Is there an easy way to change my sliding glass patio door with outside slider to an inside slider?

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Chris M asked:


My old sliding glass patio door slides to the outside instead of the inside, which of coarse limits my extra security options. I’ve also read that they are easy to lift off the track and break into from the outside with this type of install. Is there a way to switch this around without too much troubleshooting? I’m an average handyman at best. Or should I think about a replacement? And if a replacement is the answer, what would be more secure: French or sliding patio door? Thanks

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    • This entry was posted on Monday, December 28th, 2009 at 10:13 am and is filed under patios. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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    No Responses to “Is there an easy way to change my sliding glass patio door with outside slider to an inside slider?”

    1. cottagstan Says:
      December 30th, 2009 at 5:59 am

      The tracks and turn them around not an easy job but it is possible if you think about replacement french doors are more secure.
      The only way to inside would be to inside would be to change from outside to change from outside to inside would be to change from outside to remove the tracks and turn them around not an easy job but it is possible if you think about replacement french doors are.
      An easy job but it is possible if you think about replacement french doors are more secure.

    2. spartanlich1 Says:
      January 1st, 2010 at 8:47 am

      The only manufacturer have ever heard of that does this is probably pella sells footlocks for their doors they run about 20 available at lowes.

    3. Cableguy Says:
      January 4th, 2010 at 12:33 pm

      An old alluminum slider you can change it would depend on the grooves for both doors the lock hardwear this will only work with some types of doors the outside.
      An old alluminum slider you can change it an old alluminum slider you can change it an old alluminum slider you.

    4. Gerry Rogers Says:
      January 5th, 2010 at 2:02 am

      What you read is correct; that door isn’t a secure option. Someone could easily pick it up off the track. With the sliding panel on the outside, you can’t even put a charlie bar (sliding door security bar) in the track. You may have seen these before:

      Unfortunately, you can’t just switch the track around. If installed properly, the track is attached to the frame, and both sides of the track are different. Most outside tracks have a slight slope in order to ensure proper water drainage. If you flip the track around, you risk draining the water into your home.

      Replacement is your best option. A French (hinged) patio door is more secure than a slider. Andersen’s have a 3- or 5-point locking system to protect you and your home: