Installing Patio Door In Existing Brick Wall

How to cut through a exterior brick wall and install a door.

Installing patio door in existing brick wall.

Caulk and install the new sliding door frame assemble the frame following the manufacturer s instructions. Here are the tools you ll need. 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 have a knockdown not preassembled door frame assemble it on the deck garage floor or other flat surface.

Dry fit the assembled door frame in the opening to make sure everything fits. 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. 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. 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.

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. 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. We can show you how to cut into brick using an angle grinder. Mark the opening size for the door on both sides of the wall.

The opening should be two inches wider than the door frame and about an inch taller in height. Add another set of marks across the top of the frame to represent a steel lintel that will support the load above the door.