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Sliding glass doors are the perfect way to open up your backyard, patio, or deck. Large glass panels allow plenty of light to enter and provide a great view of the outdoors. Over time, sliding glass doors can wear out from frequent use or become damaged and need to be replaced.
The cost to replace a sliding glass door ranges from $1,000 to $7,500, with the average cost to replace a sliding glass door being $2,510. The cost to replace a sliding glass door depends on the size and type of door installed, as well as the cost to install the door. When homeowners purchase new sliding glass doors, they have many different materials, brands, and design options to choose from. This cost guide details each option and provides homeowners with tips on how to hire the right professionals to replace their sliding glass doors.
The cost to replace a sliding glass door depends on several factors. The most important factors revolve around the door itself – size, type, and material. Homeowners also need to consider the cost of labor to replace the sliding glass door, as well as other factors detailed below.
The size of the door is the main factor that determines the cost of a sliding glass door, the larger the door, the higher the cost. A small sliding glass door that is 4 feet wide costs only $400, while a large sliding glass door costs much more, for example, a 16 foot wide door costs up to $3,500; On average, sliding glass doors cost between $10 and $50 per square foot, and the average cost for a standard size is as follows:
In addition to the basic sliding glass doors, there are several different types of additional features available. These features include increased durability, weather resistance, insulation, and increased functionality. Specialty sliding glass doors range in price from $1,000 to $6,500, depending on the features. The table below provides some examples.
Sliding glass door frames can be made from several different materials, each with a different price tag. Vinyl and laminate are generally the least expensive materials, ranging in price from $300 to $1,200 and $600 to $1,200, respectively. Composite material is slightly more durable than vinyl, but is generally not as high-quality as wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. Aluminum sliding glass doors, which range from $750 to $2,500, can usually withstand high winds and heavy rain, while wood sliding glass doors, which range from $1,000 to $3,000, are often chosen for their aesthetic value. Fiberglass sliding glass doors cost between $1,500 and $2,500 and are very durable and require little maintenance.
Sliding glass doors can have one to three layers of glass. Prices range from $350 to $1,500 for single pane glass, $450 to $2,100 for double pane glass, and $2,000 to $3,000 for triple pane glass. Although double and triple pane sliding glass doors are more expensive to replace than single pane glass, the more layers of glass there are, the stronger and better insulated the door will be. People who live in areas with extreme weather or extremely hot and cold temperatures should choose double or triple pane sliding doors because they are more energy efficient and can reduce energy costs.
When homeowners are shopping for new sliding glass doors, they have several brands to choose from. Each brand will offer different price ranges, quality levels, warranties, etc. Popular brands of sliding glass doors include Andersen, Marvin, Pella, Jeld-Wen, and Milgard. The table below shows the average cost for each brand.
The total cost of installing a sliding glass door ranges from $300 to $800. This works out to $70 to $100 per hour, and the entire process takes between 2 and 7 hours. The exact time depends on the complexity of the project. For example, the cost to replace a sliding glass door with a hinged door, the cost to replace a sliding glass door with a solid wall, and the cost to replace a window with a sliding glass door will all be higher than a standard glass door replacement due to the complexity of the task. Each project requires two qualified professionals. The price can also be determined based on the length of the door. Installing a sliding glass door longer than 8 feet can cost approximately $100 per linear foot.
In addition to the sliding glass door replacement costs mentioned above, there are several factors that can help reduce the cost of certain projects. Homeowners should consider whether the following factors will impact the cost of a new sliding glass door.
Sliding glass doors can have certain custom features added that can increase the overall replacement cost. The following table lists some of the most common custom features.
These customizations can improve the appearance of the door, increase the security of the sliding glass door, and even help homeowners lower their monthly utility bills, but homeowners need to weigh the costs against the benefits to decide which option best suits their needs and budget.
If a homeowner is replacing an existing sliding glass door with a new one, the old door will need to be removed and disposed of. Homeowners may have to pay between $100 and $250 to remove the old door. This fee may have been included in the overall project cost provided by the contractor, but it is important for the homeowner to understand how much this portion of the project may cost. The contractor will send the old doors to a landfill where they can be repurposed depending on the situation.
If only the glass in a sliding glass door needs to be replaced, homeowners will have several types of glass to choose from, each with a different price tag. The cost to replace sliding glass door glass (depending on the type) is as follows.
