5 People You Should Meet In The French Door Window Replacement Industry
French Door Window Replacement
French doors add a beautiful design feature to homes and offer a great view. They're also a popular option to increase energy efficiency.
If one or more of your French door windows are damaged, it may be time to replace them. Replacement of French door window glass is an affordable DIY project.
Replacement Panes
French doors give a classic, timeless look to homes. They are often covered with glass panes that allow sunlight and outside views to flow through the home and lighten up interior spaces. However, the glazed panes can also be a security risk if they break or crack. It's not necessary to purchase an entire door to replace a broken or cracking window pane. All you need are some basic tools along with elbow grease and an understanding of the way glass operates.
Replacement panes for french doors are available in various styles and materials. They can be colored, clear or made of safety glass for impact protection. They can be etched or cut to provide privacy to the window or to create an element of design. 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 damaged window pane, take out the broken glass first from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles during the procedure to avoid injuries. After taking out the old glass the frame should be cleaned to remove any dust or debris. To clean the frame it's recommended to scrape the edges of the frames and remove any glazing points.
The glass will then be fitted and securing into the frame after it has been cleaned. It is essential that the glass is matched exactly to the frame to avoid leaks, misalignment or other issues. Typically, the new glass will be held in place with caulk or double-sided tape. Once the putty dries and is painted, it can be sprayed or covered with trim to finish the job.
The seals between the seals on your French doors can deteriorate over time, allowing moisture to seep in and cause an unnatural appearance or loss of insulation. This issue is usually caused by age and can be fixed by having a professional replace or repair the seals of the existing insulated-glass units (IGUs). It is possible to replace the window pane of a French door with a brand new insulated unit, as long as you have the correct measurements.
Frames
The frame is the thing that holds the glass and also provides support to the door while it swings open and closed. The frames for french doors are made in metal composite, wood or vinyl. They can be stained or painted. The frames made of wood are usually stained and finished with a clear top coat to protect them from the elements. The other frames can be left unfinished or painted with a color of your choice. Many of our customers choose to keep the existing frames and replace only the damaged panes of glass. french door handle repairs croydon gives your home a new look 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 it in an area with good ventilation and follow the warnings, precautions, and recommendations of the paint manufacturer. Sand the areas that will be stained lightly. Clean using an mild detergent mix and allow to dry. When the surfaces are dry, they can be coated with an opaque acrylic latex base coat, allowing to dry completely between coats. A clear top coat should be applied according to the instructions of the paint maker.
For safety and performance, it is crucial to select the correct glass for your French doors. Glass should be tempered. This is more secure in the event of a breakage than regular annealed. Tempered glass is also better in regulating heat, reducing glare and preventing condensation between 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 lite), or with a grid on the bottom known as divided-lite. Divided lites are an iconic feature that exudes elegance and blends well with different architectural styles.
It is crucial to replace the glass on your French doors with an entirely new glass that has exactly the same thickness as the previous. This will ensure that the door is operating properly and a tight seal. Insulated window glass is typically 1/2" thick but decorative "triple glazed" glass (two clear pieces that have a third piece of decorative glass between them, typically with a metal caming inlaid) can be up to 3/4" thick. It is essential to choose the right glass thickness when you are looking for 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 and regular pane at the bottom (1/2 lite). In those cases, if the glass on the door is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when replacing a French-door window. First, determine what kind and size of glass you need. Safety glass is readily available and can help protect against intruders, reduce glare and control UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It is also more durable than regular glass annealed, and will not shatter into sharp sharp pieces.
The other thing to think about is the hardware to be used. It is important to select the right hardware that matches the style of your door and window. It should be user-friendly and durable enough to last for many years.
After the glass replacement is installed, there will be some finishing touches that have to be completed. The trim around the glass must be removed and the nails have to be cut. This is best done by hand or with a hacksaw. Then the trim can be re-attached, and the nail holes plugged 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 they add elegance and style to any home. In some cases they may require repair or replacement to function correctly. It is a difficult project for homeowners to replace French doors and windows but with a careful approach, it is possible. The best results can be achieved by choosing the right products and following the right steps.
Before beginning the replacement process, it is essential to clear the space around the window. It is also a great idea to cover the floor and walls with protective covers. When the space is clean take out any hardware and glazing points from the frame. Remove the sash with a pry-bar and utility knife. Once the old window is removed clean and sweep the area to eliminate any remaining debris.
Once the new window is in place, add insulation to help in reducing energy consumption and improve comfort. This step is particularly important if your old windows were double-pane and suffered from moisture in between the panes. This moisture could damage the glass and create a milky film on the inside of the window.
The most suitable type of insulation for these areas is fiberglass. It can be used to regulate both temperature and sound. It is available at most hardware stores and is very easy to install.
To install the insulation to be installed, cut a piece of insulation to fit and apply drywall tape over the seams. Next apply mud to the seams, wait for it to dry and then sand until the surface is smooth. Paint the exterior window trim and the sash casing to match your home.
Replace the wooden stoppers on the sides and the bottom of the frame after the sash has been shut. Fix them with a 4d nail. Slide the sash to within 10 inches. of the window sill. Utilizing a screwdriver, tighten the sash lifts by sliding it in the groove in the stop that separates it from the window and turning it slightly from vertical to horizontal.