French Door Window Replacement
French doors are a beautiful design element for homes. They also provide a great view. French doors are also a popular choice to improve energy efficiency.
It may be time to replace your French door windows if any are damaged. It is easy to replace the glass of french doors.
Replacement Panes
French doors give an elegant, timeless appearance to homes. They are usually covered with glass panes that let light and views outside to flow through the home and brighten interior spaces. However, glazed panes can also be security risks when they break or crack. Fortunately, replacing a damaged or cracked window pane does not require buying an entire door. It can be done by using a few tools elbow grease, and a basic knowledge of how to work with glass.
Replacement panes for french doors are available in various styles and materials. They can be transparent or colored to match a particular aesthetic, or they can be made out of security glass to guard against impact. They can be etched or pattern to create privacy for the window or to create an aesthetic element. Additionally windows can be insulated using low-E film or even argon gas for increased energy efficiency and reduce the UV radiation and glare.
The first step in replacing the window pane is to remove the broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles in order to protect yourself from injuries. Once the old glass is removed, the frame needs to be cleaned to ensure no debris or dust is left behind. To clean the frame, it's a great idea to scrape the edges of the frames and then remove any glazing points.
The glass will then be fitted and securing into the frame after it has been cleaned. It's important that the glass is aligned exactly to the existing frame to avoid leaks, misalignment or other problems. The glass will be held in place with double-sided tape or caulk. Once the putty dries, it should be painted or covered with trim to finish the job.
If you have French doors consist of dual-pane windows, the seals between them can occasionally fail, causing moisture to seep into the space and cause a cloudy appearance or loss of insulation. This is typically caused by aging and can be fixed by having a professional replace or repair the seals on the existing insulated-glass units (IGUs). It is possible to replace a window pane on the inside of a French door with a brand new insulated unit, provided you have the correct measurements.
Frames
The frame is the thing that holds the glass and also provides support to the door as it swings open and closes. The frames available for french doors are metal, wood composite, or vinyl. They are able to be painted or stained. The frames made of wood are usually stained and then finished with a clear top coat to shield them from the elements. The other frame materials can be left unfinished or painted with a color that you prefer. Many of our clients choose to keep their existing frames and only replace the damaged glass. This can give your home a fresh look at a fraction of cost of replacing the entire door system.
It is advised that if you wish to stain doors, you do so in a room that is well ventilated and adhere to the precautions, warnings and recommendations of the paint's manufacturer. First lightly sand the surfaces to be stained. Clean the surfaces with mild detergent and allow to dry. When the surfaces are dry, they can be coated with an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow to completely dry between coats. A clear top coat is applied in accordance with the instructions of the paint maker.
To ensure safety and performance, it's crucial to select the correct glass for your French doors. Glass must be tempering, which is a lot safer than regular annealed glass in the event of breakage. Tempered glass is also better in regulating heat, reducing the glare and preventing condensation between the glass layers.
The glass inserts inside your French doors can be a single piece that takes up the whole door (1 lite) or they may include a grid at the bottom, referred to as a divided lite. Divided lites are an iconic feature that exudes elegance and blends seamlessly with various architectural styles.
It is important to replace the glass of your French doors with a new one that is the exact same thickness as the old. This will ensure a secure seal and proper operation. Insulated window glass is typically 1/2" thick but decorative "triple glass" glass (two clear pieces joined by a decorative third piece in between usually with metal caming inlaid) can be as thick as 3/4" thick. It is essential to choose the right thickness of glass when purchasing an upgrade because windows that are not thick enough will not be sealed properly and could be difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors have glass that covers the entire door (1 lite) or some have a top pane and a regular pane at the bottom (1/2 lite). If the glass window of the door is damaged and needs to be replaced.
When replacing a French door window, there are many things to consider. First, determine what kind and size of glass you want. Safety glass is readily available and can to deter intruders, cut down on glare and control UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It is also more durable than regular annealed glass and will not break into sharp sharp pieces.
The second thing to consider is the hardware to be employed. It is important to select the right hardware that matches the design of your door and window. It should be simple to operate and designed to withstand many years of use.
After the glass replacement is installed, a few final touches need to be added. The trim around the glass should be removed and the nails have to be cut. It is recommended to do this manually or using a hacksaw. The trim can then be reattached and the nailholes filled with caulking.
Installation
French door windows provide a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. These windows, regardless of whether they are multi-paned or single-paned are a great way to add style and elegance to any home. In certain instances, they might require repair or replacement in order to function as intended. french door lock repairs is a difficult task for homeowners to replace French doors and windows however, with careful planning it's possible. Making the right choices and taking the proper steps can lead to amazing results.
Before you begin the replacement process it is important to clean the area around the window. It is also a great idea to protect the walls and floors with protective coverings. Once the area is clear, remove any existing hardware and glazing points from the frame. Use a prybar and utility knife to take the sash off and trim. Once the old window has been removed then sweep and vacuum the area to get rid of any remaining debris.
Install insulation after the window is installed to increase the energy efficiency and comfort. This step is particularly important if the old windows were double-paned and had moisture between the panes. This moisture can cause the glass to be damaged and create an oily film within the window.
Fiberglass is the most effective insulation for these areas. It can be used to control both temperature and sound. It is available at most hardware stores and is easy to install.
Installing insulation is as easy as cutting a piece of insulation to the appropriate size and then applying an drywall tape to the seams. Next apply mud to the seams, then wait for it to dry, and then sand until it is smooth. Paint the trim on the outside of the window and the sash casing to match your home.
Replace the wooden stops on the sides and the bottom of the frame after the sash is closed. Nail them into place with 4d nails. Slide the sash to within 10 inches. of the window sill. Engage the sash lifts using the screwdriver by sliding it into the groove of the parting stop, and then twisting slightly from vertical to horizontal.