The best way to fix a broken glass sliding door is to replace the door itself because that is going to be a lot more convenient and reliable than simply trying to replace the glass.
This may add a couple of hundred bucks to your overall project but it’s a lot more safe, durable and you get the warranty of a new door. Most importantly, it’s a lot less work for you.
Glass sliding doors in your house are quite an appealing option for the aesthetic and natural lighting they offer but maintaining them can be complicated. They are much trickier to fix compared to regular doors or windows.
Not only the installation is expensive, but the eventual replacement in case of a crack or complete shattering of the glass can be costly.
Even without the glass being damaged, other factors will need you to eventually repair or replace the entire sliding door. Depending on the type of glass, the material of the door, and the quality of rollers, this can be a very pricey venture.
In this article, we’re going to go over how to fix a broken glass sliding door on your own, the costs, and other aspects related to it.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Sliding Door?
A crack or complete shattering of the glass may need a complete replacement of the glass panel. It can cost anywhere between $250 to $600 per glass pane.
That being said, if you speak to someone who’s been in the business for a long time, their suggestion may be different. They may advise you to replace the entire door with one that comes with a pre-fitted glass panel.
Replacing a door with pre-fitted glass can run anywhere between $400 to $1000 depending on the materials. Those extra couple hundred bucks are worth the headache you’d avoid trying to replace the glass alone.
Stuff Needed To Fix A Broken Glass Sliding
To replace a broken glass sliding door, the parts needed are –
- A replacement screen door
- Rollers
- A lubricant
- PVC cement
- PVC sill pan
- Flexible flashing.
You’re also going to need some tools, namely an Allen wrench, drill, 4-in-1 screwdriver, utility knife, pry bar, hammer, tape measure, and nail gun.
The material of choice for the frame can be aluminum, wood, PVC, fiberglass, or steel.
This glass pane itself comes with a bunch of options such as gas-filled, high-efficient, textured, impact-resistant, tempered, and hurricane-proof.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Fixing A Sliding Glass Door
1. Setup
The first step is to measure the size of the door you have and get a replacement accordingly.
Do this by first prying open and exposing the interior part of the frame and then measuring the distance between the studs.
2. Removing The Old Sliding Door
Do this by gently lifting the old door from the track. Once you’re done with that, unscrew the angle brackets keeping the stationary panel in place.
Gently pry the top and bottom parts of the stationary panel, lift it up and keep it aside.
3. Create A New Base
Using a saw and a pry, remove the old sliding door frame. This step may require some serious prying as the frame may be glued to the drywall.
Apply the flexible flashing on the floor, directly under where the doorsill will be. You may need a couple of runs to get the desired coverage.
Install the PVC sill pans by using PVC cement to hold them in place. Make sure to clean all the debris on the flashing before placing the pans.
4. Install The New Frame And Door
Use a couple of silicone caulk beads throughout the length of the threshold and place the new frame into the opening. Make it a point to read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with a frame.
Screw the new frame into place using a drill and shims to ensure perfect placement and fit.
Now that the frame is in place, install the new glass doors and use angle brackets for anchoring. Adjust the roller height until it is consistent throughout.
5. Securing The New Frame And Door
Finish up on the inside by installing the extension jambs, ensuring an even reveal between them and the doorjamb. Use tightly packed fiberglass for insulation.
Finish up on the outside by cutting filler strips between the frame and the sliding and filling the gaps with silicone caulks. Screw or nail a 1-inch support block made out of wood or composite material directly under the overhang of the frame to support it.
Is It Better To Fix A Glass Sliding Door Yourself Or Call A Professional?
Replacing a glass sliding door can be a complicated process because it involves a lot of technical skills that an average Joe may not possess. To avoid a janky fit or an unsatisfactory job, it is probably better to consult a professional.
A confident person will eventually get there and may even do a good job but a project like this is certainly not for the faint of heart.
Depending on the size of the issue, a DIY project which is supposed to be cheaper as compared to hiring a professional may end up costing a lot more.
Replacing the glass sliding door by yourself can also be dangerous because of the heavy lifting and tools the task requires.
Hiring a professional can run you anywhere between $850 to $1800 in labor costs, which is a substantial investment. However, it ensures a job well done, time saved, and a better experience overall.
Final Remarks
In this article, we’ve gone over the basics of fixing a sliding glass door and the factors that affect the complexity and cost.
Replacing a sliding glass door by yourself is certainly possible and could actually turn out to be a fun project if done carefully.
The whole project may cost you anywhere between $400 to $2500, depending on the quality of the materials. Hiring a professional can add to the cost as well.
My name is Rick Kinney and I am the founder of ExHandyman. I have worked as a handyman for many years, and fixing stuff is my greatest pleasure in life.