Preparing balcony door removal – disassembly
Whether remodeling or renovating – removing a balcony door is not an easy job for the do-it-yourselfer. That is why we, as window specialists, would like to give you a few helpful tips to ensure that your project is a success: 1.) Compare the dimensions of the new and old balcony doors before you begin with the removal. 2) Carry out the removal in pairs, so you always have a helping hand at your side. 3) Make sure to work thoroughly and cleanly, so you will facilitate the later installation of the new balcony door.
Protective materials for removing the balcony door
- Protective goggles
- Protective gloves
- Hearing protection
- Tarpaulin/painter’s tarp
Tools for removing the balcony door
- Cordless screwdriver
- Screwdriver
- Saber saw/Fox saw
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Folding rule
- Cutter knife
- Wedge
- Vacuum cleaner
- Crowbar
General preparations:
Provide materials and tools
Make sure all required materials are complete, and relevant tools are available.
Safety
Safety is the priority. Using work gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection, if necessary, will effectively protect you during each step of the job.
Checklist and instructions
Stay on the safe side; keep the instructions and a checklist handy.
Preparations on the balcony door:
Take measurements and check
Before dismantling, check whether the dimensions of the new balcony door match the wall opening.
Protect floor and furniture
Cover surrounding furniture and floors with a tarp to protect from dust and small debris. Also, make sure there is enough room to work.
Unhook balcony door leaf
Unhook the door sash to gain free access to the frame. To do this, press down the safety pin on the upper hinge and lift out the component.
Four steps to balcony door removal – instructions
Remove screws
The frame screws usually anchor the frame to the wall reveal all the way around. Remove them with a cordless screwdriver. If you do not find any screws, the door frame was probably secured with a tab anchor or mounting anchors. In this case, you can take a masonry saw or a foxtail to help.
To avoid plaster cracks, you should separate the frame from the surrounding masonry from the outside and inside with a cutter knife so the transition remains clean.
Saw through the balcony door frame
If you haven’t already done so, now put on protective gloves and goggles. Then you can apply the electric saw at an oblique angle to see through the upper and the lower frame. Then remove the center piece.
Our tip: The angled approach prevents the frame pieces from wedging later.
Remove the side frame
Use a chisel or wedge to loosen and lever out the side parts of the door frame. Repeat the process until the frame is separated from the wall reveal.
For balcony doors with shutters, it is also necessary to remove the guide rails. You can also use the crowbar and carefully pry out the rails.
Clean joints
Remnants of the former installation, such as foam, silicone, or mortar, should be removed entirely to create a clean working surface for installing the new balcony door. Fine dust particles can be easily vacuumed away or swept up with a hand brush.
