Things to Know About Patio Door Installation

For your patio door to perform its best, it needs to be installed correctly. The benefits include improved comfort, energy savings, noise reduction and security. Understanding what patio door installation entails will help the process go smoothly and ensure you get all these benefits and more. Let’s talk through your options for installers, the types of installation, costs and what to expect on installation day.

Considering all the options for installation is an important part of patio door replacement. The scope of your project as well as your comfort with do-it-yourself projects will help narrow down the selection. Here are four different installation options to choose from:

• Pella showroom
• Independent contractor
• Home improvement store
• Do it yourself

Pella has a team of expert installers who have been certified to install our patio doors, ensuring projects are done correctly. These installers are kind, professional and efficient when it comes to getting your home renovation project completed. They provide dedicated service and support from start to finish. Ordering and installing a patio door through a Pella showroom also helps protect your investment with the Pella Care Guarantee. Our warranties are designed for your peace of mind — if something goes wrong with your replacement patio door, we’ll be there.

You may have a friend who is a contractor or maybe you just want to support a local contractor who can install your patio door. Be sure to check that your contractor has experience working with and installing Pella patio doors. Knowing they have experience with a particular product helps alleviate concerns.

If you’re not sure how to find an independent contractor, Pella offers certification for contractors. Pella Certified Contractors have been trained to quote and install Pella patio doors, along with completing a variety of other residential projects.

If you have a Lowe’s home improvement store near your house, stop by to talk with project specialists who are knowledgeable about Pella patio doors. You can schedule a complimentary consultation with a Lowe’s team member to get a project quote that includes installation.

If Lowe’s isn’t nearby, your local home improvement store may partner with subcontractors who can help you install your replacement patio door. Before starting installation, make sure you ask a few questions to gauge their experience and ensure they’re qualified for installation:

• Are you certified in remodeling?
• Do you have your own crew or do you subcontract?
• What type of warranty do you offer on installation and how do I handle service issues after the installation is completed?
• Do you have a list of referrals?
• Can you install my patio door in any type of weather?

As with any trade specialist, there are varying levels of skill sets and experiences one contractor may have over another. Doing your research will give you confidence in your choice of contractor.

If you have experience with renovation projects around your home, installing your replacement patio door on your own may be the route for you. DIY installation is most common for those who purchase a patio door online or at a Lowe’s store. When installing a patio door by yourself, you’ll need to make sure you thoroughly research all the steps that go into the replacement process. This includes purchasing all the door installation tools, equipment and materials necessary to complete the project at home. If this sounds like a DIY patio door project you want to tackle on your own, here are patio door installation instructions to help you out.

When the time comes to install your replacement patio door, there are two different installation methods: pocket and full-frame installation.

If you’re upgrading your existing patio door with one of the same size or type, your installer will likely recommend pocket installation. With this installation method, the new patio door slides into the existing frame. Professional installers can typically get this installation done within an hour or so.

Full-frame installation will require a more complex installation process. This type of installation is done by completely removing the old door, including all the frame and trim. If you’re looking to change out the type of patio door you have, this option allows for greater design flexibility. While full-frame installation is more time- and labor-intensive, it may be worth it if you are looking to completely change the aesthetic and operation of your patio door.

There are many factors that impact the cost to install a patio door. The following list helps you understand some of the elements that influence total cost.

• Region: The cost of patio door installation varies in different markets, depending on demand and the number of skilled installers near you.
• Number of doors: The more patio doors, the more time, material and labor required from installers.
• Size of patio door: Larger patio doors are typically more time- and labor-intensive to install.
• Type of patio door: Bifold and multi-slide patio doors are more complex and usually cost more than sliding or French door installation.
• Location of door: Patio doors on the ground floor of a home are typically the easiest to replace.
• Age of home: It’s common for older homes to have non-standard patio door sizes or structural challenges that require more time and attention to ensure proper installation.
• Exterior of home: A solid brick or stucco house makes it tougher to perform full-frame replacement, compared to a home with pliable siding.

If you choose to work through the patio door replacement process with an expert installer from a Pella showroom, here's how to prepare for and what to expect on installation day.

There are a few things we recommend you do to protect your home and belongings before installation day. Our expert installers work around home furnishings, but it doesn’t hurt to give them some additional workspace. If you’re able, take some time to move any furniture or decorations away from your patio door. Make arrangements to keep young children and pets in a safe place away from the installation area. This will ensure the installation space is free from distractions and disruptions. Helping your installer by doing these simple tasks will make installation go more smoothly and quickly.

On installation day, our Pella professionals show up in uniform with the Pella logo easy to see, so you can trust the right installers are at your home. When they arrive at your home, they will first work with you to review the plan for installing your patio door. You’ll go over the details of installation and talk through the process together. You can expect the team to keep you updated throughout the day with the status of the project. If you have questions, they are always willing to answer them along the way.

Once they have reviewed the project with you and have gotten everything approved, the installer will work to cover the area with drop cloths. This is done to help protect your home and the belongings near the installation space. Our installers will then carefully remove your old door before working to place your new patio door in the space.

When the project is nearing completion, the installers will finish your patio doors with your choice of interior and exterior trim. Depending on the type of patio door you have, there are a variety of colors and finish options to choose from. Finally, they will install your patio door hardware and check that it functions properly, ensuring everything is good to go and passes inspection.

After your door has been installed, the last step is thoroughly cleaning up and discarding your old door, which is included in your Pella installation. Once our professional installers have left your home, it’ll be like they were never there. Besides, of course, the fact that you’ll have a beautiful, new patio door to enjoy. ­

Now that you understand your options for patio door installers, the types of installation, costs and what to expect on installation day, you’re on your way to a properly-installed door that will perform for years to come.