French Door Window Replacement
French doors are a beautiful design element for homes. They also provide the best view. They're also a popular option to improve energy efficiency.
It's time to replace your French door windows if one or more are damaged. Replacing french door window glass is an affordable DIY project.
Replacement Panes
French doors are a common choice for windows in homes, providing a classic and timeless look. French doors are usually coated with glass to let the views and sunlight infiltrate the home and also brighten the interiors. However, the panes with glazed glass can also pose an issue for security when they break or crack. Fortunately, replacing a damaged or cracked window pane doesn't require the purchase of a whole door. It can be done with a few tools, elbow grease, and a basic knowledge of how to work with glass.
French door replacement panes are offered in a variety of styles and types of materials. They can be transparent or colored to suit a particular aesthetic or made out of safety glass to shield against impact. They can be etched or cut to provide privacy to the window or to create an element of design. Finally windows can be insulated using low-E film or even argon gas for increased energy efficiency and reduce the UV radiation and glare.
To replace a broken window, remove the broken glass first from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles during the process to prevent injury. After getting rid of the old glass the frame must be cleaned to remove dust or debris. It's a good idea to also scrape the edges of the frame and remove any glazing points to clear the area.
After the frame is cleaned, the new glass can be placed in the frame and secured. To avoid leaks, misalignment and other issues it is crucial that the glass be matched exactly to your frame. The glass will be held in place with double-sided tape or caulk. Once the putty dries, it should be painted or covered with trim to finish the job.
If your French doors consist of dual-pane windows and seals, the seals between the windows can occasionally fail and allow moisture into the room and create a hazy appearance or loss of insulation. This problem is usually caused by age and can be fixed by hiring a professional to replace or repair the seals of the current insulated-glass units (IGUs). It is possible to replace the window pane on the inside of a French door with a brand new insulated unit, as long as you have the right measurements.
Frames
The frame is what holds the glass and provides support for the door while it swings open or closed. The frames for french doors are made in metal composite, wood, or vinyl. They are able to be stained or painted. Wood frames are typically stained, and then finished with a an overcoat of clear varnish to shield them from the elements. The other frame materials can be left unfinished or painted a color that you prefer. Many of our clients choose to keep their existing frames and only replace the damaged glass. This can give you a fresh look at a fraction the cost of replacing the entire door system.
If you plan to stain your doors, it is recommended that you do this in a ventilated area following the paint manufacturer's warnings, precautions and guidelines. Sand the surfaces to be stained lightly. Allow to dry after cleaning using a mild detergent mix. Once the surfaces are dry, they can be coated in an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow each coat to fully dry between coats. The paint manufacturer will suggest a clear topcoat.
For safety and performance, it is crucial to select the correct glass for your French doors. Glass must be temperated, which is far safer than regular glass annealed in case of breakage. Tempered glass is also more effective in controlling heat, which means it reduces the appearance of glare, and also preventing condensation between glass layers.
The glass inserts that you can use for your French doors are available as a single piece of glass that covers the entire door (1 light) or with a grid at the bottom known as a divided-lite. Divided lites have a classic look that is elegant and is a good match with many architectural styles.
When the glass in your French doors breaks it is important to have a replacement that is similar in thickness to the original. This will ensure a tight seal and a proper operation. Insulated window glass is typically 1/2" thick, but decorative "triple glass" glass (two clear pieces with an additional decorative piece between, usually with a metal caming embedded) can be up to 3/4" thick. It is important to have the correct thickness of glass when obtaining an upgrade because windows that are too thin may not seal properly or may be difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors have glass that makes up the entire door (1 light) or have a top and a regular pane on the bottom (1/2 lite). In these cases, if the door window glass is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
When replacing a French door window, there are many things to take into consideration. The first is determining the kind of glass needed. Safety glass is a good choice to guard against intruders and reduce glare, aswell as control UV (ultraviolet). It is also more durable than regular glass annealed, and will not shatter into sharp sharp pieces.
The other aspect to consider is the hardware to be used. It is crucial to select the right hardware to match the style of the window and door. It should be easy to operate and built to withstand many years of use.
After the glass replacement is installed, there will be some finishing touches that will need to be taken care of. The trim around the glass will need to be removed and the nails cut. It is best to do this by hand or with a hacksaw. The trim can then be re-attached and the nail holes 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 single or multi-paned are a great way to add style and elegance to any home. In some cases they may require repair or replacement in order to function as intended. It can be a challenging project for homeowners to replace French doors and Windows however, with careful planning it is possible. french doors glass replacement can be achieved by selecting the appropriate products and following the correct steps.
Before starting the replacement, it is essential to clear the area around the window. It is also a good idea to put over protective covers to avoid damage to floors and walls. After the area is cleared take out any hardware and glazing points from the frame. Utilize a pry bar or utility knife to unwind and remove the sash and trim. Once the old window is removed then sweep and vacuum the area to eliminate any remnants.
Insulate the windows after it is installed to improve the energy efficiency and comfort. This step is particularly important if your old windows were double-paned and suffered from moisture in between the panes. This moisture can cause the glass to be damaged and form a milky film inside the window.
Fiberglass is the ideal insulation for these areas. It can be used to regulate both sound and temperature. It is available at most hardware shops and is easy for you to install.
To install the insulation to be installed, cut a piece of insulation to size and then apply drywall tape to the seams. Next, mud all the seams. Wait for them to dry and then sand the surface until it is smooth. Then, paint the sash casing as well as the exterior window trim to be in keeping with the rest of your home.
Replace the wooden stoppers on the sides and the bottom of the frame after the sash is closed. Attach them using a the 4d nail. Slide the sash until it is within 10 inches. The window sill. With a screwdriver, you can engage the sash lifts by sliding it into the groove in the stop that separates it from the window and twisting slightly from vertical to horizontal.