How to Install EZ Snap Shades on Sliding Patio Doors
In some cases EZ Snap® fasteners stick out too far and the door won’t slide open without knocking them off.
New to EZ Snap? You can build your sliding-door shade kit to size before you start.
Sliding Patio Door Shade Instructions
First check to see how much clearance you have between the surface where you will be mounting the EZ Snap® Fasteners and the surface that will be sliding past the snaps. You’ll need 3/4” clearance between these surfaces.
This clearance needed for EZ Snap® Fasteners is the same, whether you are using the Stainless Screw or the 3M Adhesive Studs.
If you do not have 3/4” clearance, here are your options:
- Mount 3M Adhesive Studs directly on the patio door glass to gain more clearance.
- Use Velcro on the patio door glass to gain more clearance.
- Mount your 3M Adhesive Studs onto the existing bug screen frame for one of the windows and use the outermost panel to mount the other shade screen onto. This works well most of the time since the bug screen frame usually has lots of clearance from the sliding door.
Note that if you install EZ Snap® Shade Mesh over top of your bug screen, a moray pattern will appear. This does not affect the performance of the Shade Mesh, but will affect your view. Optionally, you may remove the bug screen from the frame to avoid this issue.
Common questions
How much clearance do you need to install EZ Snap shades on a sliding patio door?
You need 3/4 inch of clearance between the surface where the fasteners mount and the surface that slides past them. This requirement is the same whether you use the stainless screw or the 3M adhesive studs. Check this gap first, because if the snaps stick out too far the sliding door can knock them off.
What can you do if there isn't enough clearance for the snaps?
You have three options to gain clearance. Mount the 3M adhesive studs directly on the door glass, use Velcro on the glass, or attach the studs to the existing bug screen frame and mount one shade panel from there. The bug screen frame usually has plenty of clearance from the sliding door, so it works well most of the time.
Can you install the shade mesh over an existing bug screen?
Yes, but layering the mesh over a bug screen creates a moire pattern. This does not affect how the shade performs, but it does affect your view through the window. To avoid it, you can remove the bug screen from its frame before mounting the shade.
Do you need a special kit for a sliding patio door?
No special kit is required, but you can build an exterior shade kit sized to your sliding door before you start. Sizing it to fit up front means the mesh trims cleanly to your opening during the install.
