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 improve energy efficiency.
If one or more of your French door windows is broken It could be time to replace them. It is simple to replace the glass of french door windows.
Replacement Panes
French doors provide an elegant, timeless look to homes. They are typically covered with glass panes that let light and views outside to flood through the home and brighten interiors. Glass panes with a glaze pose risky in the event that they crack or break. Luckily, replacing a broken or cracked window pane doesn't need the purchase of an entire door. It can be accomplished with just a few tools, elbow grease, and a basic understanding of how to work with glass.
Replacement panes for french door windows are available in different styles and materials. They can be transparent or colored to match a particular aesthetic, or they can be made of safety glass to shield against impact. They can also be made to be etched or patterned to provide privacy or a design element to windows. In addition, they can be insulated with low-E or even argon gas to boost energy efficiency and limit glare and UV radiation.
To replace a broken window pane, take out the broken glass first from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles throughout this procedure to avoid injuries. After taking out the old glass the frame needs to be cleaned to remove dust or debris. To clean the area it's a good idea to scrape the edges of the frames and remove any glazing points.
Once the frame is clean and the glass is ready to be inserted into place and secured. It is crucial that the glass is aligned exactly to the existing frame to avoid leaks, misalignment and other issues. The glass is typically held in place using double-sided tape or caulk. After the putty has dried it is then painted or covered with trim to finish the task.
The seals between your French doors can become deteriorated over time, allowing moisture to be able to get inside, causing the appearance of fog or loss of insulation. This is typically caused by aging and can be addressed by having a professional replace or repair the seals of the current IGUs. (IGUs). It is possible to replace a window pane on the French door with a brand new insulated glass unit, providing you have the proper measurements for the new piece of glass.
Frames
The frame is what holds the glass and also provides support to the door when it swings open and closed. The frames for french doors are made in wood, metal composite, or vinyl. french doors repair can be painted or stained. Frames made of wood are usually stained, and then finished with a an overcoat of clear varnish to shield them from the elements. The other frame materials could be left unpainted or painted in the color you select. A lot of our customers opt to keep the frames they have and replace only the damaged panes of glass. This can give you a fresh, new design at a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire door system.
It is advised that if you wish to stain doors, you do so in a space with good ventilation and follow the instructions, precautions and guidelines of the paint company. Sand the surfaces to be stained lightly. Clean with a mild detergent mixture and allow to dry. After the surfaces have dried they can be coated in an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow each coat to completely dry between coats. Then, a clear top coat must be applied in accordance with the guidelines of the paint manufacturer.
It is essential to choose the correct glass for your french doors, for both safety and performance. Glass should be temperable. This is safer in the event of a broken glass than regular annealed. Tempered glass is also more effective at controlling heat, reducing the appearance of glare, and also preventing condensation between the layers of glass.
Glass inserts for your French doors are available as a solid piece of glass that completely covers the door (1 light), or with a grid at the bottom, called divided-lite. Divided lites are a classic feature that exudes class and blends well with different architectural styles.
If the glass in your French doors breaks, it's important to have a replacement that is similar in thickness to the original. This will ensure a strong seal and a proper operation. Insulated glass windows are typically 1/2" thick but decorative "triple glass" glass (two clear pieces with a third piece of decorative glass in between usually with a metal caming embedded) can be as thick as 3/4" thick. When replacing a window it is important to get the proper thickness of glass. Windows that are too thin could not be sealed properly or become difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors are composed of glass that completely covers the door (1 light) some have a regular pane at the bottom and the top glass. If the glass of the window is damaged and needs to be replaced.
When replacing a French door window, there are a few aspects to be considered. First, determine what kind and size of glass you require. Safety glass is a good choice to shield against intruders, reduce glare as well to control UV (ultraviolet). It is more durable than regular annealed tempered glass and won't break into sharp jagged pieces.
The other aspect to consider is the hardware that will be employed. It is important to choose the correct hardware to complement the design of the door and window. It should be easy-to-use and robust enough to last for years.
After the glass replacement is installed There will be a few finishing touches that need to be taken care of. Generally, the trim around the glass needs to be removed and the nails cut. This can be done by hand or using 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 multi-paned or single-paned are a great way to add style and elegance to any house. In some cases they may require replacement or repair in order to function as intended. It can be a challenging project for homeowners to replace French doors and windows however, with careful planning it is doable. The best results can be achieved by selecting the appropriate products and following the right steps.
Before you begin the replacement process, it is essential to clear the area around the window. It is also recommended to lay over protective covers to avoid damage to floors and walls. When the space is clean and free of any hardware and glazing points from the frame. Remove the sash using a pry-bar and utility knife. After the old window is removed, sweep and vacuum the area to remove all remaining debris.
Once the new window is installed Install insulation to assist with energy efficiency and comfort. This step is especially important if your old windows were damp between the panes. This moisture can cause the glass to be damaged and create an oily film within the window.
The most effective type of insulation for these areas is fiberglass. It can be used to control both temperature and sound. It can be purchased at many hardware stores and is easy to install.
To install the insulation, cut a piece to fit and apply drywall tape over the seams. Next apply mud to the seams, wait for the mud to dry before you sand until the surface is smooth. Finally, 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 side and the bottom of the frame. Attach them using a 4d nails. Slide the sash to within 10 inches. of the window sill. With a screwdriver, you can engage the sash lifts by sliding it into the groove in the parting stop and twisting slightly from vertical to horizontal.