RELIABILT Patio Doors
RELIABILT patio doors are vinyl-framed sliding glass doors with dual-pane Low-E glass for energy efficiency.
RELIABILT patio doors are vinyl-framed sliding glass doors priced from $400 to $750+. They feature dual-pane Low-E glass for energy efficiency, a reversible sliding panel (can slide from left or right), and a built-in screen. The vinyl frame is maintenance-free and will not rot, peel, or require painting. Standard sizes are 60" x 80" and 72" x 80". Available in white, almond, and woodgrain interior finish.
Patio Door Specifications
| Frame Material | Vinyl, fusion welded corners |
| Glass | Dual-pane Low-E, argon filled |
| Screen | Full-length fiberglass, included |
| Lock | Multi-point locking handle, keyed |
| Track | Aluminum sill track, adjustable rollers |
| Energy Star | Certified in most US climate zones |
Available Sizes
| 60" x 80" | Standard 5-foot opening. Most common for replacements. $400 - $550. |
| 72" x 80" | Standard 6-foot opening. Wider view, more light. $500 - $750. |
| Custom sizes | Special order through Lowe's. 3-4 week lead time. $600+. |
How to Choose a RELIABILT Patio Door
Measure the full rough opening carefully. Patio door rough openings must be within 1/2" of the door frame dimensions for a proper fit. Measure width at the top, middle, and bottom, then use the smallest number. Measure height on both sides and use the smallest. If your opening is between standard sizes, go with the smaller door and fill the gap with shimming and trim.
5-foot vs 6-foot width: A 60" (5-foot) door provides a 28" walkthrough opening when the sliding panel is fully open. A 72" (6-foot) door gives a 34" walkthrough. Choose 6-foot if you move furniture through the opening regularly or want maximum natural light. Choose 5-foot if the wall space is limited or you are replacing an existing 5-foot unit.
Left-hand vs right-hand sliding: RELIABILT patio doors are reversible, meaning the sliding panel can be configured to slide from either direction during installation. Decide which side should open based on your room layout and traffic flow before you install.
White vs almond vs woodgrain finish: White is the most popular and matches most trim. Almond blends with cream or beige interiors. Woodgrain interior finish adds warmth but only applies to the interior side. The exterior of all RELIABILT patio doors is white or almond vinyl. You cannot paint vinyl frames since paint will peel.
For a solid rear entry without the glass, a steel back door is a more affordable option. If you want airflow protection, pair your patio door with a separate screen door or use the included sliding screen panel.
Patio Door Installation Tips
Patio doors are heavy (100-150 lbs). You need two people. Have a helper ready before you start. Set the fixed panel into the frame first, then install the sliding panel onto the track. Work on a clean, flat surface to avoid scratching the frame or glass.
Level the sill track precisely. The aluminum sill track must be perfectly level for smooth sliding. Use shims under the sill every 12 inches and check with a 4-foot level. Even 1/8" of sag causes the sliding panel to roll to one side and feel heavy.
Apply flashing and sealant around the entire exterior perimeter before installing exterior trim. The large opening size makes patio doors more vulnerable to water intrusion than standard doors. Use flexible flashing tape across the sill and up both sides, lapping each piece over the one below.
Common Patio Door Problems and Fixes
Door slides hard or sticks: Dirt and debris accumulate in the aluminum sill track. Vacuum the track thoroughly, then wipe with a damp cloth. Apply silicone spray (not WD-40) to the track. If the door still drags, adjust the roller height screws on the bottom of the sliding panel. Turn clockwise to raise the door off the track.
Drafts along the bottom: The pile weatherstripping on the interlock rail compresses over time. Check for gaps with a dollar bill test: close the door on the bill, and if it pulls out easily, the seal is worn. Replacement pile strips are available at Lowe's for $5-10 per foot.
Condensation between glass panes: This means the argon gas seal has failed. There is no field repair. The affected glass panel must be replaced under warranty if still covered, or replaced as a unit. The dual-pane sealed unit carries a limited lifetime warranty from RELIABILT.
Screen door jumps off track: The screen rollers wear down or the spring-loaded pins loosen. Lift the screen panel, inspect the rollers for flat spots, and replace if worn. Adjust the spring pins at the top of the screen to sit firmly in the top track channel.
How to Maintain Your Patio Door
Clean the track monthly during seasons of heavy use. Use a vacuum with a crevice attachment followed by a damp cloth. A clean track is the single most important factor in smooth sliding operation and long roller life.
Wash the glass quarterly with standard glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution. Clean both the interior and exterior panes. Do not use abrasive pads on Low-E coated glass, as the coating is on the interior surface of the outer pane.
Lubricate the rollers and lock mechanism annually with silicone spray. Apply through the adjustment holes at the bottom of the sliding panel. Work the door back and forth several times to distribute the lubricant.
Inspect the vinyl frame every 2-3 years for cracks at the corner welds. Vinyl does not rot or corrode, but fusion welds can crack in extreme temperature cycling. Small cracks can be sealed with clear silicone caulk. Large cracks require frame section replacement.
Replace the screen mesh every 5-10 years or when it develops holes or sags. The sliding screen panel uses fiberglass mesh held in a channel with rubber spline. Re-screening takes 20 minutes with a spline roller tool and costs under $20 in materials. Replace the rubber spline at the same time since it hardens with age.
Recaulk the exterior perimeter every 3-5 years. The joint where the vinyl patio door frame meets the house siding or stucco relies on exterior caulk for water protection. Use a high-quality polyurethane or silicone caulk rated for exterior use. Remove old caulk completely before applying new material for a proper seal.
Patio Door Questions
Are RELIABILT patio doors secure against break-ins?
RELIABILT patio doors include a multi-point locking handle and a keyed lock for security. However, sliding glass doors are inherently less secure than solid entry doors. Add a security bar (a metal rod placed in the track behind the sliding panel) for additional protection. Some homeowners also install a secondary foot lock at the base of the door for two-point locking.
Can I replace just the sliding panel, not the whole door?
If your frame and track are in good condition, you may be able to order a replacement glass panel through Lowe's special order. However, matching a panel to an existing frame requires the exact model number, which is printed on a label inside the frame jamb. In most cases, replacing the full unit is more practical and ensures all seals and components match.
How much does professional patio door installation cost?
Lowe's offers professional installation for patio doors starting at $300-500 for a straightforward replacement (existing opening, no framing changes). New construction or opening modifications add $200-400 for framing work. DIY installation is possible but requires two people due to the weight and size of the unit (100-150 lbs).
Add a deck railing system to the patio outside. For the interior side, window and door moulding finishes the frame. Pair with matching RELIABILT windows in the same room for consistent energy performance. See reviews for real-world feedback.