French Door Window Replacement
French doors add a gorgeous design feature to homes and offer a great view. French doors are also a popular option to increase the efficiency of your home's energy use.
If one or more of your French door windows are broken, it may be time to replace them. It is simple to replace the glass on french door windows.
Replacement Panes
French doors add a classic, timeless look to homes. replacement french door are usually glazed with glass panes to let sunlight and views from outside to flow through the home and brighten the interior spaces. However, glazed panes can also be a security risk in the event that they break or crack. It's not necessary to buy an entire door in order to replace a damaged or cracking window pane. All you need is a few simple tools and elbow grease and a basic understanding of the way glass works.
French door replacement panes can be found in many styles and materials. They can be clear or colored to fit an aesthetic or style or made of security glass to guard against impact. They can be etched or pattern to create privacy for the window or to create an element of design. Additionally they can be insulated with low-E films or even argon gas to increase energy efficiency and reduce the glare and UV radiation.
To replace a broken window pane, take out the broken glass first from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles to shield yourself from injury. After getting rid of the old glass the frame needs to be cleaned to get rid of dust or debris. It's a good idea to also scrape around the edges of the frame, and then remove any glazing points to clear the frame.
After the frame is cleaned and dry, the new glass can be put in place and secured. It is essential that the glass is matched exactly to the existing frame to avoid leaks, misalignment and other problems. The new glass is usually secured with caulk or double-sided tape. Once the putty dries it is then painted or covered with trim to complete the task.
If your French doors have dual-pane windows and seals, the seals between the windows can sometimes deteriorate, causing moisture to seep into the room 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 IGUs. (IGUs). It is possible to replace one window pane of a French door with a brand new glass insulated unit, provided that you have the correct measurements for the new piece of glass.
Frames
The frame is what holds the glass and also provides support to the door while it swings open and closed. The frames for french doors can be metal, wood composite or vinyl. They can be stained or painted. Frames made of wood are usually stained, and then finished with a a top coat of clear varnish to protect them from the elements. The other frame materials could be left unpainted or painted in a color you prefer. Many of our customers opt to keep their existing frames and replace the damaged glass. This gives you a fresh appearance for a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire door system.
If you plan to stain your doors it is recommended to do it in a ventilated space, following the paint's manufacturer's warnings, guidelines and recommendations. Begin by lightly sanding the surfaces to be stained. Let dry after cleaning them with a mild detergent mix. Once the surfaces have dried they can be sprayed with an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow each coat to fully dry between coats. The paint manufacturer will recommend a clear topcoat.
To ensure safety and performance, it is important to choose the correct glass for your French doors. Glass needs to be tempered, which is much safer than regular glass that is annealed in the event of breakage. Tempered glass also does a better job of controlling heat and reducing glare in your home. It is also much less likely to develop condensation between the two layers of glass.
The glass inserts for your French doors are available as a single piece of glass that covers the entire door (1 lite) or with a grid at the bottom known as a divided-lite. Divided lites are a timeless feature that exudes elegance and blends well with different architectural styles.
It is crucial to replace the glass of your French doors with an entirely new glass that has the exact same thickness as the previous. This will ensure that the door is operating properly and a tight seal. Window glass that is insulated is usually 1/2" thick, however decorative "triple glazed" glass (two clear pieces joined by a decorative third piece between, usually with a metal caming embedded) can be up to 3/4" thick. When replacing windows, it is important to get the correct thickness of glass. Windows that are too thin could not seal properly or be difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors have glass that makes up the entire door (1 lite) or have a top pane and a regular pane on the bottom (1/2 lite). If the glass of the window is broken and needs to be replaced.
There are a few things to consider when replacing the French-door window. The first is determining the kind of glass that is required. Safety glass is readily available and can help defend against intruders, decrease the glare and reduce UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It is also more durable than regular annealed glass and will not break into sharp sharp pieces.
The hardware is the second thing to consider. It is essential to choose the correct hardware to complement the style of the window and door. It should be easy to use and built to stand up to years of usage.
Once the replacement glass is installed there will be a few finishing touches that need to be taken care of. The trim around the glass should be removed, and the nails need to cut. This is best done by hand or using a hacksaw. The trim can then be reattached and the nail holes filled with caulking or putty.
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, add elegance and charm to any home. In certain cases, they could require repair or replacement to function as intended. Replacing French windows and doors is a daunting task for homeowners, but it is doable with careful planning. Choosing the best products and following the right steps can lead to outstanding results.
Prior to starting the replacement process, it's essential to clear the area around the window. It is also a good idea to cover the floor and walls with protective coverings. After the space is cleared, take out all existing hardware and glazing points. Use a pry bar and utility knife to remove the trim and sash. Once the old window has been removed then sweep and vacuum the area to eliminate any remaining debris.
Install insulation after the window is installed to increase the efficiency of your home and increase comfort. This is particularly important if the old windows had moisture between the panes. This moisture can damage the glass and cause an oily film on the inside of 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 will help with both sound and temperature control. It is available at the majority of hardware stores and is simple to install.
To install the insulation you need to cut a piece to size and then apply drywall tape to the seams. Then, mud all of the seams. Allow them to dry and then sand them until it is smooth. Paint the window trim and the sash casing to match your home.
Replace the wooden stoppers on the sides and bottom of the frame once the sash has been shut. Fix them with 4d nails. Then, slide the sash down to within 10 in. of the window sill. Engage the sash lifts using a screwdriver, by sliding it into the groove of the stopper, and then twisting slightly from horizontal to vertical.
