French Door Window Replacement
French doors are a beautiful design element for homes. They also provide the best view. They're also a popular option to increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage.
It's time to replace your French door windows if one or more have been damaged. It is easy to replace the glass on French doors.
Replacement Panes
French doors provide an elegant, timeless look to homes. French doors are usually coated with glass to let the views and sunlight flood into the home, and lighten interiors. However, the glazed panes can also be a security risk in the event that they break or crack. It's not necessary to purchase an entire door in order to replace a broken or cracked window pane. All you need is some basic tools and elbow grease and a basic understanding of how 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 a design element. They can also be insulated with low-E films, or even the use of argon gas to increase energy efficiency and decrease the glare and ultraviolet radiation.
The first step to replace a window pane is to remove the broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles in order to protect yourself from injury. After taking out the old glass the frame must be cleaned to get rid of dust or debris. It's recommended to also scrape the edges of the frame and pull out any glazing points to clear the area.
After the frame has been cleaned and dry, the new glass can be placed in the frame and secured. It is crucial that the glass is matched exactly to the frame to prevent leaks, misalignment, and other problems. The glass is typically held in place using caulk or double-sided tape. Once the putty is dry it can be painted or covered with trim to finish the job.
If your French doors consist of dual-pane windows, the seals between the windows can occasionally fail and allow moisture into the room and cause a cloudy appearance or loss of insulation. This is usually the result of age and can be resolved by having a professional repair or replace the seals on existing insulated glass units (IGUs). It is possible to replace a single window pane in a French door with a new glass insulated unit, provided that you have the right measurements for the new piece of glass.
Frames
The frame is the thing that holds the glass and provides support for the door while it swings open or closed. The frames for french doors can be found in metal composite, wood or vinyl. They are able to be painted or stained. Wood frames are usually stained, and then finished with a an overcoat of clear varnish to protect them against the elements. The other frame materials may be left unpainted or painted in a shade you choose. Many of our customers choose to keep the frames they have and replace only the broken panes of glass. This can give your home a fresh appearance at a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire door system.
If you want to stain your doors it is recommended that you apply the stain in a well-ventilated area, following the paint manufacturer's instructions, warnings, and guidelines. Begin by lightly sanding the surfaces to be stained. Let dry after cleaning with mild detergent mix. Once the surfaces are dry they can be coated with an opaque acrylic latex base coat. Allow to completely dry between coats. The paint manufacturer will recommend a clear topcoat.
It is important to have the correct glass for your french doors, both for safety and performance. Glass needs to be tempering, which is a lot safer than regular glass annealed in case of a breakage. Tempered glass also performs better at controlling heat and reducing glare in your home, and is more likely to not develop condensation between the two layers of glass.
The glass inserts for your French doors are available as a solid piece of glass that completely covers the door (1 lite), or with an underlying grid known as a divided-lite. Divided lites have a classic look that is elegant and works well with a variety of architectural styles.
It is essential to replace the glass of your French doors with a new one that is the exact same thickness as the previous. This will ensure a strong seal and proper operation. Window glass that is insulated can be as thick as 3/4". However decorative "triple-glazed" glass (two pieces of clear glass with a decorative piece in the middle typically with a metal caming) can be as thick as 1/2". 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
Some French doors are composed of glass that covers the entire door (1 light) some have a standard pane at the bottom and an upper-only glass. If the glass window of the door is broken, it will have to be replaced.
There are many things to consider when replacing a French-door window. The first is to identify the kind of glass that is required. Safety glass is readily available and can help defend against intruders, decrease glare and control UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It is also more durable than regular glass that is annealed and won't break into sharp, sharp pieces.
The hardware is the second aspect to think about. It is crucial to select the right hardware to match the design of the window and door. It should be simple to use and robust enough to last for many years.
After the glass replacement has been installed, some finishing touches will need to be done. Generally, the trim around the glass will need to be removed and the nails cut. This can be done by hand or using a hacksaw. The trim can then be re-attached, and the nail holes filled with putty or caulking.
Installation
French door windows provide a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. french door repair Repair My Windows And Doors , whether they are single or multi-paned they add elegance and style to any home. In some cases they may require replacement or repair to function as intended. Replacing French windows and doors can be a challenging task for homeowners, but it's feasible with careful planning. Making the right choices and taking the proper steps can yield outstanding results.
Before beginning the replacement process, it's important to clear the space around the window. It is also recommended to lay down protective coverings to prevent the destruction of walls and floors. When the space is clean, remove any existing hardware and glazing points from the frame. Utilize a pry bar or utility knife to loosen and take the sash off and trim. Once the old window is removed, vacuum and sweep the area to remove all remnants.
Add insulation after the window is put in place to increase the energy efficiency and comfort. This is particularly crucial if your previous windows were damp between the panes. This moisture could damage the glass and lead to an oily film on the inside of the window.
The best kind of insulation for this kind of space is fiberglass. It can be placed between the framing on the short wall and will help with both temperature and sound control. It is readily available at many hardware stores and is simple for you to install.
To install the insulation you need to cut a piece to size and place drywall tape to the seams. Next, mud all the seams. Wait for them to dry and then sand them until it's 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 when the sash is closed. Attach them using a the 4d nail. Slide the sash until it is within 10 inches. of the window sill. Make use of the sash lifts with a screwdriver, by sliding it into the groove of the parting stop and then twisting it slightly from horizontal to vertical.