Sliding glass doors come with many great benefits, such as optimized views, openness, natural light, and space savings.
Modern sliding doors look very attractive and can add visual appeal to any space.
However, there are some technical challenges with installing these doors, especially when installing multiple doors.
It is possible to put two sliding doors together in a sliding system. Sliding systems also accept more than two sliding doors joined together, covering the length of an entire wall. To install multiple slides, you need to ensure the door-frame has room for the number of slides you want to install. Also, ensure the opening where you want to install the glass doors is square to enable it to lap properly.
You can install two or multiple sliding glass doors in a sliding system, but you need the right tools and technicality. In this article, I will show you how to install a sliding system and what you need for the job.
A Comprehensive Guide to Installing Two Sliding Glass Doors Together
Sliding glass doors are one of the best ways to open up any room.
In addition to providing easy access, they allow in natural light.
Here are the tools and steps you need to install two sliding glass doors together:
- Hammer drill
- Spirit level
- Square
- 6 mm masonry bit
- Rubber mallet
- 3 mm and 5 mm steel bit
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Marking pencil
- UV-resistant silicon
- Caulking gun.
Step 1: Measure the Opening
The first step to installing your glass slide doors is to measure the opening to ensure it is square.
You need a square, spirit level, and tape measure for this task.
You also want to ensure the opening is plumb.
Measure the width of the opening at the top and the bottom.
Next, measure the height on the right and left sides.
Run the spirit level down the sides and across the bottom of the opening.
Step 2: Assemble the Framework
Once you confirm that the opening is square and plumb, proceed to assemble the framework.
The framework of the door often consists of two uprights (also known as jambs), a sill rail, a headrail, and covers for the jambs and rail.
The sill rail has a distinct upright that goes on the inside.
It also has tracks for the wheels of the door panel to run on.
For a sliding system with one fixed and one sliding door, the sliding pane will be on the outside, and the fixed pane will be on the inside.
Since we want both glass doors to slide, the bottom frame would have two sliding panes.
The next step is to assemble the entire frame.
Fasten the edges together with the supplied screws into the pre-drilled holes.
Once all the parts of the frame are together, set it aside and install the lock jamb cover.
If you want both sides to have a lock (which is common for two sliding door systems), you need to install the jamb cover on the left and right sides of the wall.
Step 3: Fit the Frame in the Opening
Next, match and drill the holes to attach the frames to the wall.
Mark three holes on each side of the frame with the 5 mm drill bit (on the head, sill, and uprights).
After drilling the holes, place the frame on the opening (where you want to fix it) and use a pencil to mark the hole points on the wall.
Before marking the hole, ensure the frame is well-aligned on the wall.
Use the spirit level to level all sides of the frame in the opening, ensuring it plumbs well.
Once it is upright and well-fitted, use the pencil to mark the holes on the frame to appear on the wall (this will enable you to know the exact places to drill on the wall).
Remove the frame from the wall, drill with a 6 mm drill bit, and put the plug in.
After drilling all 12 holes, bring back the frame and fasten it with the anchors.
At this point, your frame should be firm in the opening.
Once that is out of the way, the next step is to install the jam covers.
Since both sides would have a lock, you need to install a lock cover on both sides.
However, if you want one door to be stationary and without a lock, install the plane cover on the side with the fixed door and a lock cover on the opposite end.
Step 4: Installing the Panels
For both panels to slide, you need to fix the wheels to the bottom of the door.
Each panel needs two wheels and each end. Since both panels would slide independently, you need four wheels (two for each).
After fixing the wheels, tilt the panel’s top, slide it in, and ensure the wheel sits on the inside track (this is for the first panel).
Repeat the same process for the second panel and let the wheel sit on the outer track.
When inserting both panels into the frame, ensure the interlock faces inwards, preventing the lock access from being outside.
The next step is to make the panels more secure.
Leaving the wheels in the raised position makes it easy to remove them, which is unsafe.
Raise the door and screw the wheels tightly until the door cannot be removed anymore.
Ensure the door is straight while jacking it up.
The last phase is to install the lock racket and lock liver.
Put it into the frame (with the hook side facing up), drill small 3 mm pilot holes, and fasten it with two small screws.
Attach the handle with the lock on the inner side of the panel, screw it in place, and you are done.
Run a bit of silicon down the edge of the frame to prevent water from passing through.
How Long Will It Take to Install Two Sliding Glass Doors Together?
Professionals can have the sliding doors installed in a few hours.
However, if you want to do it as a DIY project, it might take you a whole day to complete the job.
Should Sliding Doors Be Inside or Outside?
Professionals recommend sliding doors to slide on the inside instead of outside the house.
That sliding pattern would protect the sliding tracks from debris, dirt, and other things that could hinder their performance.
Wrapping Up
Sliding glass doors have revolutionized modern home decor.
These doors add beauty and functionality to any space.
You can install two sliding glass doors on a sliding system; all you need is the right tools and expertise.
Cheers, tools owners!