French Door Window Replacement
French doors are a stunning design element to homes and provide a great view. They're also a popular option to increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage.
If one or more of your French door windows is broken It could be time to replace them. It is easy to replace the glass of french doors.
Replacement Panes
French doors give a classic, timeless look to homes. French doors are often covered in glass to let views and sunlight flood into the home, and brighten interiors. The glazed panes are a security threat if they break or crack. Fortunately, replacing a broken or cracked window pane doesn't need the purchase of an entire door and can be completed by using a few tools elbow grease, and a basic understanding of how to work with glass.
French door replacement panes are available in many styles and materials. They can be transparent or colored to fit a particular aesthetic or made of safety glass to protect against impact. They can be etched or pattern to provide privacy to the window or to create an aesthetic element. Additionally, windows can be insulated with low-E film or even argon gas to increase energy efficiency and control glare and UV radiation.
The first step in replacing a window pane is to remove the broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles during this procedure to avoid injury. After the old glass is removed, the frame should be cleaned to ensure that there's no dust or debris left behind. It's a good idea also scrape the edges of the frame and pull out any glazing points to clean up the frame.
After the frame has been cleaned and dry, the new glass can be placed in the frame and secured. It's important that the glass is aligned exactly to the existing frame to avoid leaks, misalignment or other issues. The glass is secured with caulk or double-sided tape. After the putty has dried and is painted, it can be sprayed or covered with trim to finish the job.
If you have French doors consist of dual-pane windows The seals between the windows may sometimes deteriorate and allow moisture into the room and create a hazy appearance or loss of insulation. This is usually caused by aging and can be solved by hiring a professional repair or replace the seals on existing glass units that are insulated (IGUs). It is possible to replace a window pane on an French door by a new insulated unit, if you have the right measurements.
Frames
The frame is used to hold the glass and supports the door as it is able to swing up and down. The frames for french doors are made in metal composite, wood or vinyl. They can be painted or stained. Wood frames are typically stained, and then finished with a an overcoat of clear varnish to shield them against the elements. The other frame materials could be left unpainted or painted in a shade you choose. Many of our clients choose to keep their existing frames and only replace the broken glass. This can give your home a fresh appearance at a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire door system.
If you are planning to stain your doors it is recommended to do it in a well ventilated area following the paint manufacturer's warnings, precautions and recommendations. The first step is to lightly sand the surface to be stained. Clean with mild detergent and allow to dry. After the surfaces have dried they can be sprayed with an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow each coat to completely dry between coats. A clear top coat is applied following the guidelines of the paint manufacturer.
It is essential to choose the right glass for your french doors, for both safety and performance. Glass should be tempered. This is more secure in the case of a break than regular annealed. Tempered glass is also better at controlling heat, reducing the appearance of glare, and also preventing condensation between glass layers.
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 on the bottom known as a divided-lite. Divided lites are an iconic 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 that the door is operating properly and a secure seal. Insulated glass windows are typically 1/2" thick but decorative "triple glazing" glass (two clear pieces that have a decorative third piece between them, typically with metal caming inlaid) can be up to 3/4" thick. It is essential to choose the correct thickness of glass when obtaining an upgrade as windows that are not thick enough will not seal properly or be difficult to open.
Hardware
Some French doors have glass that makes up the entire door (1 light) or some have a top and a regular pane at the bottom (1/2 lite). In these cases, if the glass in the door is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
When replacing the French door window, there are many aspects to be considered. First, determine what kind and size of glass you want. Safety glass is a good choice to guard against intruders and reduce glare, as well as control UV (ultraviolet). It is more durable than regular annealed glass and won't shatter into sharp, jagged pieces.
The second thing to consider is the hardware to be employed. It is essential to choose the correct hardware to complement the design of the window and door. It should be easy to use and built to withstand years of usage.
After the replacement glass has been installed, some finishing touches must be added. The glass's trim must be removed and the nails will need to cut. It is best to do this by hand or using a hacksaw. Then the trim can 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. These windows, whether they are single-paned or multi-paned they add elegance and style to any home. In some cases they might require repair or replacement in order to function properly. Replacing French doors and windows 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 impressive results.
Before beginning the replacement the window, it is crucial to clear the area around the window. It is also a good idea to lay the protective coverings down to prevent damage to walls and floors. After the space is cleared, take out all existing hardware and glazing points. Utilize a pry bar or utility knife to unwind and take the sash off and trim. After the old window has been removed then sweep and vacuum the area to get rid of any remnants.
Once the new window is in place Add insulation to assist in reducing energy consumption and improve comfort. This is particularly important if your old windows were damp between the panes. This moisture could damage the glass and create a milky film appearing on the inside of the window.
The most suitable type of insulation for these areas is fiberglass. It can be placed between the framing on the shorter wall and will aid in both temperature and sound control. It is readily available in most hardware stores and is easy to install.
To install the insulation to be installed, cut a piece of insulation to size and then apply drywall tape to the seams. Next you should sand 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 match the rest of your home.
When the sash is shut, replace the parting stop on the top, and replace the wood interior stops on the sides and the bottom of the frame. Attach them using a 4d nails. Slide the sash up to within 10 inches. of the window sill. Engage replace window with french doors using a screwdriver by sliding it into the groove of the parting stop and then bending it slightly from vertical to horizontal.