Installing Patio Door In Existing Brick Wall

The process of installing a door in an exterior wall always requires that you remove the existing framing inside the door opening and replace it with a horizontal header or beam that will hold the weight that was previously supported by the removed wall studs.

Installing patio door in existing brick wall.

The opening should be two inches wider than the door frame and about an inch taller in height. Dry fit the assembled door frame in the opening to make sure everything fits. Add another set of marks across the top of the frame to represent a steel lintel that will support the load above the door. You ll also learn the best tools to use how to measure and mark up and the best way to knock the bricks out safely.

After that you ll be framing out the door shimming it up and installing the door. Here are the tools you ll need. In some cases it may be necessary to order a unit based upon the size of the rough opening. A 4ft ladder a shop vac a cordless drill with a 12 long 1 4 masonry bit a sawzall a level a circular saw a small sledge hammer a masonry chisel safety glasses a dust mask ear plugs sawzall blades an extension cord a flash light drill bits screws and nails and caulking and caulking gun.

We can show you how to cut into brick using an angle grinder. If you have a knockdown not preassembled door frame assemble it on the deck garage floor or other flat surface. Caulk and install the new sliding door frame assemble the frame following the manufacturer s instructions. First off know that this is not a simple task so be prepared to wield a brick cutter which is a serious tool in itself.

If you are installing a patio door in an existing opening determine your door s rough opening dimensions before purchasing your new door. If you are planning to install a new window door or access panel into a brick wall you ll need to cut a new opening in the bricks.