How to Measure and Fit Replacement French Doors
French doors are a gorgeous way to let light into any room, while also providing a host of other benefits. Do some measurements to ensure that the new door will fit correctly.
Start by measuring the 'rough opening', which is the size of the space the doors will be placed in. Note down the measurements.
Styles
The beauty of French doors lies in their ability to combine outdoor and indoor spaces. If you decide to put them in your home's exterior or interior the doors come with multiple panes of glass that flood living areas with light and provide visual continuity between rooms. However, the type of French door you select will influence its cost and performance.
These doors are cheaper however, they may not be as durable and offer inadequate insulation. In contrast, more expensive options are made of durable materials that can stand up to Mid-Atlantic's harsh weather and require less maintenance.
For instance for instance, wood French doors are a great choice for those who prefer a traditional design and have enough space to accommodate them. However, they also require regular maintenance and care to ensure their appearance and function. Similarly, vinyl French doors are less difficult to maintain in good condition than wooden ones, but they are more susceptible to warping and provide a lower level of insulation.
The way that outswing and inswing French doors open differs. The former opens to your home, while the latter opens to a patio. They can be made from one door or many that are connected and are available in various sizes. They can be embellished with many accessories to increase their beauty and security, like window grilles.
The cost of a French door replacement will differ depending on your choice of style, material and the installation method. Basic installation of prehung doors is typically inexpensive. However when you add sidelights, modify your doors or make them custom, the cost could increase. For a high-end fiberglass French door, for instance, you could expect to pay upwards of $6,000.
The best French doors to install in your home will depend on a number of factors, including the location they'll be put in and how much natural light you want to bring into the living space. A reliable installation company can help you determine the best options for your budget and needs.
Materials
French doors can add a touch of elegance to your home. They come in two hinged doors that open to let sunlight and fresh air in the living area. French doors can also be fitted with decorative glass and additional details such as transoms and sidelites. They are available as inswing or sliding doors and can be built using a variety of materials. The type of material you choose will impact how your French doors function as well as their lifespan.
Wood, fiberglass and vinyl are the most popular French door materials. It's important to choose the appropriate material for your French doors and the climate. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. For instance, exterior French doors should be constructed from durable hardwoods like mahogany, oak and cedar because they are more resistant to moisture than softwoods like fir and alder. The glass you choose will also make a difference. Triple- or double-paned glass is more efficient in energy use and also more insulating than single-pane glass. You can choose low-e coated glass to keep the sun's heat out in summer and the warmth inside during winter.
Aluminum French doors are a popular option. They're less expensive than vinyl or wood but they don't insulate well. Typically, they're used for interior French doors and telescoping French door.
Fiberglass French doors make a good choice for exteriors because they are durable and a good insulation. They're also light and can be painted to match the color of your home's scheme. They cost around $500 to $2,000, with no installation.
Clad wood French doors are a hybrid of natural wood and modern aluminum. They are more affordable than a wood French doors and can be painted or stained to match the decor of a home. They're an excellent choice for harsh climates as they can stand up to high winds and snow more effectively than traditional wooden patio doors. They're also more secure than wooden doors because they are made of the laminated glass that breaks into smaller pieces instead of sharp shards if the glass has cracked or broken. Clad wood French doors from Marvin Replacement start at $2,500 to $5,500 on inswing doors and $850 to $4,500 for sliding French doors.
Installation
Replacing doors that are already in use with French doors is a simple procedure, and the cost of the materials is low. Making new openings, however, requires structural work, which adds to the overall cost of the project. The door frames need to be matched precisely to the existing frame. This requires precision and a professional will ensure that the seal is tight and that the door is able to move smoothly.
The design of French Doors can impact the overall appearance and feel of a space. They can be constructed to match trims in the room or to contrast it. When choosing a style it is important to think about the view lines, light exposure, and your personal preferences. The material is a crucial factor. Wood French doors are gorgeous, however expensive, whereas fiberglass is durable and energy efficient and can be convincingly molded to resemble wood. Steel is durable, but it's susceptible to rust and should be treated or painted.
Exterior French doors require space to swing open, therefore it's important to measure the area around your doors or the proposed location to ensure that there's enough space for the doors to open and closed. Interior french doors must be able to accommodate furniture when they are opened. Also, consider replacing french door glass as throws and area rugs when calculating.
When installing the French door frame, it's essential to apply a high-quality caulk and follow the manufacturer's guidelines. It's also a good idea to use shims between the frame and the sill pan for additional insulation. After the frame is installed then test the doors and ensure that they shut and open correctly before locking them permanently.
While it is possible for an accomplished DIYer to install replacement French doors however, a professional will usually be able to do it faster and more efficiently than the average homeowner and they can help ensure that the seal is secure and that the doors work smoothly. A professional can advise you on the most appropriate door accessories for your particular situation and how to integrate them into the design of your home.
Maintenance
As with all types of door, French doors require regular maintenance to maintain their appearance. Hinges will need to be checked and adjusted over time, and the wood frames need to be monitored for signs of rot and warping. These repairs are best left to a professional due to the precision needed to fit the glass panes within the frame.
Like any door, French doors must also be regularly cleaned to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime that can etch the glass and impede your home's overall appearance. White vinegar and water are a popular cleaning solution that can be applied to glass and windows with a soft cloth. If you prefer to make use of a commercial product ensure it's made specifically for the type of glass your doors are made of.
Routine maintenance of your door hardware handles, locks, and hinges can save you from costly repairs. Based on the kind of door, this might include lubricating the moving parts to ensure smooth operation, periodically replacing or repairing locks and monitoring the condition of the seals on your door.
In addition to maintaining the appearance of your doors, it is important to keep their insulation properties by replacing any worn weather stripping. This is a relatively inexpensive process and can help you save on energy by stopping air leaks and lowering the cost of cooling and heating.
It is also important to make sure that the clearance gap between the doors is closed with an astragal system. These are available from numerous manufacturers and usually cost less than $200 to install.
It is crucial to keep in mind that French doors cannot be installed in existing openings, unlike sliding glass. The process of installation is custom-made to suit the dimensions and shape of the doors. The process of creating a new opening requires structural work, which could add significant cost of labor and materials.