How to Measure and Fit Replacement French Doors
French doors are a beautiful way to let light into any space, while providing a host of other benefits. Make some measurements to ensure that your new door will be a perfect fit.
Begin by measuring the "rough opening", which is the measurement of the area the doors will be able to fit in. Note down the numbers.
Styles
The appeal of French doors lies in their ability to blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you choose to install them in your home's exterior or interior they feature numerous panes of glass that flood living areas with light and provide visual continuity between rooms. The type of French door that you choose will affect its performance as well as cost.
While you can find inexpensive versions of these doors, they're likely to be damaged by the elements and might not offer adequate insulating value. More expensive options are made of durable materials that are able to stand up to the elements in the Mid-Atlantic and require less maintenance.
For example wood French doors are a fantastic option for those who prefer a traditional design and have enough space to accommodate them. They require regular maintenance to maintain their appearance and function. Vinyl French doors are also more easy to maintain than wooden ones. However, they're more prone to warping and also offer less insulation.
Inswing and outswing French doors differ in the manner they open, with the former swinging inside your home and the one that opens onto a patio. The doors are available in a variety of sizes and can be constructed out of a single or multiple doors that work together. They can also be decorated with a range of accessories that match their design and increase security or privacy, like window grills.
The cost of the cost of a French door replacement will vary in accordance with your choice of design, material and the method of installation. The basic installation process of replacing prehung doors will usually be affordable, but if you want to add sidelites or customize your doors with a number of other options, the price could climb. For a premium fiberglass French door for instance, you might be looking at upwards of $6,000.
Selecting the right French doors for your home depends on many factors such as where you're installing them and the amount of natural light you want to introduce into living spaces. A reliable installation company can help you decide which options are best for your budget and requirements.
Materials
French doors add a touch of elegance to any home. They are available with hinged doors that open to let light and fresh air in the living space. French doors can also be fitted with decorative glass and additional details like transoms and sidelites. These doors are available as sliding or inswing styles and can be made from various materials. The material you select will affect the way your French doors function and also their longevity.
Vinyl, fiberglass and wood are the most popular French door materials. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, so it is important to think about what your French doors will be used as well as the climate in which you live when selecting a door material. Exterior French doors, for example are made of hardwoods like mahogany, cedar, and oak, which are more durable and withstand moisture better than softwoods like fir and alder. It is also possible to make significant distinctions with the glass you choose. Double- and triple-paned glasses are more energy efficient and more insulating than single-paned ones. You can choose low-e coated glass to keep the sun's heat out in summer and keep it warm in winter.
french door glass replacement leighton-buzzard are also a popular choice. They are less expensive than wood or vinyl however they aren't provide insulation as well. Most often, they're used for interior French doors and the telescoping French door.
Fiberglass French doors are a good choice for exterior doors because they're an excellent insulator and long-lasting. They're also light and can match any color scheme. They cost between $500 and $2,000 on average, not including the installation.
Clad wood French doors are a hybrid of natural wood and modern aluminum. They're less expensive than wooden French doors and can be painted or stained to match a home. They're a great choice for harsh climates since they can withstand the force of high winds and snow better than the traditional wooden patio door. They're also safer than wooden patio doors because they have a layer made of laminated glass that breaks into smaller pieces instead of sharp shards if the glass is cracked or broken. Clad wood French doors from Marvin Replacement start at $2,500 to $5,500 for inswing doors and $850 to $4,500 for sliding French doors.
Installation
The process of replacing the existing doors with French Doors is simple and the materials are affordable. Creating new openings, however, requires structural work and adds to the total cost of the project. The door frames also need to be carefully matched with the existing frame. This requires precision, and a professional can assist in ensuring that the seal is secure and the door moves easily.
The style of French Doors can alter the overall look and feeling of a room. They can be designed to match trims in the room or contrast it. It's important to think about the lines of view and light exposure as well as comfort prior to choosing the style. Material is another important factor. Fiberglass is energy-efficient and durable, and can be molded to resemble wood. Steel is strong however, it is susceptible to rust and needs to be treated or painted.
It is crucial to ensure that the new exterior French doors are able to swing open. Check the space around the existing doors or the location you plan to install them to ensure that there's enough space. Interior french doors must be able accommodate furniture when they are opened. It is also important to take into consideration things like throws and area rugs when calculating.
It is important to use a high-quality caulk when installing the French door frames. Also follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. It's also a good idea to use shims between the frame and the sill pan to provide an additional layer of insulation. Test-fit the door frames and make sure that they open and shut correctly before you secure them permanently.
Although it is possible for an accomplished DIYer to put in replacement French doors, a professional will typically be able to install them faster and more efficiently than the average homeowner, and they can help ensure that the door's seal is tight and that the doors function smoothly. A professional can provide advice on the most appropriate door accessories for your specific situation and also on how to integrate them into the design of your home.
Maintenance
French doors, as with any door type, require regular maintenance to ensure they look their best. Hinges will need to be checked and adjusted as needed and the frames made of wood must be inspected for signs of warping and rot. Because of the precision required to fit the individual frames and glass panes the repairs are usually best left to a professional.
French doors, just like any other door, must be cleaned regularly to avoid dirt and grime from accumulating and staining the glass. This can detract from the overall appearance of your home. A common household cleaning solution comprises equal parts of water and white vinegar, which can be applied with a soft cloth on the glass and windows. If you prefer to make use of a commercial product make sure it is made specifically for the kind of glass you have.
Regular maintenance of your door's hardware such as locks, handles and hinges can prevent costly repairs. Depending on the type of door, this might include lubricating moving parts to ensure smooth operation, regularly replacing or repairing the locks, and keeping track of the condition of your door's seals.
You should replace any damaged weather strips to preserve the insulating properties of your doors. This process is relatively inexpensive and can reduce your energy costs by stopping air drafts and lowering heating and cooling bills.
It is also crucial to ensure that the gap between door panels that are congruent is sealed with an astragal system. These are available from numerous manufacturers and typically cost less than $200 to install.
It is important to keep in mind that French doors, unlike sliding glass doors, are not able to be installed into existing openings. The process of installation is tailored to match the size and shape of the doors. Making the opening requires structural work, which can create significant cost of labor and materials.