Can I Open Up My Wall To Install A Patio Door?

April 17, 2024
Doors

The idea of connecting the interior spaces to the outdoor area using patio doors is a major trend with lots of benefits that go beyond bringing more natural light into your home. It helps create a feeling of extra space and naturally gives you a panoramic view of the outside.

However, adding a patio door to an existing wall is not a straightforward project. You have to consider a lot of things, including the structural condition and requirements of your home.

While not every exterior wall is load-bearing, many are, and if you have to cut a large part of the bearing wall to accommodate the patio door, you need to figure out how to support the weight the part of the wall was holding.

If not done correctly, you may end up with a problematic and unusable door, and risk the wall or roof sagging and eventually crumbling. This is why you should always work with an experienced professional when undertaking such a project. Of course, the cost to install a patio door on an existing wall will vary based on the nature of the wall you want to open up.

Call Family Windows & Doors today at 864-982-0957 to schedule an appointment to learn more about our patio doors.

Planning and Preparation

Before starting the installation process, it’s important to carefully plan and prepare for the project. Start by selecting the type of patio door that best suits your needs, preferences, and budget. Options include sliding doors, French doors, or folding doors, each offering unique features and design possibilities.

Next, measure the dimensions of the existing wall opening to ensure that it’s suitable for accommodating the chosen patio door. Take accurate measurements of the width, height, and depth of the opening, accounting for any obstructions such as electrical outlets or plumbing fixtures.

Finally, obtain any necessary permits or approvals from local building authorities before proceeding with the installation. Depending on your location and the scope of the project, you may need to obtain permits for structural modifications, electrical work, or zoning compliance.

Determine the Load-Bearing Wall

The process of determining whether a wall is load-bearing should be conducted by a structural engineer or similarly competent professionals. However, in the early planning stages, you could make a quick determination by checking the structure of the house, especially the roof.

Look for structures like:

Roof style: If the house is rectangular with a gable roof, the walls supporting the eaves are the load-bearing walls. However, this assumes the gable walls aren’t supporting ancillary structures like balconies.
Roof trusses: If there’s access to the attic, look at the direction the roof trusses (attic floor joints) run. Walls that run perpendicular to the framing members are the load-bearing walls.
Dormers: Walls that are located under a dormer are likely load-bearing, no matter the direction the dormer runs relative to the roof trusses.

If you have identified a load-bearing wall, your next step should be to contact your engineer. Many contracting companies usually have structural engineers on staff, and you will want one to come on-site and help you determine the amount of weight being supported by the section of the wall to be removed. Always keep in mind that the stakes are too high to skimp on this step.

Remove Existing Structures

Before installing the patio door, it’s important that the existing wall opening is cleared of any obstructions or structures that may interfere with the installation process. This may involve removing drywall, studs, trim, or any other materials that obstruct the opening.

Carefully disassemble and remove any existing windows or doors in the opening, taking care to avoid damaging surrounding structures or finishes. Use appropriate tools such as a reciprocating saw, pry bar, and utility knife to carefully dismantle and remove existing components.

Once the opening is clear and free of obstructions, thoroughly clean and prepare the area for the installation of the header for the patio door.

Framing and Structural Modifications

If the existing wall opening is not sized to accommodate the new patio door, structural modifications may be necessary. This may involve enlarging the opening, reinforcing the surrounding frame, or adding support beams to ensure structural integrity.

Typically, you have to remove the existing framing and replace it with a horizontal beam or header, which will help hold the weight that was being supported by the wall studs you removed. The size of the header will depend on the amount of weight that needs to be supported, and the horizontal span of the opening.

Due to the added weight, the header has to support when the wall studs are removed, the header has to rest on sturdy posts on each end. Your building engineer can tell you ideally how big the posts should be.

Installing the Patio Door

With the opening prepared and framed, it’s time to install the patio door. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for your specific door model, as installation methods may vary depending on the type and design of the door.

The basic procedure entails the following steps:

Measure and cut holes on both sides of the wall for the header and the supporting posts.
Remove the wall studs and frame the header. For a load-bearing wall, you may need extra steps to temporarily support the weight before installing the header.
Install the door jambs and hang the new patio doors.
Cover up the wall and install the trim.

Once the door is securely installed, it’s essential to seal and finish the surrounding area to prevent water infiltration, air leakage, and heat loss. Apply a generous bead of exterior-grade caulking around the perimeter of the door frame to seal any gaps or joints.