If you are considering a patio door installation at the rear of your house, there are some important aspects of your home’s appearance and functionality to bear in mind. A well-designed patio door not only provides easy access to your backyard but also brings in natural light, improves ventilation, and updates your property. Whether you prefer sleek sliding glass doors or classic French doors, D2 Build will walk you through the process from permits, removal of the old patio door, installing the new one, and adding finishing touches.
Understanding Patio Doors: Types and Sizes
Before covering our installation process, it’s beneficial to review the different types of patio doors available and how they can fit into your home’s design.
Types of Patio Doors
- Sliding Glass Doors: These are the most common type of exterior sliding doors, featuring large glass panels that slide horizontally along a track. They are perfect for spaces where you want an unobstructed view of the outdoors.
- French Doors: Characterized by their double-door design that swings open from the center, French doors add a touch of elegance and are ideal for larger openings.
- Retractable Doors: These doors fold back in sections, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. They are designed for large openings and are much more expensive.
Standard Sizes
Standard patio door sizes are typically 60 inches (5 feet) wide and 72 inches (6 feet) wide. Knowing the standard sizes helps in planning, especially if you’re replacing an existing door or creating a new opening.
Patio Door Landing Requirements
According to municipal building codes, there must be an exterior landing surface immediately outside the patio door unless the door is at ground level, which is relatively uncommon in most older Toronto homes, especially in East York, Riverdale, The Beaches, Leslieville, or the Danforth. This landing must be a minimum of 42 inches deep and as wide as the patio door, usually 6 feet wide. Many homeowners opt to build a deck along with their new patio door installation to create a more expansive outdoor living area.
If the deck is less than 24 inches in height, it can be installed without guardrails or handrails. However, if the deck is higher than 24 inches, these safety features must be added in the planning phase to comply with building codes and ensure safety for anyone using the deck.
Patio Door Replacement Considerations
If you already have an existing patio door that is bearing signs of significant wear and tear, it may be time for a patio door replacement. This undertaking can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce drafts, and enhance the overall look of your indoor and outdoor space. Here are some factors to consider when replacing your old backyard door with new patio doors:
- Condition of the Existing Frame: If the existing frame is damaged or showing signs of give, it is a good indication it is time to replace. Patio doors and french doors are prehung and include new door jambs and header, so the entire unit is replaced.
- Upgrading to Modern Features: Modern patio doors often come with features like energy-efficient glass, improved security options, and enhanced weather resistance. Replacing older sliding glass doors with new models can provide significant benefits, such as better thermal insulation and increased safety.
- Choosing the Right Material: Patio doors are available in a variety of materials, including vinyl, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each material has its pros and cons in terms of aesthetics, maintenance, and cost. Vinyl and fiberglass are popular choices due to their low maintenance and durability, while wood provides a more classic, traditional look, but is costlier
Planning Your Patio Door Installation
Installing a new patio door is one of D2 Build’s premium exterior services. Such a home improvement project that requires careful planning. Here’s what you need to consider:
Assessing the Opening
- Existing Opening: If you have an existing door that matches standard sizes, the process is relatively straightforward. You can opt for a patio door replacement without extensive structural changes, provided the existing opening is structurally sound
- New Opening: Creating a new opening involves cutting through your home’s exterior wall, which is a more complex process.
Building Permits and Regulations
- Permits: Standard patio door sizes are typically 60 inches wide or 72 inches wide. If you don’t already have an existing opening of this size, you will need to obtain a building permit. When altering any structural element or creating new openings, you are required to obtain a building permit. This ensures that the work complies with local building codes and safety regulations.
- Structural Engineering: You may need a stamped drawing from a structural engineer to ensure that the installation meets safety and building code requirements, especially if the project affects load-bearing walls.
