Preparation
Measure the frame in which the new doors will go. Purchase doors that match your measurements as close as possible. If the old doors are an odd size, this will show you how to frame the new doors out to make them fit.

Materials

• Drill
• Hammer
• Level
• Pry bar

Removing the Existing Doors

• Remove the screen panels by lifting them out.
• Lift out the glass slider using a friend - the panes are heavy and you don't want to drop them.
• Unscrew the brackets holding the stationary panel.
• Using a drill, unscrew the frame from the wall.
• With the pry bar, loosen and remove the exterior facing and interior molding. If you plan to reuse the facing or interior molding, try not to damage it with the pry bar.
• Tack furring strips to the exposed wood

TIP: When the wood is exposed, check for termites. Tap the wood a few times with a hammer and see how solid it is.

NOTE: Be sure the underlying concrete is scraped clean in order to get good adhesion between the caulk and the new door.

Because the opening is larger than the doors we purchased, we will construct a frame using 2"x4"s. (A space can easily be modified to fit a smaller door. Making a space bigger for a larger door is a very extensive job. You can often can find a door that will fit the existing space perfectly.)

• Tap the frame into place and retake your measurements of the opening.
• Nail the frame into the existing studs (you will finish it out after the doors are put on).
• Apply waterproof silicone caulk in a zigzap pattern along the concrete.

CAULKING TIP: Covering the caulk tube with duct tape will leave pressure on the tube and will eliminate any caulk seeping out after you have stopped squeezing.

Installing the New Doors
To keep the caulk from pushing back onto the carpet, insert the door at an angle and rock it backward on top of the silicone caulk.

• Tap the door into place.
• Check it with a level to make sure it's plumb and square (both inside and outside).
• From the inside, tap shims tightly into the frame to hold it in place.
• Check it with a level again.
• Using a drill, screw the doors into place with 2 1/2 inch long screws and counter sink them. Put the screws in very close to where the shims are to hold it in the right position. It should take about 3 screws on each side.
• To finish out the frame used to size the opening, measure the cavity of the frame and cut insulation to fit.
• Using a box knife, cut the shims back.
• Cut drywall to fit over the frame and finish it out with joint compound and drywall tape.
• Now, simply texturize this new wall to match your existing wall.

The hardware for the new door is a separate purchase. Choose any type that fits the door. By installing dual-paned insulated glass, you will save on your energy bills.