The Most Effective Advice You'll Ever Receive On French Door Window Replacement
French Door Window Replacement
French doors are an attractive design element for homes. They also offer a great view. French doors are also a popular option to improve energy efficiency.

It may be time to replace your French door windows if one or more are broken. It is easy to replace the glass on French doors.
Replacement Panes
French doors give an elegant, timeless look to homes. French doors are often coated with glass to let the sunlight and views from outside infiltrate the home and also brighten the interiors. The glass panes that are glazed pose a security threat if they break or crack. Fortunately, replacing a broken or cracked window pane won't require buying an entire door and can be completed with a few tools, elbow grease, and some basic knowledge of working with glass.
Replacement panes for french doors are available in various styles and materials. They can be clear or colored to match a particular aesthetic, or they can be constructed from safety glass to protect against abrasion. They can be etched or cut to create privacy for the window or to create an element of design. Additionally, windows can be insulated with low-E films or even argon gas to increase energy efficiency and reduce glare and UV radiation.
To replace a damaged window pane, take out the broken glass first from the frame. Wear gloves and goggles to shield yourself from injury. After taking out the old glass the frame must be cleaned to remove dust or debris. To clean the area it's a good idea to scrape the edges of the frames, and remove any glazing points.
Once the frame is clean and dry, the new glass can be inserted into place and secured. It's important that the glass is matched exactly to the existing frame to prevent leaks, misalignment, and other issues. The glass will be secured with double-sided tape or caulk. Once the putty has dried it can be painted or covered with trim to complete the task.
The seals between the seals on your French doors can become deteriorated over time, allowing moisture seep in and cause a foggy look or loss of insulation. This issue is usually caused by aging and can be fixed by hiring a professional to replace or repair the seals of the current insulated-glass units (IGUs). However, it's possible to replace a single window pane of the French door with a brand new IGU, if you have the right measurements for the new piece of glass.
Frames
The frame holds the glass and supports the door as it swings up and down. The frames available for french doors are wood, metal composite 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 frame materials could be left unpainted or painted in a color you prefer. Many of our clients choose to keep their frames as is and replace the damaged glass. This can give your home a new look 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 so in an area that is well ventilated and adhere to the instructions, precautions and recommendations of the paint company. Sand the surfaces to be stained lightly. Clean with mild detergent and allow to dry. Once the surfaces are dry, they can be sprayed with an opaque acrylic base coat. Allow each coat to fully dry between coats. Then, a clear top coat should be applied according to the guidelines of the paint manufacturer.
For security and performance, it's important to choose the correct glass for your French doors. The glass must be temperated, which is far safer than regular glass annealed in case of breakage. Tempered glass is also better in controlling heat, which means it reduces the appearance of glare, and also preventing condensation between the 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 that is referred to as divided-lite. Divided light have a classic appearance that is elegant and is a good match with a variety of architectural styles.
If the glass in your French doors breaks, it's essential to replace it with one that is similar in thickness to the original. This will ensure proper operation and a secure seal. Window glass that is insulated is usually 1/2" thick but decorative "triple glazed" glass (two clear pieces joined by a decorative third piece between, usually with a metal caming embedded) can be up to 3/4" thick. It is essential to choose the right thickness of glass when obtaining a replacement as windows that are not thick enough will not seal properly or may be difficult to open.
Hardware
Some French doors are constructed of glass that cover the entire door (1 light) some have a standard pane at the bottom, and the top glass. If the glass window of the door is broken and needs to be replaced.
There are several things to consider when replacing french-door windows. First, you must determine the type and size of glass you want. 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 that is annealed and won't shatter into sharp, jagged pieces.
The other thing to think about is the hardware to be utilized. It is crucial to choose the appropriate hardware that complements the design of your door and window. It should be easy to operate and designed to stand up to years of usage.
Once the replacement glass is installed there will be a few finishing touches that have to be taken care of. Generally, the trim around the glass will have to be removed and the nails cut. It is best to do this by hand 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. They can be installed with just one pane of glass or a multi-pane style they add elegance and charm to any house. In certain cases, they could require repair or replacement to function as intended. replace french door glass is a difficult task for homeowners to replace French doors and windows but with a careful approach, it is possible. Making the right choices and taking the proper steps can yield amazing results.
Before you begin the replacement process the window, it is crucial to clear the area around the window. It is also a good idea to put down protective coverings to prevent damage to floors and walls. After the space has been cleared, remove all hardware and glazing points. Take the sash off using the help of a utility knife and a pry-bar. After the old window has been removed then sweep and vacuum the area to remove any remaining debris.
Insulate the windows after it is installed to increase the efficiency of your home and increase comfort. This is particularly crucial if your previous windows were damp between the panes. The moisture could cause the glass to be damaged and create an oily film within the window.
Fiberglass is the best insulation for these areas. It can be used to control both temperature and sound. It is available at the majority of hardware stores and is simple to install.
To install the insulation you need to cut a piece to fit and apply drywall tape to the seams. Then, mud all of the seams. Let them dry and then sand them until it's smooth. Paint the 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 is closed. Attach them using 4d nails. Then slide the sash downwards to within 10 in. of the window sill. Utilizing a screwdriver, tighten the sash lifts by sliding it into the groove of the parting stop and turning it slightly from horizontal to vertical.