French Door Window Replacement
French doors are a beautiful design element for homes. They also offer the best view. They're also a popular choice to improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage.
It's time to replace your French door windows if one or more are broken. Replacing french door window glass is a low-cost DIY project.
Replacement Panes
French doors provide an elegant, timeless look to homes. French doors are usually coated with glass to let the sunlight and views from outside infiltrate the home and also brighten the interiors. The glass panes that are glazed pose a security threat if they break or crack. Luckily, replacing a broken or cracked window pane won't need the purchase of an entire door. It can be accomplished by using a few tools elbow grease, and a basic knowledge of working 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 also be etched or patterned to add the privacy or design element to windows. Additionally, they can be insulated with low-E films or even argon gas to boost energy efficiency and limit glare and UV radiation.
To replace a damaged window pane, take out the broken glass first from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves and goggles throughout this procedure to avoid injuries. After getting rid of the old glass the frame should be cleaned to get rid of any dust or debris. It's a good idea 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 placed in the frame and secured. It is crucial that the glass is aligned exactly to the frame to prevent leaks, misalignment, and other problems. The glass is fixed by double-sided tape or caulk. Once the putty dries, it should be painted or covered with trim to finish the task.
If your French doors consist of dual-pane windows and seals, the seals between the windows may occasionally fail, causing moisture to seep into the space and cause a cloudy appearance or loss of insulation. This problem is usually caused by aging and can be addressed by having a professional replace or repair the seals on the existing glass units that are insulated (IGUs). However, it is possible to replace a single window pane in the French door with a brand new IGU, if you have the proper measurements for the new piece of glass.
Frames
The frame is the thing that holds the glass and also provides support to the door while it swings open or closed. The frames that are available for french doors are metal, wood composite, or vinyl. They are able to be stained or painted. The wood frames are typically stained and then finished with a clear top coat to protect them from the elements. The other frame materials may be left unpainted or painted in a color you prefer. Many of our clients choose to keep their existing frames and replace the broken glass. This can give your home a fresh appearance for a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire door system.
It is advised that if you wish to stain the doors, you do it in a space with good ventilation and follow the precautions, warnings, and recommendations of the paint manufacturer. Sand the surfaces to be stained lightly. Clean using mild detergent and allow to dry. Once the surfaces have dried, they can be sprayed with an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow replacement french doors to fully dry between coats. Finally a clear top coat must be applied in accordance with the instructions of the paint maker.
For security and performance, it is essential to use the right glass for your French doors. Glass needs to be tempering, which is a lot safer than regular annealed glass in the event of a breakage. Tempered glass also performs better at controlling the heat and reducing the glare inside your home. It is also much less likely to form condensation between the two layers of glass.
The glass inserts that you can use for your French doors are available as a solid piece of glass that covers the entire door (1 light) or with a grid at the bottom that is referred to as a divided-lite. Divided lites are a timeless design that oozes class and blends with various architectural styles.
It is crucial to replace the glass in your French doors with an entirely new glass that has the exact same thickness as the old. This will ensure that the door is operating properly and a tight seal. Insulated window glass can be as thick as 3/4". However decorative "triple-glazed" glass (two pieces of clear glass with a decorative piece in the middle typically with metal caming) can reach up to 1/2". It is crucial to choose the correct thickness of glass when purchasing an upgrade as windows that are too thin will not be sealed properly and could be difficult to open.
Hardware
Some French doors have glass that covers the entire door (1 light) or have a top and a regular pane at the bottom (1/2 lite). In those cases, if the glass in the door is broken it will need to be replaced.
When replacing a French door window, there are a few aspects to be considered. The first is to identify the type of glass needed. Safety glass is a good choice to guard against intruders and reduce glare as well to control UV (ultraviolet). It is more robust than regular annealed glass and won't break into sharp jagged pieces.
The hardware you choose to use is the next thing to consider. It is crucial to choose the correct hardware that is compatible with the design of your door and window. It should be user-friendly and robust enough to last for years.
After the glass replacement has been put in place, a few finishing touches must be done. The trim around the glass should be removed and the nails have to be cut. It is recommended to do this by hand or using a hacksaw. The trim can then be reattached and the nail holes filled with putty or caulking.
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 style they add elegance and charm to any home. In certain instances they may require repair or replacement to function properly. Replacing French windows and doors can be a difficult project for homeowners, but it is achievable with careful planning. The best results can be obtained by selecting the appropriate products and following the proper steps.
Before starting the replacement, it is essential to clear the area around the window. It is also a good idea to cover the walls and floor with a protective covering. Once the area is cleared, take away all hardware and glazing points. Take the sash off using the help of a pry-bar or utility knife. Once the old window has been removed, sweep and vacuum the area to remove any remaining debris.
Insulate the windows after it is installed to improve the efficiency of your home and increase comfort. This is especially crucial if the windows were double-paned and had moisture between the panes. This can cause the glass to become damaged and form an oily film within the window.
The most effective kind of insulation for this kind of space is fiberglass. It can be positioned 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 put up.
To install the insulation you need to cut a piece to size and then apply drywall tape over the seams. Then, mud the seams. Allow them to dry, then sand the surface until it is smooth. Paint the exterior window trim and the sash casings to match your home.
Replace the wooden stops on the sides and bottom of the frame once the sash is closed. Attach them using 4d nails. Slide the sash until it is within 10 inches. The window sill. Make use of the sash lifts with the screwdriver by sliding it into the groove of the stopper, and then twisting slightly from vertical to horizontal.