The provided documentation details installation instructions for JELD-WEN vinyl patio doors with integral nailing fins. The instructions emphasize weather-tight sealing and proper water drainage via a sill pan. The document outlines procedures for both step-down landing and continuous slab sill conditions, and provides information regarding reversing the door’s handing—the direction from which it opens. Installation time estimates are provided for varying levels of installer experience. The documentation stresses the importance of square, level, and plumb installation to maintain warranty validity.
Installation Considerations
JELD-WEN recommends specific installation methods to ensure a weather-tight seal and proper water management. The installation process utilizes a sill pan designed to capture and drain incidental storm water from beneath the patio door. Newer construction methods often create negative air pressure within buildings, which can draw water through small openings; therefore, a robust sealing method is crucial. The documentation notes that existing conditions may necessitate alterations to the provided instructions, but any such changes are the installer’s responsibility and risk.
The documentation highlights the importance of providing a copy of the installation instructions to the building owner. By proceeding with the installation, the installer acknowledges the terms and conditions outlined within the documentation. Installations exceeding 35 feet above ground level or involving wall conditions not specifically addressed in the instructions require design input from an architect or structural engineer. Failure to install the door square, level, and plumb, or on a flat surface, may invalidate warranty claims related to operational or performance issues.
Landing Types and Installation Variations
The installation procedures differ slightly depending on whether the patio door is installed with a step-down landing or a continuous slab landing. The documentation covers both scenarios, but does not provide detailed comparative instructions within the provided text. It is stated that the installation methods “vary slightly between landing types,” indicating that installers should pay close attention to the specific instructions relevant to the landing configuration.
Reversing Patio Door Handing
Certain JELD-WEN patio doors are designed to be reversible, allowing them to be opened from either the left or the right. Specifically, pre-installed 6'8" and 6'10" Builders sliding patio doors without blinds between the glass, and featuring weep holes on both the top and bottom, are capable of having their handing reversed. The documentation directs users to document SVC001, available on the JELD-WEN website (www.jeld-wen.com), for detailed instructions on this process. It is explicitly stated that the patio door should not be installed until after the reversing instructions have been completed and the fixed panel is positioned on the desired side.
Terminology and Glossary
The documentation includes a brief glossary of terms relevant to the installation process. One defined term is “Weep Hole (weep channel),” described as the visible exit or entry point of a water drainage system used to drain water from the door frame. This highlights the importance of maintaining clear weep holes for proper water management.
Installation Time Estimates
The documentation provides estimated installation times based on installer experience level:
- First Time: 1½ hours
- Experienced: ¾ hour
- Professional: ½ hour
These estimates are intended as a guideline and may vary depending on specific site conditions and installer proficiency.
Contact Information
For questions or assistance, JELD-WEN provides the following contact information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (800)-JELD-WEN / (800)-535-3936
Conclusion
The provided JELD-WEN documentation focuses on the proper installation of vinyl patio doors, emphasizing weather-tight sealing, water drainage, and the option to reverse door handing for specific models. Adherence to the instructions, particularly regarding squareness, levelness, and plumbness, is critical for maintaining warranty coverage. Installers are advised to consult additional documentation (SVC001) for reversing door handing procedures and to seek professional architectural or engineering design for installations outside the scope of the provided instructions.
Sources
The provided source material is insufficient to produce a 2000-word article. Below is a factual summary based on available data.