Product Considerations
- Costs: As a premium East York contractor, D2 Build will work with you to go over the cost of plans, permits, materials, and the installation itself. It’s important to consider the functionality of the work being done and how it will make a positive contribution to the enjoyment of your living space. It would be advisable to budget at least $25,000 for the design, permit, structural work, door installation and new deck including cost of plans. Elaborate decks will also cost more, but we will provide transparency in those costs. .
- Timeline: It is advisable to allocate around 90 days for planning and obtaining permits, provided you don’t have to go through a committee of adjustment.
Installation
Understanding the installation process can help you prepare and make informed decisions.
1. Creating the Opening – Cutting Through Exterior Finish
- Exterior Material: Most homes have a brick exterior, which requires careful cutting to create the rough opening for the glass patio doors.
- Precision Cutting: A concrete saw is used to make clean cuts through the brickwork, minimizing damage to the surrounding area.
2. Installing Steel Lintels
- Purpose: Steel lintels are installed above the new opening to support the brickwork and transfer the load to adjacent walls.
- Load-Bearing Considerations: Proper installation is crucial to maintain the structural integrity of your home. Any modifications to load-bearing walls need to be properly identified and discussed with your premium general contractor.
3. Repairing Brick Cuts
- Exposed Bricks: Cutting through the brick wall leaves some bricks sawn in half, exposing the unglazed ends to the elements.
- Moisture Damage: Unprotected, these bricks can absorb moisture, leading to damage from the freeze-thaw cycle.
- Toothing Process: Replace the half bricks with new ones that have a glazed end. This process involves carefully matching new bricks to the existing wall.
4. Exterior Landing Requirements
- Landing Surface: According to municipal building codes, there must be a landing surface once you step outside the door unless it’s at ground level.
- Minimum Dimensions: The landing should be at least 42 inches deep and the width of the door, usually 6 feet.
- Usable Space: Many homeowners prefer to expand this landing into a full deck, enhancing outdoor living space.
- Height Regulations: If the deck is less than 24 inches high, it can be built without guardrails, handrails, or pickets.
- Safety Features: For higher decks, guardrails and handrails are mandatory.
Choosing the Right Patio Door
Material Options
- Vinyl: Low maintenance and energy-efficient.
- Wood: Offers a classic look but requires more upkeep.
- Aluminum: Durable and lightweight but less energy-efficient.
Glass Choices
- Double-Paned Glass: Provides better insulation.
- Low-E Glass: Coated to reduce UV rays and improve energy efficiency.
Hardware and Accessories
- Locks and Handles: Choose high-quality hardware for security.
- Screens: Consider adding screens for ventilation without letting pests in.
Other Considerations
- Natural Light: Larger glass areas brighten up your interior spaces.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern doors offer better insulation, reducing energy bills.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances both the interior and exterior look of your home.
Tips for a Successful Patio Door Installation
To ensure a successful patio door installation or replacement, D2 Build recommends the following consideration tips:
- Hire a Professional: Patio door installation is a complex process that involves cutting through exterior walls, installing structural supports, and meeting building codes. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced premium contractor like D2 Build to handle the installation to ensure it is done safely and correctly.
- Check Building Codes: Always check with your local municipality regarding building codes and permit requirements. Installing a new patio door often involves making structural changes to your home, which must comply with local regulations.
- Focus on Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient features, such as double or triple-pane glass, low-emissivity coatings, and insulated frames can help reduce energy costs and improve the comfort of your home.
- Consider Security Features: Patio doors are a potential point of entry for intruders, so it’s important to choose a door that has strong security features, such as multi-point locking systems and shatter-resistant glass.
Installing a new patio door is a worthwhile investment that enhances your home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. From understanding the types of sliding glass doors to navigating building codes for exterior sliding doors, this undertaking requires careful planning and consideration. By allocating sufficient time and enlisting professional help, you can transform your living space with a beautiful backyard door that brings the outdoors in.
If sunlit breakfasts on the patio or summer parties flowing from your living room to your deck sound appealing to you, the perfect outside sliding doors are within reach. Contact D2 Build today to take the first steps toward a brighter, more open home.