The cost to replace a panel in a sliding glass door ranges from $400 to $700. If your sliding glass door is in good condition and only one panel is damaged due to extreme weather conditions or neglect, you may be able to replace just the panel and keep the entire original door frame. The new panel will likely need to be from the same manufacturer and the same size as the existing panel so that it will function properly after replacement.
After years of heavy use, the rollers or tracks that guide a sliding glass door as it opens and closes can become damaged and need to be replaced. The cost to replace the rollers on a sliding glass door ranges from $110 to $300. This repair is not always possible, as the contractor will need to find rollers or tracks that are compatible with the existing door panels. If the contractor cannot do this, the homeowner will have to replace the entire door, as the tracks will not work properly.
Installing sliding screen doors and sliding glass doors allows homeowners to open their doors in nice weather, letting in fresh air and keeping bugs out. Standard sliding screen doors cost between $150 and $500, while retractable ones cost between $100 and $400. Retractable screen doors retract into the housing and can be hidden when not in use.
Sliding glass doors and French doors work differently. Sliding glass doors open with at least one panel permanently fixed and the other sliding. French doors swing outward, and two doors swing inward or outward. The cost to replace a sliding glass door with a French door ranges from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the size difference between the existing door and the new French door. French doors have a classic look, so people often choose them over sliding glass doors because of their aesthetic value.
The cost to replace a sliding glass patio door depends on the type of material you choose. Sliding glass doors are made from a variety of materials. Vinyl and composite tend to be the lowest cost, wood and fiberglass tend to be the highest, and there are a few other options that fall somewhere in the middle.
A new aluminum and glass sliding door is affordable: homeowners can expect to pay between $750 and $2,500 for a door. Aluminum doors are very durable, making them ideal for homes with heavy winds and rain. The material is waterproof, but because it conducts heat well, it tends to form more condensation. Aluminum sliding glass doors are usually available in black, white, or gray.
Composite glass sliding doors, which range in price from $600 to $1,200, are made from a composite material that combines several common door materials. Composite doors are generally higher quality and last longer than vinyl doors; they are available in a variety of colors or can have an appearance similar to wood or metal doors.
For a new fiberglass sliding glass door, homeowners can expect to spend between $1,500 and $2,500. Although expensive, fiberglass sliding glass doors are generally worth the money. They are durable, low maintenance, and can last for many years, but can sometimes break over time; fiberglass doors can be custom made in any style and color.
A new metal sliding glass door costs between $500 and $1,000. They are usually made of steel or aluminum, are affordable, and are more durable than vinyl. Like a vinyl sliding door frame, a metal sliding door frame can bend or warp in certain warm weather conditions or from rough use. Metal sliding glass doors are a great choice for modern homes.
Vinyl sliding glass doors are the most popular due to their affordability, with installation costs ranging from $300 to $1,200 per door. Vinyl doors come in several different colors, including white, ivory, taupe, and black, and can also mimic the look of wood or metal. The material is generally durable, but tends to bend in high temperatures because it is more pliable. Vinyl glass sliding doors are low-maintenance and resistant to water damage, but they generally do not last as long as fiberglass or wood doors.
Wood sliding glass doors cost between $1,000 and $3,000, making them one of the most expensive patio door options. Most homeowners who choose wood sliding glass doors do so for aesthetic reasons: they either have wood windows elsewhere in their home or prefer the natural look of a wood frame. Wood sliding doors have excellent insulation properties, but they require more maintenance than vinyl or metal. These doors will need to be refinished over time and should be protected from water penetration.
It’s easy to miss the signs that your sliding glass door needs replacing. Instead of enduring the inconvenience, homeowners can use the following tips to determine if their sliding glass doors need replacing.
Sliding glass doors should open and close easily without requiring much effort. If a sliding door is stuck and difficult to open, it may need to be replaced. Sliding glass doors can warp over time or accumulate dirt and debris, preventing the door from sliding smoothly along the tracks.
If a homeowner hears a creaking, scraping, or scraping sound when opening a sliding glass door, it may be a sign that a replacement is needed. These noises are typical signs of mechanical failure of the door track. Homeowners should inspect the track for any obstructions before installing a replacement.
Sliding glass doors are designed to keep wind and rain out of your home, however after many years of use, the seal around the door can allow cold drafts into your home; if a homeowner feels that their home is getting cold drafts from their sliding glass door, they may need to replace the door to solve the problem. Cold drafts coming into your home can quickly cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Installing new sliding glass doors will provide an airtight seal that will prevent cold or warm drafts from coming in or out of your home.
