French doors add a gorgeous design element to homes and provide an excellent view. They're also a popular option for improving energy efficiency.
If one or more of your French door windows are damaged It could be time to replace them. It is simple to replace the glass on French door windows.
Replacement Panes
French doors add a classic, timeless look to homes. They are often glazed with glass panes to let light and views outside to flood through the home and brighten interior spaces. Glass panes with a glaze pose a security threat if they crack or break. It's not necessary to purchase the entire door to replace a damaged or cracked window pane. All you need is just a few tools, some elbow grease, and a basic understanding of the way glass operates.
French door replacement panes can be found in many styles and materials. They can be clear or colored to suit an aesthetic or style, or they can be constructed from safety glass to shield against abrasion. They can be etched or patterned to provide privacy to the window or to create a design element. They can also be made to be more energy efficient by using low-E films or the use of argon gas to increase efficiency in energy use and reduce the effects of ultraviolet radiation and glare.
The first step in replacing a window pane is to remove the broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles in order to protect yourself from injuries. After the old glass has been removed, the frame must be cleaned to ensure there's no dust or debris left behind. It's a good idea to also scrape the edges of the frame and remove any glazing points to clear the frame.
Once the frame is clean and dry, the new glass can be placed in the frame and secured. To avoid leaks, misalignment and other problems, it's crucial that the glass is matched exactly to your frame. The new glass is usually fixed with double-sided tape or caulk. After the putty is dry it is then painted or covered with trim to complete the task.
If you have French doors have dual-pane windows The seals between the windows may be damaged, causing moisture to seep into the space and create a hazy appearance or loss of insulation. This issue is usually caused by age and can be addressed by having a professional replace or repair the seals on the existing insulated-glass units (IGUs). It is possible to replace a window pane on an french door double pane glass replacement door with a brand new insulated unit, as long as you have the proper measurements.
Frames
The frame is the part that holds the glass in place and provides support for the door as it swings open or closed. The frames for french doors are made in metal composite, wood or vinyl. They can be painted or stained. The wood frames are typically stained and finished with a clear top coat to shield them from the elements. The other frame materials could be left unpainted or painted in a shade you select. Many of our customers opt to keep their existing frames and only replace the broken glass. This can give you a fresh, new appearance for a fraction of the cost to replace french doors of replacing the entire door system.
If you want to stain your doors it is recommended that you apply the stain in a well-ventilated space, following the paint's manufacturer's instructions, warnings, and guidelines. Sand the areas that will be stained lightly. Let dry after cleaning them with mild detergent mix. Once the surfaces have dried, they can be coated with an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow each coat to dry completely between coats. The paint manufacturer will recommend a clear topcoat.
It is crucial to select the right glass for your french doors, both for safety and performance. The glass must be temperated, which is far safer than regular annealed glass in the event of breakage. Tempered glass also performs better at controlling heat and reducing glare in your home. It is also more likely to not develop condensation between the two layers of glass.
Glass inserts for your French doors are available as a single piece of glass that completely covers the door (1 lite), or with a grid on the bottom, called divided-lite. Divided lites have a classic design that is elegant and works well with many architectural styles.
When 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 strong seal and proper operation. Window glass that is insulated is usually 1/2" thick, however decorative "triple glazed" glass (two clear pieces joined by a third piece of decorative glass between them, typically with a metal caming embedded) can be as thick as 3/4" thick. It is crucial to choose the correct glass thickness when you are looking for replacement windows as windows that are not thick enough will not be sealed properly and could be difficult to open.
Hardware
Certain French doors feature glass that cover the entire door (1 light) or have a top and regular pane on the bottom (1/2 lite). If the glass in the door is damaged, it needs to be replaced.
When replacing a French door window, there are several aspects to be considered. The first is to identify the type of glass needed. Safety glass is available and can help defend against intruders, decrease glare and control UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It is also more durable than regular glass that is annealed and won't shatter into sharp, sharp pieces.
The hardware is the second aspect to think about. It is important to choose the appropriate hardware that matches the style of the door and window. It should be simple to use and durable enough to last for many years.
After the glass replacement is installed There will be a few finishing touches that will need to be taken care of. The trim around the glass will have to be removed and the nails cut. It is recommended to do this manually or using a hacksaw. Then the trim can be re-attached, and the nail holes can be filled with putty or caulking.
Installation
French door windows provide a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether they are installed with just one pane of glass or a multi-pane style windows, they bring elegance and charm to any house. In certain instances, they might require replacement or repair to perform as they should. It is a difficult project for homeowners to replace French doors and windows however, with careful planning it's possible. The most effective results can be achieved by choosing the right products and following the right steps.
Prior to starting the replacement process, it's important to clear out the space around the window. It is also a good idea to put down protective coverings to prevent the destruction of walls and floors. After the area is cleared, take away all existing hardware and glazing points. Utilize a pry bar or utility knife to remove the trim and sash. After the old window is removed, vacuum and sweep the area to eliminate all leftovers.
Install insulation after the window is installed to improve the energy efficiency and comfort. This is particularly important if your old windows had water between the panes. This moisture could damage the glass and cause an oily film on the inside of the window.
The best kind of insulation for the areas in question is fiberglass. It can be positioned between the framing of the short wall and will aid in both temperature and sound control. It is readily available in most hardware shops and is easy to put up.
Installing insulation is as easy as cutting the piece of insulation to the right size and then applying the drywall tape along the seams. Then, mud the seams, allow it to dry, and then sand until smooth. Paint the window trim and sash casing to match your home.
Replace the wooden stops on the sides and bottom of the frame once the sash has been shut. Nail them in place with 4d nails. Then slide the sash down to within 10 inches. The window sill. With a screwdriver, you can engage the sash lifts by sliding it into the groove of the stop that separates it from the window and turning it slightly from vertical to horizontal.