French Door Window Replacement
French doors are a stunning design element for homes. They also offer a great view. French doors are also a popular choice to increase the efficiency of your home's energy use.
If one or more of your French door windows are damaged it could be time to replace it. It is simple to replace the glass of french doors.
Replacement Panes
French doors give an elegant, timeless appearance to homes. They are often covered with glass panes that allow sunlight and outside views to flow through the home and brighten interiors. However, glass panes that are glazed can be a security risk in the event that they break or crack. It's not necessary to purchase an entire door in order to repair a broken or cracking window pane. All you need is a few simple tools, some elbow grease, and a basic understanding of the way glass works.
Replacement panes for french door windows are available in a variety of styles and materials. They can be colored, clear or constructed of safety glass for impact protection. They can be etched or patterned to create privacy for the window or to create an aesthetic element. They can also be made to be more energy efficient by using low-E films, or even argon gases to increase energy efficiency and decrease the effects of ultraviolet radiation and glare.
To replace a damaged window pane, remove the broken glass first from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles throughout this process to prevent injury. After removing the old glass, the frame must be cleaned to remove any dust or debris. To clean the area it's a good idea to scrape the edges of the frames, and remove any glazing points.
The new glass can then be fitted and securing into the frame after it has been cleaned. To avoid leaks, misalignment, and other problems it is crucial that the glass is aligned exactly to your existing frame. The glass is typically fixed with double-sided tape or caulk. After the putty is dry, it should be painted or covered with trim to complete the job.
The seals on the seals on your French doors may become damaged over time, allowing moisture be able to get inside, causing the appearance of fog or loss of insulation. This problem is usually caused by age and can be fixed by hiring a professional to replace or repair the seals on the existing insulated-glass units (IGUs). However, it is possible to replace one window pane on the French door with a new glass insulated unit, provided that you have the proper measurements for the new piece of glass.
Frames
The frame is used to hold the glass and supports the door when it swings up and down. The frames for french doors are made in wood, metal composite or vinyl. They can be stained or painted. Frames made of wood are usually stained and then finished with an overcoat of clear varnish that protects them from the elements. The other frames can be left natural or painted in a color of your choice. Many of our customers choose to keep their existing frames and replace only the broken panes of glass. This gives your home a fresh look for a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire door system.
It is recommended that if you decide to stain the doors, you do so in a space that is well ventilated and adhere to the precautions, warnings and recommendations of the paint company. Sand the areas that will be stained lightly. Clean with mild detergent and allow to dry. After the surfaces have dried, they can be coated with an opaque acrylic base coat, and allow to dry completely between coats. Then, a clear top coat is applied in accordance with the guidelines of the paint manufacturer.
It is crucial to select the correct glass for your french doors, both for security and performance. Glass needs to be tempering, which is a lot safer than regular glass annealed in case of a breakage. Repair My Windows And Doors is also more effective in regulating heat, reducing glare and preventing condensation between the layers of glass.
The glass inserts that you can use for your French doors are available as a single piece of glass that covers the entire door (1 lite) or with a grid at the bottom known as divided-lite. Divided lites are a classic design that oozes class and blends well with different architectural styles.
When the glass in your French doors breaks, it's crucial to have a replacement that is the same thickness as the original. This will ensure proper operation and a secure seal. Window glass that is insulated is usually 1/2" thick, but decorative "triple glass" glass (two clear pieces with an additional decorative piece between them, typically with a metal caming inlaid) can be up to 3/4" thick. When replacing a window, it is crucial to choose the correct thickness of glass. Windows that are too thin may not be sealed properly or become difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors feature glass that cover the entire door (1 light) or have a top and regular pane on the bottom (1/2 lite). If the glass of the window is broken it must be replaced.
There are a few things you should consider when replacing a French-door window. The first is to determine the kind of glass required. Safety glass is a good choice to guard against intruders and reduce glare, aswell to control UV (ultraviolet). It is more durable than regular annealed glass and won't shatter into sharp jagged pieces.
The other aspect to consider is the hardware to be utilized. It is important to select the correct hardware that is compatible with the style of your door and window. It should be easy to operate and designed to withstand years of use.
After the replacement glass is installed, a few finishing touches will need to be added. The trim around the glass needs to be removed and the nails cut. It is best to do this manually or using a hacksaw. Then the trim can be re-attached and the nail holes can be filled with putty or caulking.
Installation
French door windows provide a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. They can be installed with a single pane glass or a multi-pane design, these windows offer style and elegance to any house. In some cases they might require repair or replacement to function effectively. It can be a challenging project for homeowners to replace French doors and Windows but with a careful approach, it is possible. Choosing the best products and following the correct steps can result in outstanding results.
Before starting the replacement process, it's essential to clear the area around the window. It is also a great idea to cover the walls and floor with protective coverings. After the area is cleared, take out the existing hardware and glazing points. Take the sash off using the help of a utility knife and a pry-bar. After the old window has been removed, vacuum and sweep the area to eliminate all remnants.
Once the new window is installed, add insulation to help in reducing energy consumption and improve comfort. This is particularly important if your old windows had moisture between the panes. The moisture can cause damage to the glass and lead to an oily film on the interior of the window.
Fiberglass is the ideal insulation for these areas. It can be used to control both sound and temperature. It is readily available at many hardware shops and is easy to install.
Installing insulation is as easy as cutting the piece of insulation to the right size and applying drywall tape along the seams. Then, mud the seams. Allow them to dry and then sand the surface until it is smooth. Then, paint the sash casing and exterior window trim to be in keeping with the rest of your home.
Once the sash is closed, replace the parting stop on the top, and replace the wood interior stops on the sides and the bottom of the frame. Fix them with a the 4d nail. Slide the sash to within 10 inches. The window sill. Use the sash lifts to engage a screwdriver by sliding it into the groove of the parting stop and then bending it slightly from horizontal to vertical.