Gaps around sliding glass doors allow air, water, and debris to enter your home. These gaps can be caused by age, door warping, water damage, or a damaged seal. Seal the gap with caulk or weatherstripping may be a suitable temporary solution, but in the long run, it is better to replace it with a new, fully sealed sliding glass door.
If a homeowner notices excessive condensation on the glass of a sliding glass door, creating a foggy feeling, there may be a problem. Additionally, if condensation forms between the panes of glass, this indicates damage to the internal seal and a leak in the inert gas. Sliding glass doors with condensation issues need to be addressed immediately and possibly even replaced.
Last but not least, your existing sliding glass doors may no longer be up to par. If a homeowner feels their home needs a facelift, they may want to replace their outdated sliding glass doors with new ones. Or, the existing door may show signs of structural damage, such as a crack in the frame or damage to nearby drywall or siding. In this case, the homeowner will want to replace the door with a new one that is structurally sound. This damage can also compromise the safety of your sliding door. Simple cracks in glass can be repaired with the best glass adhesive, but this is not a long-term solution.
Replacing a sliding glass door is generally not a do-it-yourself project. There are safety issues to consider, and most homeowners are confused about the technical aspects of installing a sliding glass door correctly. The best window replacement companies, such as Renewal by Andersen or Pella Windows, know the safety rules and installation procedures needed to install new sliding glass doors.
Safety is a top priority for any home improvement project. Sliding glass doors must be handled with extreme care to avoid breaking the glass and causing further damage. Professional sliding door installers will work in teams of two to carefully transport the glass doors from the truck to the final installation location without scratching the glass. If any damage occurs during the door installation, the company will either repair the damage or replace the door entirely. Professional door installation usually comes with a shorter labor warranty and a longer material warranty.
Next, the sliding glass door needs to be installed very precisely to ensure it works properly. The overlapping panels need to fit into the tracks correctly to slide back and forth smoothly. For those installing sliding glass doors for the first time, this can be a challenge.
Finally, if your sliding glass door replacement project requires any changes to the framing of the home, then this is definitely a job for a professional. The frame around the door is often a structural member, meaning that any modifications may require appropriate engineering design and building permits.
Replacing a sliding glass door is an expensive undertaking that not everyone has the budget for. To save money on replacing your sliding glass doors, consider some of these money-saving tips.
Homeowners should ask these questions before signing a contract with a sliding glass door replacement company or contractor. This will allow homeowners to make informed hiring decisions and may lead to successful project results.
To ensure homeowners fully understand what is involved in a sliding glass door replacement project, they can read additional frequently asked questions.
Sliding doors are usually covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. A typical warranty includes 10 years for non-glass components and 20 years for glass components. In most cases, the warranty only covers manufacturer defects and not damage due to normal wear and tear.
It is generally recommended to replace a sliding glass door about every 30 years (this is the average lifespan of a sliding glass door), but it may happen more or less often depending on how often the door is used, how it is cleaned and maintained. Regular cleaning and other maintenance can extend the life of your sliding glass door.
To remove an old sliding glass door, homeowners will first need to protect the floor near the door with padding. Then, if there is a screen door, they can remove it. Next, they will use a screwdriver to unscrew the inner frame or trim on the sliding glass door to release the door panel, and then, with the help of another person, carefully lift the door panel out of the track. They will then repeat this process with the fixed door panels. Once both door panels are removed, homeowners can use a crowbar to carefully remove the tracks, jambs, and frame. Because this is a complex project, many homeowners choose to leave it to the professionals.
Removing and replacing a sliding glass door takes about 1 day for a professional. Typically, a team of two people will work together to remove the old sliding glass door and then carefully install the new sliding glass door. Depending on the size of the project, this can take anywhere from 2 to 7 hours.
Sliding glass door rollers have a lifespan of 7 to 20 years. The exact lifespan of the rollers depends on the frequency of cleaning, extreme weather conditions in the area of the door, and whether the door is single or double glazed.
Yes, homeowners can replace only the door panels on sliding glass doors. Both fixed and removable glass door panels are replaceable. Homeowners will need to purchase new door panels that match the size and type of the existing door frame and track.
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Brionna Farney uses her experience as a civil engineer and construction manager to write about home remodeling and improvement.
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Post time: Jan-14-2025