French Door Window Replacement
French doors are an attractive design element for homes. They also provide a great view. French doors are also a popular option for improving energy efficiency.
It could be time to replace your French door windows if one or more are damaged. It is simple to replace the glass of french doors.
Replacement Panes
French doors provide a classic, timeless look to homes. French doors are typically covered in glass to let views and sunlight infiltrate the home and also brighten the interiors. However, glass panes that are glazed can be an issue for security when they break or crack. Fortunately, replacing a damaged or cracked window pane does not require buying an entire door. It can be done with a few tools, elbow grease, and a basic understanding of working with glass.
Replacement panes for french doors are available in different styles and materials. They can be clear or colored to match a particular aesthetic, or they can be made of security glass to guard against impacts. They can be etched or cut to create privacy for the window or to create a design element. Finally windows can be insulated using low-E films or even argon gas to boost energy efficiency and reduce the UV radiation and glare.
The first step to replace a window pane is to remove the broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles to shield yourself from injuries. After getting rid of the old glass the frame must be cleaned to get rid of dust or debris. It's a good idea also scrape around the edges of the frame, and then remove any glazing points to clear the frame.
After the frame is cleaned and the glass is ready to be placed in the frame and secured. To avoid misalignment, leaks, and other issues it is crucial that the glass is aligned exactly to your frame. Typically, the new glass will be secured with caulk or double-sided tape. After the putty has dried it can be coated or painted to complete the task.
The seals that are placed between your French doors can deteriorate over time, allowing moisture to get in and cause the appearance of fog or loss of insulation. This issue 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). It is possible to replace the window pane on a French door by a new insulated unit, if you have the right measurements.
Frames
The frame is the thing that holds the glass and also provides support to the door while it swings open and closed. The frames for french doors are available in wood, metal composite or vinyl. They can be stained or painted. The frames made of wood are usually stained and then finished with a clear top coat to protect them from the elements. The other frame materials may be left unpainted or painted in a color you choose. Many of our customers prefer to keep their existing frames and replace only the broken panes of glass. This will give you a fresh, new look at a fraction the cost of replacing the entire door system.
It is recommended that if you want to stain the doors, you do it in a room with good ventilation and follow the precautions, warnings, and recommendations of the paint manufacturer. Sand the surfaces that will be stained lightly. Clean with mild detergent and allow to dry. After the surfaces have dried, they can be coated in an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow each coat to fully dry between coats. The paint manufacturer will suggest a clear topcoat.
For security and performance, it's crucial to select the correct glass for your French doors. The glass must be temperated, which is far safer than regular glass that is annealed in the event of a breakage. Tempered glass also does a better job of controlling the heat and reducing the glare inside your home. It is much less likely to develop condensation between the two layers of glass.
repair french doors that you can use for your French doors are available as a single piece of glass that completely covers the door (1 lite), or with a grid at the bottom that is referred to as divided-lite. Divided light have a classic appearance that is elegant and works well with a variety of architectural styles.
It is crucial to replace the glass on your French doors with an entirely new glass that has the exact same thickness as the previous. This will ensure proper operation and a tight seal. Glass that is insulated can be as thick as 3/4". However decorative "triple-glazed" glass (two pieces of clear glass with an ornamental piece in the middle usually with metal caming) can reach up to 1/2". It is crucial to choose the correct thickness of glass when obtaining replacement windows as windows that are too thin may not be sealed properly and could be difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors are constructed of glass that completely covers the door (1 light), while others feature a regular pane on the bottom and an upper-only glass. If the glass window of the door is broken and needs to be replaced.
There are several aspects to take into consideration when replacing a French-door window. The first is to identify the kind of glass that is required. Safety glass is available and can protect against intruders, reduce the glare, and also reduce UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It is more robust than regular annealed glass and won't break into sharp jagged pieces.
The hardware is the next thing to consider. It is essential to select the right hardware that matches the style of your door and window. It should be simple to operate and built to withstand years of usage.
After the replacement glass has been put in place, a few final touches need to be added. The trim around the glass must be removed and the nails have to cut. It is best to do this by hand or with a hacksaw. The trim can be reattached, and nailholes filled with caulking.
Installation
French door windows provide a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. These windows, whether they are single or multi-paned, add elegance and charm to any home. In certain instances, they might require repair or replacement to function as intended. Replacing French windows and doors is a daunting task for homeowners, but it's feasible with careful planning. The best results can be obtained by choosing the right products and following the proper steps.
Prior to starting the replacement process, it's important to clear the area around the window. It is also a good idea to protect the walls and floors with protective covers. After the area is cleared, take away all existing hardware and glazing points. Use a prybar and utility knife to loosen and remove the sash and trim. After the old window has been removed, sweep and vacuum the area to eliminate any remaining debris.
Once the new window has been installed, add insulation to help with energy efficiency and comfort. This step is especially important if your old windows were damp between the panes. This can cause the glass to become damaged and form a milky film inside the window.
The most effective type of insulation for the areas in question is fiberglass. It can be put between the framing on the shorter wall, and can help with both sound and temperature control. It can be purchased at many hardware stores and is easy to install.
To install the insulation to be installed, cut a piece of insulation to size and place drywall tape to the seams. Then apply mud to the seams, then wait for it to dry, and then sand until smooth. Paint the trim on the outside of the window and sash casing to match your home.
Once the sash is closed and the sash is closed, replace the parting stop on top and the wood interior stops on the sides and bottom of the frame. Attach them using 4d nails. Slide the sash up to within 10 inches. The window sill. Use the sash lifts to engage the screwdriver by sliding it into the groove of the parting stop and then twisting it slightly from vertical to horizontal.