Installation Guide | Sliders
Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth installation process. Use the Table of Contents below to jump directly to the section you need. Instructions must be followed for a valid warranty.
📑 Table of Contents
1. Receiving
- Inspect your door immediately after delivery.
- Report any damage to Pinky’s Iron Doors Customer Service within 3 days.
- Keep all original packaging for potential returns.
2. Storage & Handling
- Handle doors with at least 2 people.
- Store in a dry, covered area with fabric padding.
- Remove packaging immediately; do not store with shipping materials.
- Keep doors dry and wipe away moisture promptly.
- Never leave doors uncovered on an active job site before installation.
3. Tools Required
Tools Required: Only use scissors when opening the packaging for your doors, windows, and frames. Do not use razor blades or knives, as sharp blades can scratch or damage the painted finish. Metal has flex which can only be found by using a small 12-inch level and is the only correct level that must be used to accurately read the designated leveling points.
Tools Not to Use: Avoid razor blades, knives, levels longer then 12 inches, laser levels, straight edges, and wood shims. At every leveling point, use two opposing plastic shims for proper adjustment. Wood shims will crack and compress and are not suitable for our doors. Straight edges and rulers are not accurate tools of measurement for our doors since every door is hand forged and made without straight lines. Laser levels, and long levels will not find the flex in our doors during installation.
Installation Prep: Sill pans must be installed prior to frame installation to protect against water intrusion. Do not seal sill pans for proper drainage. Must only use 100% silicone based sealant.
Tools to use
Tools not to use
4. Rough Opening Requirements
- Rough opening should be 1–2 inch wider and taller than the frame.
- Ensure the opening is plumb, level, and square on every side.
- Maintain at least 1 inch clearance around the frame.
- Make sure there’s solid wood or metal backing for the lag bolts.
- Exterior doors require an overhang and drip edge installed above the frame so water can be diverted away from the top.
- All Exterior doors require metal sill pans prior to installation.
5. Frame Installation
Before you start installing your door frame, make sure your rough opening is plumb, level, and square. Use plastic shims at the leveling points.
- Use only a 12-inch level when installing. Laser levels and long levels are not sufficient.
- Always use plastic shims; wood shims compress over time.
- If using spray foam, it must be low-expanding and applied by a professional.
- Only blue vinyl painter’s tape on doors/frames.
- Replace tape regularly if exposed to sunlight.
- If duct tape needed, apply blue painter’s tape first.
6. Sliding Door Roller Adjustment and Installation
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Adjustable Rollers
Each lower corner of the door is equipped with an adjustable roller assembly. These rollers allow the door height to be fine-tuned on each side independently. -
Adjusting the Door Height
Use a 5mm allen wrench to raise or lower each roller. Adjusting the rollers changes the door’s vertical position.- For initial installation, set the roller to its highest adjustment position.
- This provides maximum clearance and makes it easier to place the door onto the track.
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Installing the Doors onto the Track
Begin by placing the locking side door on the track first. Then proceed sequentially, installing each additional door working outward, away from the first installed panel. -
Leveling
After the doors are positioned on the track, verify your level reference marks. Make fine adjustments to the rollers as needed to ensure the doors are plumb and level. -
Fixed Panel Alignment
It is critical that the fixed (stationary) panel is set perfectly level. This panel serves as the alignment reference for all other sliding panels. Any misalignment here will affect the movement and fit of the remaining doors. -
Installing End Plates
Install the end plates on all sliding door panels. Note: Some minor filing or fitting may be required, as roller positions can vary based on door adjustments.
7. Hardware & Finishing
Adjust lock strike plates if needed. Check roller catch stiffness and adjust screws.
8. Care & Maintenance
✅ Regular maintenance keeps doors functioning perfectly. Clean monthly with Pinkys Iron door spray and lubricate hinges yearly with any petroleum grease.
- Vacuum dust/debris after installation.
- Protect doors with blue vinyl painter’s tape only.
- After construction, remove tape and wipe down with Pinkys Iron + Steel Clean Protect Spray.
9. Troubleshooting
1. Our doors are designed with real, solid metal craftsmanship. Because we apply high heat during welding, the metal shifts slightly during the cooling process and contracts, which means you might notice tiny subtle variations rather than straight lines. This is normal and part of the handcrafting character of our doors. We could force perfect straightness but it would require lots of filler and would compromise the honest metal design. So when you see slight, gentle curvature or variation, rest assured it’s intentional and built into the process.
2. Do not use a level or straight edge on the hinge to check door alignment. The hinge is not a measuring point for our doors. Hinges act as pivot points and are not designed to be perfectly straight. Because of this, placing a level or straight edge on the hinge will always give a false reading. To confirm proper alignment, check the frame is level using a 12 inch level and has the correct clearance gaps around the frame. Adjust shims as needed.
3. If the door rubs, or locks do not align, check frame leveling with a 12-inch level, shim points, and clearance gaps (1 inch). Adjust hardware and shims as needed.
4. Adjusting Door Touch Points and Locking Alignment
If the locking door or first panel is not closing properly, you may need to adjust the frame to correct the alignment. To do this, add shims at the point farthest from the center. This will nudge the door so it will meet the other panel properly and allow them to close and lock together smoothly.
