By Brionna Farney | Updated Feb 28, 2023 5:47 PM
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A sliding glass door is a perfect way to access a backyard, patio, or deck. The large glass panels let lots of light inside and offer a scenic view outside. Over time, a sliding glass door will wear down from lots of use or it could become damaged and require replacement.
According to HomeAdvisor and Angi, the cost to replace a sliding glass door ranges from $1,051 to $3,414 with the average cost to replace a sliding glass door at $2,227. Sliding glass door replacement cost depends on the size and type of door being installed and the door installation cost. There are many different materials, brands, and customizations to choose from when homeowners are purchasing a new sliding glass door. Each selection is detailed in this cost guide along with tips on how homeowners can hire the right professional to replace their sliding glass door.
The cost to replace a sliding glass door depends on several factors. The most significant factors revolve around the door itself—the size, type, and material. Homeowners will also want to consider the labor cost to replace a sliding glass door and other factors detailed below.
Door size is a leading factor in the cost of sliding glass doors—the larger the door, the larger the cost. A small 4-foot-wide sliding glass door can cost as little as $400, while large sliding glass doors cost much more; for example, 16-foot-wide door can cost up to $3,500. On average, glass sliding doors cost $10 to $50 per square foot, with the average cost of each standard size as follows:
In addition to a basic sliding glass door, there are a few different types available with added features. These features include enhanced durability, weather resistance, insulation, and enhanced functionality. Specialty glass sliding doors cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,500, depending on the feature. Some examples are listed in the table below.
Sliding glass door frames can be made from several different materials, each one at a different price point. Vinyl and composite tend to be the least expensive materials at $300 to $1,200 and $600 to $1,200, respectively. Composite is slightly more durable than vinyl but usually not as high-quality as wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. Aluminum sliding glass doors cost between $750 and $2,500 and typically withstand high winds and heavy rain, while wood sliding glass doors cost between $1,000 and $3,000 and are typically chosen for their aesthetic value. Fiberglass sliding glass doors cost $1,500 to $2,500 and are extremely durable and low maintenance.
There can be anywhere from one to three panes or layers of glass in a sliding glass door. Single-pane glass will cost anywhere from $350 to $1,500, double-pane $450 to $2,100, and triple-pane $2,000 to $3,000. While the cost to replace a double-pane sliding glass door and triple-pane is higher than for a single-pane door, the more panes of glass a door has, the more durable it will be and the better it will insulate. Those who live in areas with extreme weather or extremely high and low temperatures should opt for two- or three-pane glass sliding doors, as they are more energy-efficient and will reduce energy costs.
When homeowners are purchasing a new glass sliding door, there are several brands to choose from. Each one will offer a different price range, level of quality, warranty coverage, and more. Popular glass sliding door brands include Andersen, Marvin, Pella, Jeld-Wen, and Milgard. The average cost for each brand is listed in the following table.
The cost to install a sliding glass door ranges from $300 to $800 in total. This equates to about $70 to $100 per hour, and the entire process will take anywhere from 2 to 7 hours. The exact time required will depend on the difficulty 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 more expensive than the cost of a standard glass door replacement due to the complexity of the task. Each of these projects will require two skilled professionals. Pricing can also be determined by the length of the door. Installing a sliding glass door over 8 feet long will likely cost about $100 per linear foot.
In addition to the aforementioned sliding glass door replacement costs, there are a few more that could help narrow down the cost of certain projects. Homeowners will want to consider whether any of the following may affect the new sliding glass door cost.
There are certain customizations that can be added to a glass sliding door that will increase the overall replacement cost. Some of the most common customizations are listed in the table below.
These customizations can improve the look of the doors, increase sliding glass door security, and even help homeowners lower their monthly utility costs, but homeowners will need to weigh the costs against the benefits to decide what makes the most sense for their needs and their budget.
If a homeowner is swapping out an existing sliding glass door with a new one, the old one will need to be removed and disposed of. Homeowners can expect to pay $100 to $250 to have the old door removed. This cost will likely already be included in the total cost proposal provided by a contractor, but it is important for homeowners to understand how much this part of the project may cost. The contractor will take the old door to a scrap yard, where it could be repurposed depending on the condition.
If just the glass in a sliding glass door needs to be replaced, homeowners will have several types of glass to choose from, each at a different price point. The cost to replace glass in sliding glass doors depending on the type is as follows.
