French Door Window Replacement
French doors are a stunning design element for homes. They also offer the best view. French doors are also a popular option to increase the efficiency of your home's energy use.
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 option for windows in homes, adding an elegant and timeless design. French doors are typically covered in glass to let sunlight and views from outside flood into the home, and also brighten the interiors. The glass panes that are glazed pose risky in the event that they crack or break. Luckily, replacing a broken or cracked window pane does not require buying an entire door and can be completed by using a few tools elbow grease, and some basic understanding of how to work with glass.
Replacement panes for french doors are available in a variety of styles and materials. They can be clear or colored to match an aesthetic or style, or they can be made of safety glass to shield against impacts. They can be etched or pattern to create privacy for the window or to create a design element. Additionally, they can be insulated with low-E or even argon gas to increase energy efficiency and reduce glare and UV radiation.
The first step to replace a window pane is to remove the broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles during the process to prevent injury. After the old glass has been removed, the frame should be cleaned to ensure that there is no dust or debris left behind. To clean the area it's recommended to scrape the edges of the frames and remove any glazing points.
After the frame has been cleaned and the glass is ready to be put in place and secured. It is essential that the glass is aligned exactly to the existing frame to avoid leaks, misalignment and other problems. The glass is typically fixed with double-sided tape or caulk. Once the putty is dry, it can be painted or covered in trim to finish the job.
If your French doors are made up of dual-pane windows The seals between the windows can be damaged, causing moisture to seep into the area and cause a cloudy appearance or loss of insulation. This is typically caused by age and can be resolved by having a professional replace or repair the seals on the existing insulated-glass units (IGUs). It is possible to replace the window pane on an French door with a brand new insulated unit, as long as you have the right measurements.
Frames
The frame holds the glass and supports the door when it is able to swing up and down. The frames that are available for french doors can be wood, metal, composite or vinyl. They are able to be stained or painted. The frames made of wood are usually stained and then finished with a clear top coat to shield them from the elements. The other frame materials can be left natural or painted a color of your choice. Many of our customers choose to keep the existing frames and replace only the damaged panes of glass. This can give your home a fresh appearance at a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire door system.
It is advised that if you wish to stain your doors, you do it in an area with good ventilation and follow the precautions, warnings and guidelines of the paint company. First lightly sand the surfaces to be stained. Let dry after cleaning them with 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.
It is important to have the right glass for your french doors, both for security and performance. The glass should be temperable. This is safer in the event of a breakage than regular annealed. Tempered glass also does a better job of controlling the heat and reducing the glare inside your home. It is also more likely to not develop condensation between the two layers of glass.
The glass inserts inside your French doors can be a solid piece that fills the entire door (1 lite) or they could include a grid at the bottom, referred to as a divided lite. Divided lites are a classic feature that exudes elegance and blends with various architectural styles.
When the glass in your French doors breaks it is important to have a replacement that is the same thickness as the original. This will ensure that the door is operating properly and a tight seal. Insulated glass windows are typically 1/2" thick, however decorative "triple glass" glass (two clear pieces that have an additional decorative piece between them, typically with a metal caming embedded) can be as thick as 3/4" thick. When replacing windows, it is crucial to choose the proper thickness of glass. Windows that are too thin may not seal properly or be difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors are composed of glass that completely covers the door (1 lite) some feature a regular pane at the bottom, and the top glass. If the glass window of the door is broken, it will have to be replaced.
There are many things to consider when replacing french-door windows. First, determine what kind and size of glass you need. Safety glass is a good choice to protect against intruders and reduce glare as well as control UV (ultraviolet). It is also more durable than regular glass that is annealed and won't shatter into sharp jagged pieces.
The hardware used is the next thing to think about. It is important to choose the correct hardware to complement the design of the window and door. It should be user-friendly and robust enough to last for years.
After the glass replacement is installed, a few final touches need to be added. The trim around the glass will need to be removed and the nails cut. It is recommended to do this manually or using a hacksaw. The trim can then 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 of glass or a multi-pane design they add style and elegance to any house. In some cases they may require repair or replacement in order to function as intended. It is a difficult project for homeowners to replace French doors and Windows, but with careful planning it is possible. Making the right choices and following the right steps can result in outstanding results.
Before starting the replacement the window, it is crucial to clear the area around the window. hounslow french door glass replacement is also recommended to lay down protective coverings to prevent damage to walls and floors. When the space is clean take out any hardware and glazing points from the frame. Use a pry bar and utility knife to unwind and take the sash off and trim. Once the old window has been removed, sweep and vacuum the area to get rid of any remnants.
Add insulation after the window is put in place to increase energy efficiency and comfort. This is especially crucial if the windows were double-pane and suffered from moisture in between the panes. This can cause the glass to become damaged and form a milky film inside the window.
Fiberglass is the best insulation for these areas. It can be placed between the framing on the short wall and will help with both sound and temperature control. It can be purchased at most hardware stores and is easy to install.
Installing insulation is as simple as cutting a piece of insulation to the right size and then applying drywall tape along the seams. Next apply mud to the seams, allow it to dry, and then sand until it is smooth. Then, paint the sash casing and exterior window trim to be in keeping with the rest of your home.
Once the sash is closed, replace the parting stop on the top, and replace the wood interior stops on the side and bottom of the frame. Nail them in place with 4d nails. Then slide the sash down to within 10 inches. of the window sill. Using a screwdriver, engage the sash lifts by sliding it into the groove of the stop that separates it from the window and twisting slightly from horizontal to vertical.