Before you commit to a custom-sized door replacement, check with your supplier about how close they can come to creating the size you need. If you need a 108-inch three-panel sliding patio door, but the only available option is a 107 ¾, most likely this size will fit. However, if the size is 108 1/16 inch, then this could be the problem. A little smaller is easier to work with then too large.

One way to measure for a patio door is to measure the distance between the studs on the lower level, center, and top. Take the smallest measurement and add a ½ inch from stud to patio door—this should be enough. For larger patio door and studs, the gaps could vary. You will need enough room to shim and level the frame.

Consider hiring a company to provide you with a complete solution. They take responsibility for measuring the door and for the install This way, you don’t need to know how to measure for a sliding door. You don’t need to worry about installing it either. It ensures fewer complications when professionals are involved.

There are other reasons to hire a specialized installer. If you supply the patio door and another contractor installs, you may have a warranty issue. For instance, if you get a leaking patio door, you will need to figure out if the problem is with installation or if it is related to factory defects. For us and other installation companies, we can only make the guarantee to fix the problem when it is a product we sell.

Sliding patio doors can come with lots of different features. Manufacturers of sliding glass patio doors in Canada will provide customers with almost unlimited options of styles, sizes, number of panels, and glazing with solar control for an extra cost. Trust Build Windows and Doors, for instance, offers a wide range of patio sliding door handles and locks. You can choose pewter, brass, silver colours, regular or multi-point lock systems. Also, you can choose to add a kick lock or guardian security lock.

Other features can help weatherize and save energy. Make sure that the door you purchase is Energy Star-certified and comes with a properly insulated glass unit and frame, to guarantee energy efficiency. If your doors come with a proper solar control glass unit, this should be a good barrier from the cold in the winter or the heat in the summer. Also, you can get sliding doors with built-in blinds. The huge advantage of this is that you no longer need solar shades for sliding patio doors. Both outside heat and privacy will be controlled by internal mini blinds, installed between the glass.

As already mentioned, the size is customizable as well. Though it depends on your desired dimensions for a sliding patio door, the standard model includes two-panel sliding patio doors. Customed sliding glass doors can be ordered, however, with three or four panels. Additionally, depending of the size of the opening, you could buy a sliding patio door with sidelights on the sides.

With so many options for sliding patio doors, plus many additional features to customize it, it’s difficult to make the choice. Remember, if your home is in Canada, specially the Toronto area, give us a call and we can further help you go from start to finish with this project.