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Old(70’s) House, Sliding Patio Door…

spclark | Posted in General Discussion on June 11, 2018 09:22am

Is it possible these days to buy a patio screen sliding panel door that comes with its own aluminum frame pieces?

I’m talking an add-on for a patio door that doesn’t have a track for an integral sliding screen panel.

House I moved into four years ago has a patio door like this, the screen door’s shot & wife wants it replaced.

I’m fearful the screen panel sliders at BigBox stores may not fit the track that dates to the 70’s but am at a loss to find some kind of kit that can replace the entire add-on screen door frame and sliding panel.

Patio door dates to ’70’s, no obvious manufacturer’s info visible (I need to get the sliding panel out anyway as I want to see if I can find replacement rollers) so I’m kinda stuck for options other than ripping out and replacing the whole shebang for significantly more $$ than wife wants to allocate for this endeavor.

Suggestions please, and links to products that fit my needs would be welcomed.

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Replies

  1. calvin | Jun 12, 2018 07:26am | #1

    Maybe....

    spclark wrote:

    Is it possible these days to buy a patio screen sliding panel door that comes with its own aluminum frame pieces?

    I'm talking an add-on for a patio door that doesn't have a track for an integral sliding screen panel.

    House I moved into four years ago has a patio door like this, the screen door's shot & wife wants it replaced.

    I'm fearful the screen panel sliders at BigBox stores may not fit the track that dates to the 70's but am at a loss to find some kind of kit that can replace the entire add-on screen door frame and sliding panel.

    Patio door dates to '70's, no obvious manufacturer's info visible (I need to get the sliding panel out anyway as I want to see if I can find replacement rollers) so I'm kinda stuck for options other than ripping out and replacing the whole shebang for significantly more $$ than wife wants to allocate for this endeavor.

    Suggestions please, and links to products that fit my needs would be welcomed.

    sp, if the existing track is ok,........

    and you have an ancient hardware store or at least one that carries on the tradition,

    You might find one that still re-screens, repairs damaged screens and panels and just might have your rollers and could feasibly build you a new slider.  These hardware stores are fast evaporating but here in NW Ohio I can still find some.  They're often under an HWI or DoitBest logo, but that was for they're combined buying power.

    its the type of hardware store where they'll have a "door box" that still has the old set screws, spindles and thin washers for old mortised locksets.

    Best of luck.

  2. DanH | Jun 12, 2018 07:27am | #2

    If it's the sliding screen panel that's shot, and the track is in OK condition, a local window repair outfit may be able to build a new one.

  3. User avater
    user-2409187 | Jun 12, 2018 10:27am | #3

    replace!

    Here's what I think, based on experience: By the time you have made a full and functional (for years to come) repair, you will have spent 70% the cost of a new door. My strong suggestion: go for a brand-name  new door. It will seal out the cold/elements far better than anything dating to the 70's. My gut tells me the existing frame is aluminum...a perfect transmitter of cold. Tell your sweetie that the investment in a new, wood-clad slider is worthwhile! Pella, Anderson....go for quality.

  4. cussnu2 | Jun 13, 2018 10:46am | #4

    Larson makes a retractable roller screen door you might be able to retrofit to almost any application.  140 bucks at menards but likely available ato most big box stores

  5. User avater
    coonass | Jun 13, 2018 12:46pm | #5

    SP,

    Look at Blaine Hardware. Lots of choices.

    http://products.blainewindow.com/BWH0020.php?category=6

    KK

  6. junkhound | Jun 14, 2018 09:17pm | #6

    How about you make your own slider from wood and screen? 

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