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On average, sliding glass patio doors can last between 20 and 30 years. Their actual lifespan depends on several factors, including proper installation, frequency of use, and regular maintenance of the sliding components. While this is the typical range, minor problems and the need for occasional repairs or part replacements can still occur. Addressing issues as soon as they arise and performing regular maintenance will help extend the door's life. If the door is older and requires frequent or significant repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit.

Residential exterior doors should swing inward. While this cuts into your living space and prevents you from putting furniture near the inside of your door, it also means that the hinges will only be accessible from the interior. Hinges that sit on the outside of your home leave your property far less secure, as someone looking to get in could simply unscrew them and remove your door. Additionally, inswing exterior doors will be operable even if you have snow or other obstructions outside.

While not strictly required, it is highly recommended to shim both sides of a door. Shimming both sides allows you to make minor adjustments for wall framing that isn't perfectly plumb, ensuring the door is level and hangs evenly. This practice helps the door swing open and close smoothly, reduces the chances of the frame warping, and can be used to center the door within the wall opening. If you are working alone, you may find it easier to remove the door slab to lighten the weight while supporting the frame and inserting the shims. With two people, the process is generally faster and easier, whether the slab is left in place or not.

A prehung door is a door that comes ready to install, already mounted in its frame with hinges and stop molding included. Because everything is factory-aligned, installation is quicker, more precise, and convenient, as you don't need to drill or align the hinges yourself. This makes it a smart option if your current frame is damaged, uneven, or if you're working on a new build. Installation involves fitting the entire unit into the rough opening, shimming and leveling it, and then securing it. If you are replacing an existing prehung door, the process is even simpler, often just requiring you to swap the old unit for the new one and secure it with a few screws. Prehung doors typically cost only slightly more (around $20) than a door slab alone, making them an efficient choice.