10 Misleading Answers To Common French Door Window Replacement Questions Do You Know The Correct Ones?
French Door Window Replacement
French doors add a gorgeous 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 may be time to replace it. It is easy to replace the glass on French door windows.
Replacement Panes
French doors are a popular choice for windows in homes, providing an elegant and timeless appearance. They are usually covered with glass panes that allow sunlight and outside views to flood into the house and lighten up interiors. However, the panes with glazed glass can also pose a security risk if they break or crack. It's not necessary to buy an entire door to repair a broken or cracked window pane. All you need is a few simple tools, some elbow grease, and a basic understanding of how glass operates.
French door replacement panes are offered in a variety of styles and types of materials. They can be transparent, colored or constructed 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 with low-E films, or even argon gases to increase energy efficiency and reduce the glare and ultraviolet radiation.
To replace a broken window, remove the broken glass first from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles in order to protect yourself from injuries. After taking out the old glass the frame must be cleaned to get rid of any debris or dust. To clean the frame it's a good idea to scrape the edges of the frames, and remove any glazing points.
The glass will then be installed and secured into the frame after it has been cleaned. It is essential that the glass is matched exactly to the existing frame to avoid leaks, misalignment or other issues. The glass is held in place with double-sided tape or caulk. Once the putty is dry, it can be coated or painted to finish the job.
The seals that are placed between your French doors may become damaged over time, allowing moisture to be able to get inside, causing a foggy look or loss of insulation. This is typically caused by aging and can be fixed by hiring a professional to replace or repair the seals of the existing insulated-glass units (IGUs). However, it's possible to replace a single window pane of a French door with a brand new glass insulated unit, provided that you have the proper measurements for the new piece of glass.
Frames
The frame is used to hold the glass and supports the door when it swings up and down. The frames for french doors can be found in wood, metal composite or vinyl. They can be stained or painted. The wood frames are often stained and then 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 choose. Many of our clients choose to keep their existing frames and replace the broken glass. This will give you a fresh, new design at a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire door system.
If you want to stain your doors, it is recommended to apply the stain in a well ventilated area following the paint manufacturer's warnings, guidelines and recommendations. Sand the surfaces that will be stained lightly. Clean the surfaces with a mild detergent mixture and allow to dry. After the surfaces have dried, they can be coated with an opaque acrylic base coat, allowing to dry completely between coats. The paint manufacturer will suggest a clear topcoat.
For security and performance, it is important to choose the correct glass for your French doors. The glass should be temperable. This is safer in the event of a breakage than regular annealed. Tempered glass also is more effective in 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 for your French doors are available as a single piece of glass that completely covers the door (1 lite), or with a grid on the bottom known as divided-lite. Divided lites have a classic look that is elegant and is a good match with a variety of architectural styles.
When 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 tight seal. Window 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 a metal caming) can be as thick as 1/2". When replacing a window it is important to get the correct thickness of glass. Windows that are too thin may not be sealed properly or become difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors feature glass that cover the entire door (1 light) or have a top pane and a regular pane on the bottom (1/2 lite). If the glass of the door window is damaged and needs to be replaced.
When replacing the French door window, there are a few things to consider. First, you must determine the type and size of glass you require. Safety glass can be used to guard against intruders and reduce glare, as well as control UV (ultraviolet). It is also more durable than regular glass annealed, and will not shatter into sharp jagged pieces.
The hardware used is the second aspect to think about. It is essential to select the appropriate hardware that complements the style of your door or window. It should be easy to use and built to last for years of use.
Once the replacement glass is installed, a few finishing touches will need to be added. The glass's trim must be removed and the nails have to be cut. It is best to do this manually or with a hacksaw. The trim can then 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, regardless of whether they are single or multi-paned are a great way to add style and elegance to any home. In certain instances they might require repair or replacement to function effectively. Replacing French doors and windows can be a difficult project for homeowners, but it is doable with careful planning. The best results can be achieved by choosing the right products and following the proper steps.
Before beginning the replacement, it is essential to clean the area around the window. replace french door is also a good idea to put over protective covers to avoid damage to walls and floors. After the area has been cleared, remove the existing hardware and glazing points. Use a prybar and utility knife to loosen and remove the trim and sash. Once the old window is removed then sweep and vacuum the area to eliminate any remaining debris.
After the new window has been installed Install insulation to assist with energy efficiency and comfort. This is particularly crucial if your previous windows had moisture between the panes. This moisture can damage the glass and lead to a milky film on the inside of the window.
Fiberglass is the most effective insulation for these areas. It can be used to control both sound and temperature. It is available at many hardware stores and is very easy to install.
To install the insulation, cut a piece to size and place drywall tape to the seams. Next, mud all the seams. Wait for them to dry, then sand the surface until it is smooth. Then paint the sash casing and the exterior window trim to match the rest of your home.
Replace the wooden stops on the sides and bottom of the frame once the sash has been shut. Nail them in place with 4d nails. Slide the sash to within 10 inches. of the window sill. Make use of the sash lifts with a screwdriver by sliding it into the groove of the parting stop and then bending it slightly from horizontal to vertical.