The Manufactured Housing Forums

I have a 1992 Skyline Home. I am wondering if it is possible to reverse the direction that the patio door operates.

I did call Skyline and they said it would be a Phillips door and that yes, they can be reversed by removing the operating panel, removing the frame from the rough opening and re installing it upside down. The track and all parts are interchangeable.

It may sound like a lot of bother but it would certainly improve exiting the house and getting out onto the deck without having to navigate around the dining room table and it would be more convenient to the kitchen counter when cooking out, etc.

Has anyone done this before? Any pointers would be certainly welcomed and appreciated.

You can run into some difficulties on a home that has been in place for 10 years. Most sliding doors get a rigorous daily workout. It would not be surprising after ten years to find the door really needs replacing. It would also be unusual to be able to just remove and reinstall the door.

Every time we have had to replace a glass door we also found some rotted wood in the door frame or decking that needed to be replaced. Take the opportunity to replace damaged wooden siding, framing, decking or interior trim. Installing a door into damaged wood is a prescription for more serious problems down the road.

The upside is that door manufacturers have improved the design,construction and energy efficiency of their doors. You can find a good selection, in various sizes and configurations, at window replacement companies, home repair centres and lumber yards. You can find mobile home specific doors at the online MH parts store. This may be your only alternative for an exact size match and best price. Many local sellers will also offer installation service.

Chances are that the door opening is not 100% square and level from settlement over the years. A good set up crew should have put a block pier under each side of the door opening.

On top of each piers you should find wooden wedges. By GENTLY tapping a wedge in you can raise that side of the door opening. Pulling the wedge back will lower that side of the door. It is a good Idea to get the door opening squared before you try to remove the door so that it will be easy to remove and reinstall.

If you have extensive carpentry experience and tools, go for it... If you have any doubts about tackling the job, don't! Call in a pro.