French Door Window Replacement
French doors are a beautiful design element for homes. They also provide an amazing view. They're also a popular choice to increase 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 option for windows in homes, giving them a classic and timeless look. French doors are usually covered in glass to let sunlight and views from outside flood into the home, and lighten interiors. However, the glass panes that are glazed can be a security risk when they break or crack. It is not necessary to purchase the entire door to replace a broken or cracked window pane. All you require is some basic tools along with elbow grease and a basic understanding of how glass operates.
Replacement panes for french door windows are available in a variety of styles and materials. Repair My Windows And Doors can be clear, colored or made of safety glass to provide impact protection. They can be etched or patterned to provide privacy to the window or to create an aesthetic element. They can also be made to be more energy efficient by using low-E film, or the use of argon gas to increase energy efficiency and reduce the effects of ultraviolet radiation and glare.
To replace a broken window pane, 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 needs to be cleaned to get rid of any dust or debris. It's a good idea also scrape the edges of the frame and pull out any glazing points to clear the area.
The new glass can be inserted and secured into the frame after it has been cleaned. To avoid leaks, misalignment and other issues it is essential that the glass is matched exactly to the frame you have. The glass is held in place by double-sided tape or caulk. After the putty is dry and is painted, it can be sprayed or covered with trim to complete the job.
The seals that are placed between your French doors can deteriorate over time, allowing moisture to seep in and cause an unnatural appearance or loss of insulation. This is typically 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 the window pane of the inside of a French door with a new insulated unit, as long as you have the right measurements.
Frames
The frame is the thing that holds the glass and provides support for the door when it swings open and closes. The frames that are available for french doors can be wood, metal composite, or vinyl. They can be stained or painted. Wood frames are typically stained and then finished with a top coat of clear varnish that protects them against the elements. Other frame materials can be left unpainted or painted in a shade you choose. Many of our customers opt to keep their existing frames and replace the broken glass. This gives you a fresh, new appearance for a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire door system.
It is recommended that if you decide to stain the doors, you do so in a room with good ventilation and follow the warnings, precautions and recommendations of the paint manufacturer. First lightly sand the surfaces to be stained. Let dry after cleaning them with a mild detergent mix. After the surfaces have dried, they can be coated with an opaque acrylic latex base coat. Allow to dry completely between coats. The paint manufacturer will suggest a clear topcoat.
For security and performance, it is essential to use the right glass for your French doors. The glass should be tempered. This is safer in the event of a broken glass than regular annealed. Tempered glass is also better at controlling heat, reducing glare and preventing condensation between the layers of glass.
The glass inserts for your French doors are available as a solid piece of glass that completely covers the door (1 light) or with a grid on the bottom known as a divided-lite. Divided light have a classic appearance that is elegant and blends well with many architectural styles.
It is important to replace the glass on your French doors with the new one that has the exact same thickness as the old. This will ensure a strong seal and ensure proper operation. 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 be as thick as 1/2". It is crucial to choose the right thickness of glass when purchasing an upgrade because windows that are too thin may not be sealed properly and could be difficult to open.
Hardware
Some French doors have glass that makes up the entire door (1 light) or have a top pane and a regular pane at the bottom (1/2 lite). If the glass of the window is broken it must be replaced.
When replacing the French door window, there are a few things to consider. The first is to identify the kind of glass needed. Safety glass is available and can to deter intruders, cut down on the glare and reduce UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It is also more durable than regular annealed glass and will not shatter into sharp jagged pieces.
The other aspect to consider is the hardware to be used. It is essential to select the correct hardware that is compatible with the design of your door and window. It should be user-friendly and durable enough to last for a long time.
After the glass replacement is installed there will be a few finishing touches that have to be taken care of. Generally, the trim around the glass will have to be removed and the nails cut. This is best done by hand or using a hacksaw. The trim can then be reattached and the nail holes can be filled with caulking or putty.
Installation
French door windows provide a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. These windows, regardless of whether they are multi-paned or single-paned are a great way to add style and elegance to any home. In certain cases they may require repair or replacement to work correctly. Replacing French windows and doors can be a difficult project for homeowners, but it's feasible with careful planning. The most effective results can be achieved by selecting the best products and following the right steps.
Before beginning the replacement the window, it is crucial to clean 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 cleared, take out the existing hardware and glazing points. Take the sash off using a pry-bar and utility knife. After the old window has been removed clean and sweep the area to remove any remnants.
Install insulation after the window is installed to improve the efficiency of your home and increase comfort. This is particularly important if your old windows were damp between the panes. This moisture can damage the glass and cause an oily film on the interior of the window.
The most effective kind of insulation for the areas in question is fiberglass. It can be put between the framing on the shorter wall and will help with both sound and temperature control. It is available at the majority of hardware stores and is simple to install.
Installing insulation is as easy as cutting a piece insulation to the proper size and then applying the drywall tape along the seams. Then, mud the seams. Wait for them to dry and then sand them until it is smooth. Then paint the sash casing and the exterior window trim to match the rest of your home.
When the sash is shut after closing, replace the stopper on top and the wood interior stops on the sides and bottom of the frame. Fix them with 4d nails. Then, slide the sash down to within 10 inches. of the window sill. Use the sash lifts to engage a screwdriver, by sliding it into the groove of the parting stop and then twisting it slightly from vertical to horizontal.