning Electrical Wiring

The existing window may or may not have electrical wiring near it. In many cases, the new wall cut-out for the incoming patio sliding door will interfere with the existing wiring configuration in the area of the wall where the new door will be inserted. In that situation, you might need to hire an electrician to make sure that all the electrical components are repositioned safely and will function as expected.