When making some home improvements, it's necessary to know the laws involved to ensure safety and avoid any issues in the future. Do you want to know if a permit is required to construct a sliding glass door? You're fortunate! We've conducted in-depth research on this subject to assist you.
You only need a permit if the installation will result in structural or material alterations to your home. On the other hand, a permit is not necessary if all you're doing is swapping out your old doors for new ones that are the same size.
In this article, we will thoroughly discuss permits for door replacement or installation. We will share with you the processes, requirements, and fees if permits are required. More information is ahead, so keep on reading.
Do I Need A Permit To Install A Sliding Glass Door?
You might not be aware that some home modifications require a permit. Do your research if you're about to begin one of these undertakings. When it comes to doors installation, these are the guidelines for you:
Permit Not Required
If you are not altering the wall's structure or the support structure of the door opening itself, you do not require a permit. This implies that a permit is not necessary if the wall already has an opening framed into it from an existing door unit and the slider unit you want to install is the same size.
Permit Required
There is a very strong possibility that you will need a permit if the door opening is already there but the new unit demands a larger opening since you will need to change the structural elements of the wall and the door opening.
You almost certainly will need a permit if you need to make an opening if there isn't already one because, as mentioned above, you are changing the building's structural components.
There are consequences for not obtaining a permit. As the property owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that all work done on your land complies with local ordinances.
Lack of a building permit may lead to expensive delays, legal action, or even the removal of already finished work. Therefore, if your window project needs a permit, it is preferable to get one because the risks and penalties are not worth it.
How Much Is A Door Permit?
When requesting a permit, some fees must be paid. These fees are often determined by the type and size of the building where the work will be done. Additionally, those costs will change based on where you live.
For replacing a single door, you should budget $50-$200 if your local building department requires one. The price can vary significantly if you're replacing more than that. For instance, replacing a dozen windows could cost $600 in permit fees.
If the building department in your area requires a permit, it can be a "drive-by permit'', where the inspector only drives over and confirms the completion of the work. The permit can appear less significant as a result.
But keep in mind that disregarding the permit will probably result in a fine or a stop-work order from the city because door work is so obvious from the street.
What Are The Requirements To Obtain The Permit For Door Installation?
To provide a permit for changing doors, the majority of localities demand the same type of information. For instance, the State of Florida needs the following items before processing and approving a building permit for changing or installing doors:
Building Permit Application
Fill in all the blanks on the building permit application with the necessary information. Insert "N/A" if the information requested does not apply to the construction being done.
Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement
To receive a building permit in your name, the state requires that you take a legally binding oath. The disclosure statement confirms that you have certified that you have complied with the restrictions placed on you as an owner/builder to be exempt from professional license requirements.
Floor Plans
These plans identify the location of the improvements.
Door Schedule
This document, submitted along with the application, lists the openings along with their sizes for doors. It helps the inspector choose which attachment technique from the product approval form is appropriate.
Product Approval
It is a published, pre-approved construction assembly linked to particular materials, assemblies, and construction techniques that have been specifically tested by the state requirements.
Also, it has subsequently been awarded a valid product approval designation that demonstrates compliance with the relevant building code requirements.
Substantial Improvement Determination Checklist Form
This form is necessary if the total value of improvements inside a Special Flood Hazard Area equals or exceeds 50% of the value of the structure being upgraded and they do not meet the present Flood Protection Regulations.
All buildings, whether residential or commercial, that are visible to and accessible to the general public are covered by this. Not applicable to upgrades made to an ancillary structure, such as a shed or storage unit
The building permit application and any supporting papers must be submitted together with this form, which the property owner must fill out, sign, and have notarized.
How To Install A Sliding Glass Door?
After acquiring all the requirements or permit needed, you may now install the sliding glass doors in just a few hours as long as there’s already an opening for it. Below are the steps:
1. Install Flashing Around The Door Frame
The flashing will shield the door frame and lower sides of the sliding glass door from water damage as it is a kind of waterproof, adhesive tape.
Additionally, flashing will stop water from seeping in at the edges. Along the bottom sill of the doorframe, the flashing should be applied in layers.
To bend the tape and press it down on the outside side, let it hang over the doorframe's outer edge. Also, don’t forget to place a single layer of flashing around 6” above the doorjamb on either side.
2. Place The Door Frame In Position
Ask for an aid to lift, carry, and push the door frame through the huge opening inside the house. Make sure the door is not installed in reverse. You should face the side of the sliding screen with the little track outward. Some affordable vinyl sliding door variants could require assembly.
3. Fasten The Frame And Add Insulation
Screws to secure the new door frame to the sides, top, and bottom of the old door frame. To securely embed them, tighten the screws after they have been inserted through the new door frame's material.
If you're working on an older house, have door shims available to adjust if necessary. It's imperative to use a level to ensure the frame is absolutely square on all sides when you screw it in. The doors might not fit properly in the absence of this.
Fill any significant gaps above and on the sides of the door frame with one or two sheets of fiberglass insulation. This will stop heat from escaping from your home's frame.
4. Place The Handle And Sliding Glass Panels In Place
To ensure a good fit, gently clear out all debris from the rails. Then, ask the aid of a buddy to lift the sliding door's initial portion. Position the bottom of the door on the track in the door frame, then press the top portion into place as well. Repetition is required for the second sliding door part.
You can also affix the metal handles that came with the sliding glass door at this time. You should obtain screws with these handles, which you will insert into the pre-drilled holes on the front and rear of the glass door.
At this time, you can also fasten the lock clasp. This tiny piece of plastic keeps the door's lock in place against the frame so it can lock.
5. Put The Interior And Exterior Trim In Place
You can now nail the interior and exterior trim in place once the door is firmly in place. If you already have before, attach these to the identical places that you withdrew them from at the start of the process.
In installing the trim, the sides of the door frame and the studs to which the door was fastened should not be seen.
6. Set The Screen Up
Install the screen as the last step in installing your glass door. On both the top and bottom running tracks, snap it into position. Check to see if the screen slides open and shut easily. Your door is now installed and prepared for usage.
For a clearer understanding of how to install the sliding glass door, a video on YouTube is shown below.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the rules governing replacing or installing any kind of door can be challenging. The procedure is generally quite simple. The final solutions will change depending on where you call home.
However, avoid attempting to replace doors on your own. For a guaranteed fit and long-lasting quality, turn to reliable experts.
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