JELD-WEN provides specific installation instructions for wood patio doors without exterior trim or nailing fin (model JII027). These instructions detail preparation of the rough opening, sill pan installation, door placement, shimming procedures, and finishing steps. The documentation emphasizes the importance of sealing against air and water infiltration, particularly in newer, tightly sealed buildings. Installation times are estimated for professionals, first-time installers, and experienced individuals. The guide covers masonry/block wall, sheathed wall, and open-stud construction methods, and provides specific guidance for step-down and continuous slab landings.
Preparing for Installation
Prior to beginning installation, several preparatory steps are required. First, all shipping materials, including corner covers, shipping blocks, pads, and the skid board attached to the bottom of the door, must be removed. Screws saved from the skid board are intended for securing the sill. Protective films on the glass should remain in place until after installation, but any exposed staples on the frame should be removed.
Verification of the rough opening dimensions is crucial. The width and height of the patio door should be approximately 1/2" to 3/4" smaller than the rough opening. Mulled units require a 3/4" reduction in size. The rough opening itself must be square.
The documentation outlines three primary construction types: masonry/block wall, sheathed wall, and open-stud construction. For masonry/block walls, a framework of studs (a “buck”) must already be properly fastened and sealed to the concrete/masonry wall by a building professional.
Required Materials and Tools
Successful installation requires a specific set of materials and tools. The recommended materials include:
- 4", 6", or 9" wide self-adhesive flashing (OSI® QUAD® Butyl Flashing Tape or equivalent)
- Spray adhesive/primer for the flashing (Loctite® 300 or equivalent)
- Sealant (OSI® QUAD® Max Sealant or equivalent) – available in color-matched options
- Polyurethane low expansion window and door foam (OSI® QUAD® Foam or equivalent)
- Plastic drain screen with a crisscross or woven pattern (6" width, for step-down landings)
- Sheet metal flashing or bendable vinyl sheeting for the sill pan (6" wide for a 2" x 4" wall)
- 3/8" staples for step-down landings
The necessary tools include:
- Cutting shears (for the sill pan)
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Level (minimum 4' recommended)
- J-roller
- Caulking gun
- Hammer/drill
- Construction stapler
- Flat head screwdriver
It is important to follow all manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and compatibility of these materials.
Sill Pan Preparation and Installation
The sill pan is a critical component for water management. Preparation involves cutting a piece of self-adhesive flashing to the appropriate length. Folding lines are lightly creased 1/2" in from the two short sides and one long side. The width of the frame, plus 9/16", is measured from the back edge to establish another folding line. For step-down landings, a 1/2" cut is made at the folding line on both sides. The sheet material is then folded to create a 3-sided box, with the front flap folded down for step-down landings or removed entirely for continuous slabs.
Installation involves applying self-adhesive flashing to the sill, with notches cut out at each end. For both step-down and continuous slab installations, the sill pan is aligned with the exterior edge of the rough opening. A three-eighths inch bead of sealant is applied between lines marked on the sill pan before firmly pressing it into place with a J-roller. Gaps or bubbles beneath the flashing must be avoided, requiring removal and replacement if necessary.
Buck Preparation (Masonry/Block Walls)
For installations into masonry/block walls utilizing a buck, the buck and surrounding concrete/masonry are coated with self-adhesive flashing primer. Four pieces of self-adhesive flashing are cut for the sill, sides, and head, as shown in the documentation. The sill pan piece of flashing is applied over the sill pan, ensuring the bottom is sealed by the flashing. The upper end corners of the side pieces are removed, and for step-down landings, the lower end corners are also removed. These pieces are then applied. Finally, sealant is applied to the flashing/masonry joints at the corners of the masonry opening, and diamond lath is applied to all flashed surfaces to be covered by stucco, if applicable.
Door Installation and Shimming
Door installation requires at least two people to avoid injury and adequately support the door. The door is tilted into the rough opening, ensuring the back of the door makes solid contact with the sealant applied to the sill pan.
Shimming is a critical step for ensuring proper operation and sealing. The hinged side jamb is shimmed at every hinge (for swinging doors). The latch jamb is shimmed 6" from the corners and at the strike plate. All other jambs are shimmed 6" from the corners and at the center. The head jamb is shimmed 6" from the corners of each panel and at the strike plate, if present. Shims should be positioned so that strike plate screws will penetrate them. Each location requires two opposing shims, secured with sealant.
After shimming, the patio door is inspected for square, level, and plumb. Proper operation is tested, and the door is reinstalled if necessary. For center hinge patio doors, proper alignment (3/32") must be verified.
Completing the Installation and Post-Installation Maintenance
For step-down landings, support trim is installed underneath the sill where it extends past the landing, positioned snugly against the bottom of the sill toe. The door is adjusted for best operation. A continuous air seal is created on the interior between the rough opening and the frame using low expansion foam or backer rod and sealant.
Post-installation, the exterior wall surface should be installed within seven days. A gap of 1/4" to 3/8" should be maintained between the door frame and the final exterior wall surface, sealed with backer rod and sealant on the sides. For step-down landings, the sill should also be sealed with a discontinuous joint. Sealant should not be applied on top of the drip cap. Any gaps or openings at the end of horizontal mull joints should be sealed with sealant. Protective film on the glass should be removed within one year, and immediately from cladding. The newly installed unit should be protected from damage from plaster, paint, etc., by covering it with plastic.
Estimated Installation Times
The documentation provides estimated installation times based on installer experience:
- Professional: 1.5 hours
- First Time: 4.0 hours
- Experienced: 2.5 hours
Conclusion
The JELD-WEN installation instructions for wood patio doors (JII027) provide a detailed guide for a successful and weather-tight installation. Proper preparation of the rough opening, careful sill pan installation, accurate shimming, and diligent sealing are all essential. Adherence to these instructions, along with the use of recommended materials and tools, will contribute to the long-term performance and durability of the patio door.