Doors that is… Hope this isn’t a repeat Q.
With several other threads on doors it got me to thinking…
Does anyone know any specific things to watch out for on vinyl sliding doors? I worked a deal with the supplier where they are going to install those and the vinyl windows, and warranty the whole thing – installation and all. This is new construction. What can go wrong? The suppler detailed to me how his guys are gonna flash the opening, install with silicone behind the nailing flanges, and then apply bituminous flashing tape on top of the flanges, and on the top they will cut a slit in the house wrap to put the flashing tape up underneath. On the windows, the bottom poly flashing will lap over the top edge of the piece of siding below the window to channel the water out. Sounds like a great idea. They are doing the siding too. This company came highly recommended. So, what can go wrong???
What are your experiences with vinyl sliding doors? These are 6-0 wide – if that matters.
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I've installed a few. Mainly, they're flimsy. The frames have no beef to them, so if not installed carefully there will be uneven reveals as the door closes, and/or the entire thing can be out of square. I would stipulate in your contract that the installers follow all manufacturers instructions re installation, shimming, etc.
You don't mention any sort of pan under windows or doors, but I like both, Flexwrap for windows, metal for doors. Some people seem to think vinyl units will never leak thru the frame, and I mostly install wood units, but you'll have to decide for yourself what to believe. Sometimes I use Flexwrap under doors with Vycor over as a chafing layer.
Thanks David. I'll talk to the guy about how the threasholds will be dealt with. Sounds like I need to make sure the jack studs are exactly plumb in the direction that is perdincular to the wall - which I shoot for on any door hole anyway... The framers know me :-) - and my level :-)
Mainly, they're flimsy.
That's been my experience in the past. But then this spring I installed a Pella vinyl slider in my own house. It's pretty heavy and was pain in the a$$ to move around. But it didn't take much to get it set properly and get all the reveals even and hardware working properly.
I've got three kids and was at first a little concerned about how it would hold up. One summer down and no issues.
Having said that, I chose the Pella, and paid extra compared to other units, because the others did seem pretty flimsy.
I straight edge top,bottom, and sides, before I nail the sliders in.
It may be plumb but the jambs do bow.
Make sure a pan is put in, door is set into some silicone and the threshold stepped on to take the bow out of the bottom before the fin is nailed in.