Removing A Window And Adding A Door

Ken foresgren a window opening offers an easy spot to add a door to your home.

Removing a window and adding a door.

Pry out nails and remove the old window place contact tape or heavy masking tape on the window glass to prevent breakage during removal. The patio door after it has been installed. For older double hung windows remove the sashes the stops and the parting bead to expose the jamb. To have your sliding glass door work properly you have to have openings on the inner and outer wall.

You ll probably need a combination of cutting and prying tools. Remove the vinyl siding and any insulation. Then remove any exterior trim that is installed over the siding or any other exterior wall covering. Remove the caulk and trim of the window and begin pulling out nails to remove the window.

Saw the outer wall with the proper saw for siding or brick revealing the inside of the house. Next remove the exterior siding starting with the j rail along the top of the wall. If necessary cut a rabbet in the 2x6 bottom plate to fit over the finished floor in the room. Step 3 remove the window and outer wall.

I see a painter s 5 in 1 tool coming in handy here. It is fairly easy to remove vinyl siding. Draw lines down the exterior wall directly below the edges of the window to have a guide to cut by. Then use a cat s paw to pry out the nails holding the old window in place or you can use a reciprocating saw or mini hacksaw to cut through the nails.

You can ease the trauma by removing a window and enlarging its opening for a door. Not only do you have to manage securing permits and the window company but you may also have to hire additional trades like drywall installers painters or electricians if you want the work to look seamless. Remove old caulk from around the window. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva shows the proper way to install a new window into an old and oversized doorway opening.

Find and remove the screws and then do what needs to be done to break the caulk seal. Remove the existing door and doorframe. Then build a short wall to span opening.