French Door Window Replacement
French doors add a gorgeous design element to homes and provide a great view. They're also a popular choice to increase efficiency in energy use.
It's time to replace your French door windows if any have been damaged. It is simple to replace the glass on French door windows.
Replacement Panes
French doors are a common choice for windows in homes, giving them a classic and timeless look. French doors are typically covered in glass to let sunlight and views from outside enter the home and lighten interiors. The glass panes that are glazed pose a security threat if they crack or break. Fortunately, replacing a broken or cracked window pane doesn't need the purchase of an entire door. It can be accomplished by using a few tools elbow grease and some basic knowledge of how to work with glass.
Replacement panes for french door windows are available in various styles and materials. They can be colored, clear or constructed of safety glass for impact protection. They can also be designed or etched to add an element of privacy or design to windows. Finally, windows can be insulated with low-E or even argon gas to boost energy efficiency and limit the glare and UV radiation.
To replace a damaged window pane, remove the broken glass first from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves and goggles throughout this process to prevent injury. After the old glass is removed, the frame should be cleaned to ensure no debris or dust is left behind. It's a good idea to also scrape around the edges of the frame and remove any glazing points to clear the frame.
Once the frame is clean, the new glass can be put in place and secured. It is essential that the glass is aligned exactly to the frame to avoid leaks, misalignment and other problems. The glass is typically secured with double-sided tape or caulk. After the putty has dried it is then coated or painted to complete the task.
If your French doors have dual-pane windows and seals, the seals between them can be damaged, causing moisture to seep into the area and create a hazy appearance or loss of insulation. This issue is usually caused by age and can be addressed by hiring a professional to replace or repair the seals of the current glass units that are insulated (IGUs). It is possible to replace one window pane of the French door with a new IGU, if you have the correct measurements for the new piece of glass.
Frames
The frame is the thing that holds the glass and also provides support to the door when it swings open and closes. The frames for french doors can be metal, wood, composite or vinyl. They are able to be painted or stained. french door glass replacement made of wood are usually stained and then finished with a clear top coat to protect them from the elements. The other frame materials can be left unfinished or painted in a color that you prefer. Many of our clients choose to keep their existing frames and replace the damaged glass. This gives you a fresh new 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 so in a space that is well ventilated and adhere to the instructions, precautions and guidelines of the paint's manufacturer. Sand the areas that will be stained lightly. Let dry after cleaning using a mild detergent mix. When the surfaces are dry, they can be coated with an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow to completely dry between coats. The paint manufacturer will suggest a clear topcoat.
For security and performance, it is crucial to select the correct glass for your French doors. Glass should be tempered. This is more secure in the case of a break than regular annealed. Tempered glass is also better in regulating heat, reducing the appearance of glare, and also preventing condensation between the glass layers.
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 on the bottom known as divided-lite. Divided lites are a classic feature that exudes class and blends with various architectural styles.
It is important to replace the glass in your French doors with an entirely new glass that has exactly the same thickness as the previous. This will ensure a tight seal and a proper operation. Insulated glass windows are typically 1/2" thick, however decorative "triple glazed" glass (two clear pieces joined by a third piece of decorative glass between them, typically with a metal caming inlaid) can be up to 3/4" thick. When replacing windows, it is essential to select the proper thickness of glass. Windows that are too thin might not be sealed properly, or they may be 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). In those cases, if the glass in the door is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
There are a few things you should consider when replacing french-door windows. The first is to determine the type of glass needed. Safety glass is available and can help to deter intruders, cut down on glare and control UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It is also more durable than regular glass annealed, and will not shatter into sharp, jagged pieces.
The hardware is the next thing to think about. It is essential to choose the right hardware to match the style of the door and window. It should be easy to operate and built to stand up to years of use.
Once the replacement glass is installed, there will be some finishing touches that need to be completed. The trim around the glass should be removed and the nails have to cut. It is best to do this by hand or with a hacksaw. The trim can be reattached and the nailholes filled with caulking.
Installation
French door windows provide a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether they are installed with a single pane glass or a multi-pane design windows, they bring style and elegance to any home. In some cases they may require replacement or repair in order to function properly. It is a difficult task for homeowners to replace French doors and Windows but with a careful approach, it is possible. Making the right choices and following the correct steps can yield outstanding results.
Before beginning the replacement the window, it is crucial to clean the area around the window. It is also recommended to lay the protective coverings down to prevent damage to walls and floors. After the area is cleared, remove any existing hardware and glazing points from the frame. Utilize a pry bar or utility knife to unwind and remove the trim and sash. Once the old window has been removed, vacuum and sweep the area to remove any leftovers.
Insulate the windows after it is installed to improve energy efficiency and comfort. This is especially crucial if the windows were double-paned and were prone to moisture between the panes. This moisture could damage the glass and lead to a milky film on the interior of the window.
The most suitable type of insulation for these areas is fiberglass. It can be put between the framing of the short wall and will aid in both sound and temperature control. It is available at most hardware stores and is simple to put up.
Installing insulation is as easy as cutting a piece of insulation to the proper size and applying drywall tape along the seams. Then apply mud to the seams, then wait for it to dry, and then sand until smooth. Then, paint the sash casing as well as the exterior window trim to match the rest of your home.
Replace the wooden interior stops on the sides and the bottom of the frame after the sash has been shut. Attach them using 4d nails. Slide the sash to within 10 inches. of the window sill. Using a screwdriver, engage the sash lifts by sliding it in the groove of the parting stop and turning it slightly from horizontal to vertical.