French Door Window Replacement
French doors are a stunning design feature to homes and offer a great view. French doors are also a popular choice for improving energy efficiency.
If one or more of your French door windows are damaged it could be time for replacement. It is easy to replace the glass of french door windows.
Replacement Panes
French doors add an elegant, timeless appearance to homes. They are usually coated with glass panes to let light and views outside to flow through the home and lighten up interiors. The glazed panes are risky in the event that they break or crack. It is not necessary to purchase an entire door to repair a broken or cracked window pane. All you require is just a few tools and elbow grease and a basic understanding of the way glass works.
French door replacement panes can be found in a variety of styles and types of materials. They can be colored, clear or made of safety glass for impact protection. They can be etched or cut to create privacy for the window or to create an element of design. They can also be insulated using low-E films or argon gases to increase energy efficiency and decrease glare and ultraviolet radiation.
To replace a damaged window pane, take out the broken glass first from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles during this procedure to avoid injury. Once the old glass is removed, the frame should be cleaned to ensure there is no dust or debris left behind. To clean the frame it's a good idea to scrape the edges of the frames, and remove any glazing points.
The new glass can be fitted and securing into the frame after it has been cleaned. To avoid leaks, misalignment and other problems, it's crucial that the glass be matched exactly to your existing frame. The glass is secured with caulk or double-sided tape. After the putty has dried, it should be painted or covered with trim to finish the job.
The seals that are placed between your French doors can deteriorate over time, allowing moisture seep in and cause a foggy look or loss of insulation. This is typically caused by age and can be addressed by hiring a professional to replace or repair the seals of the existing glass units that are insulated (IGUs). It is possible to replace a window pane on a French door by a new insulated unit, as long as you have the correct measurements.
Frames
The frame is used to hold the glass and supports the door as it swings up and down. The frames for french doors are made in wood, metal composite or vinyl. They can be painted or stained. The wood frames are typically stained and finished with a clear top coat to shield them from the elements. The other frame materials could be left unpainted or painted in a color you prefer. A lot of our customers opt to keep the existing frames and replace only the damaged panes of glass. This gives you a fresh new appearance for a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire door system.
It is recommended that if you decide to stain the doors, you do so in a space with good ventilation and follow the warnings, precautions and guidelines of the paint company. Sand the surfaces to be stained lightly. Clean with an mild detergent mix and allow to dry. Once the surfaces are dry they can be coated with an opaque acrylic latex base coat, and allow to dry completely between coats. Finally a clear top coat must be applied following the guidelines of the paint manufacturer.
To ensure safety and performance, it's important to choose the correct glass for your French doors. Glass must be tempering, which is a lot safer than regular annealed glass in the event of a breakage. Tempered glass also is more effective in controlling the heat and reducing the glare inside your home. It is more likely to not develop condensation between the two layers of glass.
The glass inserts that you can use for your French doors are available as a single piece of glass that covers the entire door (1 light) or with a grid at the bottom, called a divided-lite. Divided lites have a classic design that is elegant and blends well with many architectural styles.
When the glass in your French doors breaks, it's crucial to have a replacement that is exactly the same thickness as the original. This will ensure a strong seal and ensure proper operation. 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". It is essential to choose the right thickness of glass when purchasing an upgrade because windows that are too thin may not be sealed properly and could be difficult to open.
Hardware
Some French doors feature glass that cover the entire door (1 lite) or have a top and a regular pane at the bottom (1/2 lite). In those cases, if the glass on the door is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
When replacing the French door window, there are many aspects to be considered. The first is to determine the type of glass needed. Safety glass is readily available and can defend against intruders, decrease glare and control UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It is more durable than regular annealed tempered glass and won't break into sharp jagged pieces.
The other thing to think about is the hardware to be utilized. It is crucial to select the correct hardware to complement the style of the window and door. It should be simple to operate and built to last for many years of use.
After the glass replacement is installed, a few finishing touches must be done. The trim around the glass should be removed and the nails will need to be cut. It is best to do this by hand or using 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, whether they are single or multi-paned they add elegance and style to any home. In certain instances, they might require replacement or repair in order to function properly. Replacing French windows and doors can be a challenging task for homeowners, but it is doable with careful planning. Making the right choices and taking the proper steps can result in outstanding results.
Before starting the replacement, it is essential to clear the area around the window. It is also a good idea to lay the protective coverings down to prevent the destruction of walls and floors. Once the area is clear take out any hardware and glazing points from the frame. Use a pry bar and utility knife to loosen and remove the trim and sash. Once the old window has been removed, sweep and vacuum the area to eliminate all remnants.
After the new window has been installed Add insulation to assist in reducing energy consumption and improve comfort. This step is especially crucial if your previous windows had water between the panes. The moisture can cause damage to the glass and create a milky film on the interior of the window.
Fiberglass is the ideal insulation for these areas. It can be used to control both sound and temperature. It is readily available in most hardware shops and is easy to put up.
To install the insulation you need to cut a piece to fit and apply drywall tape over the seams. Then, mud all of the seams. Allow them to dry, then sand the surface until it is smooth. Finally, paint the sash casing and the exterior window trim to be in keeping with the rest of your home.
When the sash is shut and the sash is closed, replace the parting stop on top and the wood interior stops on the sides and the bottom of the frame. Attach them using 4d nails. Then slide french door hinge repairs weston-super-mare down to within 10 in. 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 slightly from horizontal to vertical.