The cost to replace a single panel in a sliding glass door ranges from $400 to $700. If the sliding glass door is in good shape and just a single panel gets damaged, whether from extreme weather or reckless use, it is possible to just replace the panel and keep all of the original door framing. The new panel will likely need to be from the same manufacturer and be the same size as the existing one in order for the replacement to work properly.
After many years of extensive use, the rollers or tracks that guide a sliding glass door open and closed could become damaged and need to be replaced. The cost to replace rollers on a sliding glass door ranges from $110 to $300. This type of 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 is not able to do so, the homeowner will need to replace the door entirely if the track stops working properly.
Installing a sliding screen door along with a sliding glass door allows the homeowner to keep the door open on nice days and let fresh air inside while keeping bugs outside. A standard sliding screen on a sliding door will cost $150 to $500, while a retractable screen will cost $100 to $400. A retractable screen retracts into a housing chamber so that it can be hidden out of the way when not in use.
A sliding glass door and French doors operate differently. Sliding glass doors slide open with at least one panel permanently fixed and at least one panel that slides. French doors swing open with two doors that swing either inward or outward. The cost to replace sliding glass doors with French doors ranges from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the size difference between the existing door and the new French doors. With their classic feel, French doors are often chosen over sliding glass doors for the aesthetic value as they offer.
The cost to replace sliding glass patio doors depends on the type of material chosen. There are several materials used for sliding glass doors. Vinyl and composite tend to cost the least, wood and fiberglass tend to cost the most, and there are a few other options that fall in the middle of the cost range.
Vinyl sliding glass doors tend to be the most popular due to the entry-level price point; installing one will cost between $300 and $1,200. Vinyl doors come in a few different colors, including white, ivory, taupe, and black, or they can mimic the look of wood or metal. The material is durable for the most part, but it does have a tendency to warp in hot temperatures, as it is a bit more malleable. Vinyl glass sliding doors are low maintenance and resistant to water damage but typically will not last as long as fiberglass or wood doors.
The cost of a new metal sliding glass door ranges from $500 to $1,000. Typically either steel or aluminum, they are budget-friendly and tend to be a little more durable than vinyl. Similar to frames on vinyl sliding doors, the frame on metal sliding doors can warp or bend in certain warm weather conditions or from rough use. A metal glass sliding door is a good option for modern and contemporary homes.
Wood sliding glass doors cost between $1,000 and $3,000, making them one of the most expensive options for a patio door. Most homeowners who choose a wood sliding glass door do so for the aesthetic; they either have wood windows across the rest of their home or like the natural look of the wood framing. Wood sliding doors offer excellent insulation; however, they do require more maintenance than vinyl or metal. These doors will need to be refinished after a while and should be protected from water.
A new aluminum glass sliding door falls in the middle of the cost range; homeowners can expect to pay $750 to $2,500 for one. Aluminum doors are very durable and, therefore, ideal for homes that experience heavy wind or rain. The material will resist water, but it does tend to produce more condensation due to the thermal conductivity. Aluminum sliding glass doors are often black, white, or gray.
Composite glass sliding doors, which cost between $600 and $1,200, are made of a synthetic material that combines many common door materials into one. Composite doors are usually of higher quality and longer lasting than vinyl; they are available in a wide range of colors or can take on a similar look to a wood or metal door.
For a new fiberglass sliding glass door, homeowners can expect to pay $1,500 to $2,500. While they can be costly, fiberglass sliding doors are typically well worth the price. They are durable, low maintenance, and will last for many years; however, they can sometimes crack over time. Fiberglass doors can be customized to any look or color.
It can be easy to ignore the signs that a sliding glass door needs to be replaced. Rather than live with the inconveniences, homeowners can use the following guidelines to determine whether their sliding glass door needs to be replaced.
Sliding glass doors should easily slide open and closed without much force. If a sliding door is sticking, making it hard to open, it is a clear sign that it likely needs to be replaced. Sliding glass doors can warp over time, or there could be a build-up of dirt and debris that is preventing the door from sliding smoothly along the track.
If a homeowner hears any screeches, squeaks, or scraping noises when opening their sliding glass door, this is a sign it might need to be replaced. These noises are typical of a mechanical issue with the door’s track system. Homeowners will want to check the track for any obstructions first before starting with a replacement installation.
A sliding glass door is designed to keep wind and rain from entering a home; however, after many years of use, the seal around the door could allow a draft inside. If a homeowner feels cool air coming into their home from the area of their sliding glass door, they may need to replace the door to fix the problem. A draft entering a home can quickly skyrocket energy bills. Installing a new sliding glass door will allow the airtight seal to keep cool or warm air from entering or escaping the home.
