5 Laws Anybody Working In French Door Window Replacement Should Know
French Door Window Replacement
French doors are an attractive design element for homes. They also provide a great view. They're also a popular option for improving energy efficiency.
It may be time to replace your French door windows if any are damaged. It is simple to replace the glass on French doors.
Replacement Panes
French doors add an elegant, timeless look to homes. replacing glass in french door are typically glazed with glass panes to let sunlight and views from outside to flood into the house and brighten the interior spaces. Glass panes with a glaze pose risky in the event that they crack or break. Fortunately, replacing a damaged or cracked window pane doesn't need the purchase of an entire door. It can be accomplished with a few tools, elbow grease and some basic understanding of how to work with glass.
Replacement panes for french door windows are available in various styles and materials. They can be clear, colored or made of safety glass for impact protection. They can be etched or pattern to add privacy to the window or to create an element of design. Additionally, windows can be insulated with low-E film or even argon gas to increase energy efficiency and limit the UV radiation and glare.
The first step in replacing windows is to remove the broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles to shield yourself from injury. After the old glass is removed, the frame should be cleaned to ensure there's no dust or debris left behind. To clean the frame, it's a great idea to scrape the edges of the frames, and remove any glazing points.
The new glass can be inserted and secured into the frame once it has been cleaned. To avoid misalignment, leaks, and other issues it is essential that the glass be matched exactly to your existing frame. The glass is fixed with double-sided tape or caulk. Once the putty is dry it can be painted or covered in trim to finish the job.
The seals between your French doors can deteriorate over time, allowing moisture to be able to get inside, causing the appearance of fog or loss of insulation. This issue is usually caused by age and can be resolved by hiring a professional to replace or repair the seals of the existing IGUs. (IGUs). However, it is possible to replace a window pane in a French door with a brand new IGU, if you have the correct measurements for the new piece of glass.
Frames
The frame is the thing that holds the glass and also provides support to the door when it swings open and closes. The frames for french doors are made in metal composite, wood, or vinyl. They are able to be painted or stained. The wood frames are often stained and then finished with a clear top coat to shield them from the elements. The other frame materials may be left unpainted or painted in a shade you choose. Many of our customers opt to keep their existing frames and replace the broken glass. This gives your home a new look for a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire door system.
If you plan to stain your doors, it is recommended that you do this in a well-ventilated area, following the paint manufacturer's instructions, warnings, and recommendations. Sand the surfaces that will be stained lightly. Clean the surfaces with mild detergent and allow to dry. After the surfaces have dried they can be coated with an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow each coat to fully dry between coats. Finally a clear top coat should be applied according to the guidelines of the paint manufacturer.
It is crucial to select the correct glass for your french doors, both for safety and performance. The glass must be tempered, which is much safer than regular glass that is annealed in the event of breakage. Tempered glass is also better in controlling heat, which means it reduces glare and preventing condensation between the layers of glass.
The glass inserts that you can use 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 that is referred to as a divided-lite. Divided lites have a classic look that is elegant and is a good match with many architectural styles.
It is crucial to replace the glass on your French doors with a new one that is the exact same thickness as the old. This will ensure proper operation and a secure 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 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 may not seal properly or be difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors are constructed of glass that covers the entire door (1 light) and others have a regular pane at the bottom, and the top glass. If the glass of the door window is broken and needs to be replaced.
When replacing a French door window, there are many aspects to be considered. First, determine what kind and size of glass you want. Safety glass can be used to protect against intruders and reduce glare, aswell to control UV (ultraviolet). It is also more durable than regular glass annealed, and will not shatter into sharp, sharp pieces.
The hardware you choose to use is the second aspect to think about. It is important to select the appropriate hardware that complements the style of your door and window. It should be simple to operate and designed to last for many years of use.
Once the replacement glass is installed, a few finishing touches will need to be done. Generally, the trim around the glass needs to be removed and the nails cut. It is best to do this by hand or with a hacksaw. The trim can then be reattached and the nailholes filled with caulking.
Installation
French door windows provide a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. These windows, regardless of whether they are single-paned or multi-paned, add elegance and charm to any home. In certain cases, they could require replacement or repair in order to function as intended. It can be a daunting project for homeowners to replace French doors and Windows, but with careful planning it is doable. Selecting the right products and taking the proper steps can yield impressive results.
Before beginning the replacement process, it is important to clear the space around the window. It is also a good idea to lay the protective coverings down to prevent damage to walls and floors. When the space is clean take out any hardware and glazing points from the frame. Use a prybar and utility knife to loosen and remove the sash and trim. Once the old window has been removed clean and sweep the area to get rid of any remaining debris.
After the new window has been installed, add insulation to help with energy efficiency and comfort. This is especially crucial if the windows were double-paned and were prone to moisture between the panes. This moisture can cause the glass to become damaged and cause an oily film within the window.
Fiberglass is the most effective insulation for these areas. It can be positioned between the framing on the shorter wall and will aid in both sound and temperature control. It is available at many hardware stores and is easy to install.
Installing insulation is as easy as cutting the piece of insulation to the right size and then applying drywall tape along the seams. Next apply mud to the seams, allow the mud to dry before you sand until smooth. Paint the trim on the outside of the window and the sash casing to match your home.
When the sash is shut after closing, replace the stopper on the top and the wood interior stops on the sides and bottom of the frame. Attach them using 4d nails. Slide the sash until it is within 10 inches. of the window sill. Use the sash lifts to engage a screwdriver, by sliding it into the groove of the parting stop and then bending it slightly from horizontal to vertical.