Replies

1. 
   Jim_Nation | Dec 15, 2000 04:46am | #1

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   I just purchased (at a can't miss price) six vinyl patio doors. I intend to use them to enclose my existing 13 by 21 foot porch. Problem is the doors come with nailing flanges all around and presumably were intended for installation with siding. They have a 1-1/4 back set on the outside with a 3-3/4 inch on the inside. I would like to see a detail of how to use these on the edge of the existing slab (about 12 inches above grade). Should I remove the nailing flange and saw cut a ledge in the slab to match the bottom channel. An alternative is to set them on the existing slab then pour light weight concrete up the the channel edge. This would also allow me to level the porch (Slopes about 7/8" in 13 feet and maybe install radiant heating tubing.

   I'm a semi-retired PE with a great deal of construction experience but not to much hands on (I always enjoyed watching others sweat) so can handle most projects. Just a little perplexed since I can's find any such detail in my standard references.

   Thanks for any help.

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   HomeBldr_ | Dec 15, 2000 07:08am | #2

   *One solution may be to put a 2x pressure-treated sill plate down on your slab, sealed and attached with tap-cons and utilize the nail fin.... This may solve many problems at once. 1)You will have the opportunity to have a level sill, by shimming it level. 2)You can get a good seal at the bottom by caulking the sill plate down and caulking the door onto the sill. 3)If you use radiant floor heat and pour lightweight concrete (ie. Gypcrete) you'll have a nice form to pour to and you won't have to use the door for the form. 4) When you pour 1-1/2" of gypcrete on the patio, you'll have a finished floor at the proper height..

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   Jim_Nation | Dec 18, 2000 04:35am | #3

   *That's about the way I have decided to go. One problem is I'm reluctant to lose the headroom. My ceiling height is only 7'3" and I'll take 3" out of that. (1-1/2 for the sill plate plus for the vinyl track as I want the floor level with the track to prevent tripping. What would you do on the outside of the nail flange?

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   HomeBldr_ | Dec 20, 2000 02:50pm | #4

   *If you use a sill plate as suggested, you'll leave the nail flange on and nail it in

2. 
   Jim_Nation | Dec 20, 2000 02:50pm | #5

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