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 the efficiency of your home's energy usage.
If one or more of your French door windows are broken, it may be time to replace it. Replacement of French door window glass is a low-cost DIY project.
Replacement Panes
French doors provide an elegant, timeless look to homes. They are typically glazed with glass panes to allow sunlight and outside views to flood into the house and brighten interiors. However, glass panes that are glazed can be security risks if they break or crack. Fortunately, replacing a broken or cracked window pane won't require buying an entire door. It can be done with a few tools, elbow grease, and some basic understanding 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, colored or made of safety glass for impact protection. They can be etched or pattern to provide privacy to the window or to create a design element. Additionally windows can be insulated using low-E or even argon gas for increased energy efficiency and control the UV radiation and glare.
To replace a broken window pane, take out the broken glass first from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles to shield yourself from injuries. After the old glass is removed, the frame needs to be cleaned to ensure that there's no dust or debris left behind. To clean the area it's a good idea to scrape the edges of the frames, and remove any glazing points.
The glass will then be installed and secured into the frame after it has been cleaned. It is essential that the glass is matched exactly to the frame to prevent leaks, misalignment, and other issues. The new glass is usually held in place using double-sided tape or caulk. Once the putty dries, it should be painted or covered with trim to finish the task.
The seals that are placed between the seals on your French doors may become damaged over time, allowing moisture to seep in and cause an unnatural appearance or loss of insulation. This issue is typically due to aging and can be fixed by hiring a professional repair or replace the seals on existing glass units that are insulated (IGUs). It is possible to replace the window pane on an French door with a new insulated unit, if you have the proper measurements.
Frames
The frame is used to hold the glass and supports the door when it swings up and down. The frames available for french doors are metal, wood composite or vinyl. They can be painted or stained. The wood frames are typically stained and finished with a clear top coat to protect them from the elements. The other frame materials can be left natural or painted in a color of your choice. Many of our customers choose to keep the frames they have 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 recommended that if you want to stain the doors, you do so in an area with adequate ventilation and follow the precautions, warnings, and recommendations of the paint manufacturer. Sand the areas that will be stained lightly. Let dry after cleaning with a mild detergent mix. Once the surfaces have dried, they can be sprayed with an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow each coat to dry completely between coats. The paint manufacturer will suggest a clear topcoat.
To ensure safety and performance, it's essential to use the right glass for your French doors. 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 more likely to not develop condensation between the two layers of glass.
The glass inserts inside your French doors can be a single piece that fills the entire door (1 lite) or they can feature a grid at the bottom called a divided lite. Divided lites are a timeless design that oozes class and blends seamlessly with various architectural styles.
If the glass in your French doors breaks it is essential to replace it with one that is the same thickness as the original. This will ensure a secure seal and proper operation. Window glass that is insulated is usually 1/2" thick but decorative "triple glazed" glass (two clear pieces with a third piece of decorative glass between, usually with metal caming inlaid) can be as thick as 3/4" thick. It is important to have the right thickness of glass when obtaining a replacement as windows that are not thick enough will 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 some have a top and regular pane at the bottom (1/2 lite). If the door window glass is broken 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 kind of glass required. Safety glass is readily available and can protect against intruders, reduce the glare and reduce UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It is also more durable than regular glass that is annealed and won't break into sharp, jagged pieces.
The second thing to consider is the hardware to be utilized. It is essential to select the appropriate hardware that complements the style of your door and window. It should be easy-to-use and sturdy enough to last for years.
Once the replacement glass is in place There will be a few finishing touches that have to be done. The trim around the glass should be removed, and the nails need to be cut. This can be done 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. They can be installed with a single pane of glass or a multi-pane design they add elegance and charm to any home. In some cases they might require repair or replacement to function effectively. Replacing French windows and doors can be a difficult project for homeowners, but it's feasible with careful planning. Selecting the right products and taking the proper steps can lead to amazing results.
Before you begin the replacement process it is important to clean the area around the window. It is also a great idea to cover the walls and floor with protective coverings. After the area has been cleared, remove all hardware and glazing points. Use a prybar and utility knife to remove the sash and trim. Once the old window is removed clean and sweep the area to eliminate any remaining debris.
After the new window is in place, add insulation to help in energy efficiency and comfort. This step is especially crucial if your previous windows had water between the panes. This can cause the glass to become damaged and create an oily film within the window.
The most effective kind of insulation for this kind of space is fiberglass. It can be placed between the framing of the short wall, and can help with the control of temperature and sound. It can be purchased at most hardware stores and is very easy to install.
To install french door glass replacement Repair My Windows And Doors 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 smooth. Paint the exterior window trim and the sash casing to match your home.
Replace the wooden stops on the sides and the bottom of the frame after the sash has been shut. Nail them into place with 4d nail. Slide the sash up to within 10 inches. of the window sill. Use the sash lifts to engage a screwdriver, by sliding it into the groove of the stopper and then twisting it slightly from vertical to horizontal.