How to Install Aluminium Sliding Doors

Aluminium sliding doors have become one of the favourites of many Aussie homeowners. This is probably because of the many benefits these types of door offers, including aesthetics, functionality and durability.

So, if you’ve decided to go from your traditional swing door to a sliding one, it may be best to know how it should be properly installed.

How to Install Aluminium Sliding Doors

Before installing the aluminium sliding door, make sure that all the necessary materials and tools are ready for a smooth installation. You should also have taken precise measurements of the dimensions of the door.

When everything is ready, you may follow these 7 easy steps in installing your new door:

1. Check the Cill

What is a cill?

It is the horizontal threshold found at the bottom of the doorframe.

The first step involves making sure that the cill is levelled out. You can do this using the packers included in the installation kit. When the level meets your standards, fix the back edge through the thermal break on the fixed structure of the door.  

2. Fit the Doorframes

The second step is to fit the sliding door onto the sill. To do this, put the door in place, levelled and squared by using glazing packers in the corners of its frame. Then measure the outer frame of the door. The measurement of the 2 diagonals of the doorframe should only have up to a 1-2 millimetre difference.

When the door frame is perfectly in place, screw fix it through the thermal break. The 2 fixings should not be more than 150 millimetres from each corner and the fixings in between should be screwed no more than 600 millimetres from each other.

Make sure that the fixings are not tightly screwed. You should also use the packers to support the fixings and to avoid distorting the doorframe. Then unscrew the fixings so you can access the jamb and then fix the sash. After which, slide the sash back and fasten it permanently.

The next step is to fix the top portion of the outer frame onto the fixed structure of your doorway. Then check the measurements of the diagonals to see if they are still in place. Lastly, test all the panel frames if they are sliding smoothly.

3. Place the Glass

When the sliding door frames are working well, it’s time to fit in the glass panels. Ask someone to help you carry the glass and carefully put it in place. Pack all sides of the doorframe to secure the glass. You may use extra packers to exact the door’s fittings and you may also refit the glazing beads.

4. Work with the Gasket

The next step is to fit the gasket. First, make sure that you are using a push-in wedge gasket. You may use a silicone spray to fit in the gasket with ease and convenience. If you don’t have a silicone spray available, you can use a soapy solution instead.

Extra tip: Overstack the gasket to allow some space for shrinkage.

Remember to ensure that the gaskets are tightly fitted.

5. Fix Additional Parts

Now that the door frame and glass panels are in place, it’s time to add some additional items. This includes the anti-lift caps and buffer stops. Anti-lift caps are typically clipped onto the holes at the top and bottom parts of the sash.

The buffer stops, on the other hand, are installed to ensure that the handles will not hit the sash. Although some may not require buffer stops. They are useful, especially for triple track sliding doors.

6. Clip the Cover Plates

The sixth step involves clipping the aluminium cover plates. However, cover plates are only required for double-track sliding doors.

7. Seal It

The last step is to seal the door panels inside and outside. The best way to do this is to use a silicone seal.

Remember to let the seals dry within the next 24 to 48 hours. When they’re dry, clean the door from dust, dirt and debris.

By following these 7 simple steps, you can be sure that your aluminium sliding door will work perfectly. The best thing about these types of doors is the appearance upgrade it provides your property.

When you opt to install the door yourself, remember to observe all the necessary safety measures. This includes wearing gloves, goggles and face masks. You also have to make sure that no kids are running around in your workplace to prevent any untoward incidents.

Contact a Professional

When you are not familiar with the parts of the doors or the terms in the installation manual, it may be best to call for help. Professional door installers underwent intrinsic training backed with years of experience in making sure that your door provides both functionality and aesthetics.

Contact Aussie Aluminium Enterprise today!