French Door Window Replacement
French doors add a beautiful design element to homes and provide an amazing view. They're also a popular choice to improve energy efficiency.
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 on french door windows.
Replacement Panes
French doors are a popular choice for windows in homes, giving them an elegant and timeless design. French doors are usually covered in glass to let sunlight and views from outside flood into the home, and lighten interiors. However, glass panes that are glazed can be a security risk in the event that they break or crack. Fortunately, replacing a broken or cracked window pane doesn't require buying an entire door. It can be accomplished by using a few tools elbow grease and some basic understanding of working with glass.
French door replacement panes are available in a variety of styles and types of materials. They can be clear or colored to suit an aesthetic or style, or they can be made of safety glass to protect against impact. They can be etched or patterned to add privacy to the window or to create an element of design. In addition windows can be insulated using low-E film or even argon gas for increased energy efficiency and reduce glare and UV radiation.
To replace a damaged window pane, remove the broken glass first from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles in order to protect yourself from injuries. After getting rid of the old glass the frame needs to be cleaned to remove any debris or dust. To clean the frame, it's a great idea to scrape the edges of the frames, and remove any glazing points.
After the frame has been cleaned and dry, the new glass can be placed in the frame and secured. It is essential that the glass is aligned exactly to the existing frame to prevent leaks, misalignment, and other problems. The glass will be fixed with caulk or double-sided tape. After the putty has dried it is then painted or covered in trim to complete the task.
The seals that are placed between your French doors can become deteriorated over time, allowing moisture be able to get inside, causing a foggy look or loss of insulation. This is typically caused by aging 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 the window pane on the inside of a French door with a brand new insulated unit, if you have the proper measurements.
Frames
The frame holds the glass and supports the door as it moves up and down. The frames for french doors are available in metal composite, wood, or vinyl. They are able to be stained or painted. Frames made of wood are usually stained and then finished with the top coat of clear varnish to shield them from the elements. The other frame materials can be left as natural or painted a color of your choice. A lot of our customers opt to keep the existing frames and replace only the broken panes of glass. This will give you a fresh appearance for a fraction of the cost of replacing your entire door system.
If you plan to stain your doors, it is recommended to do it in a ventilated area following the paint manufacturer's instructions, warnings, and guidelines. First lightly sand the surfaces to be stained. Allow to dry after cleaning with mild detergent mix. After the surfaces have dried they can be coated in an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow each coat to dry completely between coats. The paint manufacturer will recommend a clear topcoat.
It is important to have the correct glass for your french doors, for both security and performance. The glass should be tempered. dartford french door glass replacement is more secure in the event of a broken glass than regular annealed. Tempered glass also performs better at controlling the heat and reducing glare within your home, and 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 completely covers the door (1 lite) or with an underlying grid known as divided-lite. Divided light have a classic appearance that is elegant and works well with a variety of architectural styles.
When the glass in your French doors breaks, it is important to have a replacement that is the same thickness as the original. This will ensure a secure seal and ensure proper operation. Insulated window glass is typically 1/2" thick but decorative "triple glazing" glass (two clear pieces joined by a decorative third piece between them, typically with a metal caming inlaid) can be up to 3/4" thick. When replacing a window, it is crucial to choose the right thickness of glass. Windows that are too thin might not be sealed properly, or they may be difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors are composed of glass that covers the entire door (1 lite), while others have a standard pane at the bottom, and the top glass. In those cases, if the door window glass 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 identify the kind of glass that is required. Safety glass can be used to shield against intruders, reduce glare, as well as control UV (ultraviolet). It is also more durable than regular glass that is annealed and won't break into sharp sharp pieces.
The second thing to consider is the hardware that will be employed. It is essential to select the appropriate hardware that complements the style of your door or window. It should be easy to operate and designed to last for years of use.
Once the replacement glass has been put in place, a few finishing touches will need to be done. The glass's trim must be removed and the nails will need to be cut. This can be done by hand or with a hacksaw. Then the trim can be re-attached and the nail holes plugged with caulking or putty.
Installation
French door windows provide a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. If they are fitted with a single pane of glass or a multi-pane design windows, they bring style and elegance to any home. In certain cases, they could require replacement or repair to function properly. Replacing French doors and windows can be a challenging task for homeowners, but it's doable with careful planning. Selecting the right products and taking the proper steps can lead to amazing results.
Before starting the replacement, it is essential to clear the area around the window. It is also a good idea to put down protective coverings to prevent the destruction of walls and floors. Once the area is clear, remove any existing hardware and glazing points from the frame. Take the sash off using a pry-bar and utility knife. After the old window is removed, vacuum and sweep the area to remove all leftovers.
Install insulation after the window is installed to improve the energy efficiency and comfort. This is especially crucial if the windows were double-pane and were prone to moisture between the panes. The moisture could cause the glass to be damaged and cause a milky film inside the window.
The best type of insulation for this kind of space is fiberglass. It can be positioned between the framing on the short wall and will aid in both sound and temperature control. It is available at the majority of hardware stores and is easy to install.
Installing insulation is as easy as cutting a piece insulation to the appropriate size and then putting drywall tape along the seams. Next you should sand the seams, wait for it to dry and then sand until it is smooth. Paint the window trim and sash casing to match your home.
Replace the wooden interior stops on the sides and the bottom of the frame after the sash has been closed. Nail them into place with 4d nail. 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 parting stop and then twisting it slightly from horizontal to vertical.