French Door Window Replacement
French doors are an attractive design element for homes. They also provide an amazing view. French doors are also a popular choice to increase the efficiency of your home's energy use.
It could be time to replace your French door windows if one or more are damaged. Replacing the glass on your french door is a low-cost DIY project.
Replacement Panes
French doors are a common choice for windows in homes, providing an elegant and timeless appearance. They are typically covered with glass panes that let light and views outside to flood into the house and brighten interior spaces. Glass panes with a glaze pose a security threat if they crack or break. It's not necessary to buy an entire door in order to replace a broken or cracking window pane. All you need is just a few tools and elbow grease and a basic understanding of how glass operates.
Replacement panes for french doors are available in different styles and materials. They can be transparent or colored to match an aesthetic or style or made out of safety glass to shield against impact. They can be etched or patterned to provide privacy to the window or to create an aesthetic element. They can also be insulated with low-E films or gasses of argon to improve energy efficiency and decrease the glare and ultraviolet radiation.
The first step in replacing a window pane is to remove the broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles in order to protect yourself from injury. After the old glass has been removed, the frame must be cleaned to ensure that there's no dust or debris left behind. To clean the area it's recommended to scrape the edges of the frames, and remove any glazing points.
The new glass can then be fitted and securing into the frame once it has been cleaned. It's important that the glass is matched exactly to the existing frame to avoid leaks, misalignment or other problems. Typically, the new glass will be fixed by double-sided tape or caulk. Once the putty dries and is painted, it can be sprayed or covered with trim to finish the job.
The seals between the seals on your French doors may become damaged over time, allowing moisture be able to get inside, causing a foggy look or loss of insulation. This issue is usually caused by aging and can be addressed by having a professional replace or repair the seals on the existing IGUs. (IGUs). It is possible to replace the window pane on an French door by a new insulated unit, provided you have the right measurements.
Frames
The frame is the part that holds the glass in place and also provides support to the door while it swings open and closes. The frames for french doors are available in metal composite, wood or vinyl. They can be painted or stained. The wood frames are often stained and then coated with a clear top coat to shield them from the elements. The other frames can be left as natural or painted with a color of your choice. Many of our customers choose to keep the existing frames and replace only the broken panes of glass. This can give you a fresh look at a fraction the cost of replacing the entire door system.
It is advised that if you wish to stain doors, you do it in an area that is well ventilated and adhere to the instructions, precautions, and recommendations of the paint's manufacturer. Sand the surfaces that will be stained lightly. Clean with an mild detergent mix and allow to dry. Once the surfaces are dry, they can be sprayed with an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow each coat to completely dry between coats. A clear top coat must be applied following the guidelines of the paint manufacturer.
It is crucial to select the right glass for your french doors, for both security and performance. Glass needs to be tempering, which is a lot safer than regular glass annealed in case of breakage. Tempered glass is also more effective at controlling heat, reducing glare and preventing condensation between the glass layers.
Glass inserts for your French doors are available as a single piece of glass that completely covers the door (1 light), or with a grid on the bottom, called a divided-lite. Divided lites have a classic look that is elegant and blends well with many architectural styles.
If the glass in your French doors breaks it is essential to replace it with one that is similar in thickness to the original. This will ensure proper operation and a tight seal. Insulated glass windows are typically 1/2" thick, however decorative "triple glazing" glass (two clear pieces with a third piece of decorative glass between them, typically with a metal caming inlaid) can be up to 3/4" thick. It is important to have the correct thickness of glass when obtaining replacement windows because windows that are not thick enough will not seal properly or be difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors are constructed of glass that cover the entire door (1 light), while others have a regular pane on the bottom and an upper-only glass. If the glass window of the door is broken, it will have to be replaced.
When replacing a French door window, there are many things to consider. The first is to identify the kind of glass required. Safety glass is available and can help protect against intruders, reduce the glare, and also reduce UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It is more robust 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 crucial to select the appropriate hardware that matches the design of the window and door. It should be simple to operate and built to withstand many years of use.
After the replacement glass has been installed, some finishing touches must be done. The glass's trim must be removed and the nails have to cut. This is best done by hand or using a hacksaw. The trim can then be reattached and the nail holes can be filled with putty or caulking.
Installation
French door windows provide a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether they are installed with a single pane of glass or a multi-pane style they add style and elegance to any home. In certain cases, they may need repair or replacement to work effectively. It is a difficult project for homeowners to replace French doors and windows but with a careful approach, it is possible. The most effective results can be achieved by selecting the appropriate products and following the correct steps.
Before beginning the replacement process, it is important to clear out the space around the window. It is also a good idea to lay the protective coverings down to prevent the destruction of walls and floors. After the space is cleared, take away all hardware and glazing points. Use Repair My Windows And Doors and utility knife to remove the trim and sash. Once the old window is removed, vacuum and sweep the area to eliminate all remnants.
Insulate the windows after it is installed to increase energy efficiency and comfort. This is particularly important if the old windows were damp between the panes. This can cause the glass to become damaged and form an oily film within the window.
Fiberglass is the best insulation for these areas. It can be put between the framing of the short wall, and can help with the control of temperature and sound. It is available at the majority of hardware stores and is simple to install.
To install the insulation, cut a piece to size and place drywall tape to the seams. Then, mud all of the seams. Let them dry, then sand the surface until it is smooth. Paint the exterior window trim and the sash casing to match your home.
Once the sash is closed, replace the parting stop on the top, and replace the wood interior stops on the side and the bottom of the frame. Attach them using 4d nails. Then slide the sash downwards to within 10 in. The window sill. With a screwdriver, you can engage the sash lifts by sliding it in the groove of the stop that separates it from the window and twisting slightly from horizontal to vertical.