Gaps around a sliding glass door can let air, water, and debris into a home. These gaps can be due to the age of the door, warping, water damage, or a damaged seal. Sealing the gaps with caulk or weatherstripping may be a suitable temporary fix, but in the long term it is often best to replace the sliding glass door with a new, fully sealed one.
If a homeowner notices that an excessive amount of condensation is building up on the glass of their sliding glass door and creating a foggy look, there could be an issue. Additionally, if there is any condensation between the panes of glass, it is a sign that the internal seal is broken and the inert gas has leaked out. A sliding glass door with condensation problems needs to be addressed, and possibly replaced, immediately.
Last but not least, an existing sliding glass door may no longer look the part. Homeowners may choose to replace an outdated sliding glass door with a new one if they feel their house needs an aesthetic face-lift. Alternatively, the existing door may present signs of structural damage, like cracked framing or damaged nearby drywall or siding. In this case, homeowners will want to have the door replaced with a new, structurally sound option. This type of damage can also compromise sliding door security. Simple cracks in the glass can be repaired with the best glue for glass, but this is not a long-term repair.
Replacing a sliding glass door is usually not a DIY project. There are safety concerns that need to be considered, and most homeowners cannot tackle the technicalities of a proper sliding glass door installation. The best window replacement companies will know the proper safety and installation procedures necessary to install a new sliding glass door.
Safety is the first thing to consider with any home improvement project. A sliding glass door needs to be handled extremely carefully to avoid cracks in the glass and any subsequent injuries. A professional sliding door installer will work in teams of two to carefully maneuver the glass door from the delivery truck to the final installation spot, without as much as a scratch in the glass. If there is any damage to the door during the installation project, the company will fix the damage or replace the door altogether. Professional door installations are typically covered under a shorter labor warranty and longer material warranty period.
Next, sliding glass doors have to be installed very precisely to ensure they operate correctly. The overlapping panels must be placed properly into the tracks in order to slide seamlessly back and forth. This can present a challenge for those installing a sliding glass door for the first time.
Finally, if a sliding glass door replacement project requires any modifications to the framing of the house, this is certainly a job for the professionals. The framing around a door is more often than not a structural component, meaning any modifications may require proper engineering and a building permit.
Replacing a sliding glass door is a costly project that not everyone may have in the budget. To save some money on the cost of replacing your sliding glass door, consider incorporating some of these money-saving tips.
Before signing a contract to work with a sliding glass door replacement company or contractor, homeowners will want to ask them each one of these questions. Doing so will allow the homeowner to make an informed hiring decision and likely lead to a successful project outcome.
To ensure homeowners are completely informed on what a sliding glass door replacement project entails, they can read through these additional frequently asked questions.
Sliding doors typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty. The typical warranty covers non-glass parts for 10 years and the glass for 20 years. In most cases, the warranty will only cover manufacturer defects and not damage from regular wear and tear.
It’s generally recommended to replace a sliding glass door about every 30 years or so (that is the average lifespan of a sliding glass door), but it can be more or less depending on how often the door is used and how it is cleaned and maintained. Keeping up with regular cleanings and other maintenance can extend the life of a sliding glass door.
To remove an old sliding glass door, homeowners will want to start by protecting the floor near the door with a padded material. Then, they can pop out the screen door if they have one. Next, they will unscrew the interior casings or trim on the sliding glass door using a screwdriver to release the door panels, before carefully lifting the panel out of the track with the help of another person. They’ll then repeat this process with the stationary door panel. Once both panels are removed, the homeowner can carefully remove the track, door jamb, and framing with a pry bar. Since this is a difficult project, many homeowners choose to leave it to the pros.
It will take about 1 day of work for a professional to remove and replace a sliding glass door. Typically, a crew consists of two people working together to remove the old sliding glass door, then carefully install the new one. Depending on the scope of the project, it could take between 2 and 7 hours in total.
Sliding glass door rollers last anywhere from 7 to 20 years. The exact amount of time the rollers will last depends on how often they are cleaned, how extreme the weather is near the door, and whether the door has single- or double-pane glass.
Yes, homeowners can replace just the door panel on a sliding glass door. Both the stationary and movable glass door panels are replaceable. Homeowners will need to purchase a new door panel that is compatible with the size and type of their existing door framing and track.
Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide
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