How to Measure and Fit Replacement French Doors
French doors are a stunning way to let light in any space, while providing a range of other benefits. Make a few measurements to ensure that your new door will fit correctly.
Start by measuring the 'rough opening", which is the measurement of the space the doors will be placed in. Then, write down the numbers.
Styles
The appeal of French doors is their ability to seamlessly blend outdoor and indoor spaces. No matter if you want to install them on your home's interior or exterior the doors come with multiple panes of glass that flood living spaces with natural light while establishing visual continuity between rooms. The style of French door you select will affect its performance as well as cost.
Although you can find cheap doors, they're most likely to become damaged by the elements and may not provide enough insulation. More expensive options are made of sturdy materials that can stand up to the elements in the Mid-Atlantic and require less maintenance.
For example for instance, wood French doors are a great option for those who want a traditional design and have enough room to accommodate them. They require regular maintenance to maintain their appearance and functionality. Similarly, vinyl French doors are simpler to maintain than wooden ones, however they are more susceptible to warping and provide lower level of insulation.
The way that outswing and inswing French doors open is different. The former opens into your home, while the latter opens to a patio. The doors can be constructed from one door or a number of doors that work together and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be decorated with a range of accessories that match their aesthetic and enhance security or privacy, like window grilles.
The cost of an French door replacement will vary depending on your choice of style, material and the method of installation. The basic process of replacing doors that are prehung will be fairly inexpensive, but when you decide to add sidelights or customise your doors with a variety of other options, the price could climb. For a premium French door made of fiberglass, you could be looking at spending up to $6,000.
The best French doors to put in your home will depend on a number of factors, such as the location they'll be put in and the amount of natural light you want to bring into your living space. A professional installation company can help you decide which option is most beneficial for your specific needs and budget.
Materials
French doors are a nice touch to any home. They come as one or two hinged doors that swing open to let sunlight and fresh air in the living area. French door options also include decorative glass as well as other features like transoms and sidelites. These doors are available as sliding or inswing styles and are made of a variety materials. The material you choose will determine how your French doors work and their lifespan.
Wood, fiberglass and vinyl are the most popular French door materials. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, so it's important to think about the way your French doors will be used and the climate in which you live when choosing a material. For example, exterior French doors should be made of more durable hardwoods such as mahogany, oak and even cedar because they resist moisture better than softwoods like fir and alder. The glass you choose to use can also affect the quality. Triple- or double-paned glass is more efficient in energy use and also more insulating than single-pane glass. You can also select glass with an anti-e coating to keep the sun's heat away in summer and its warmth in during winter.
Aluminum French doors are also a popular option. They are cheaper than wood or vinyl but they do not insulate as well. Most often, they're used for interior French doors and telescoping French door.
Fiberglass French doors make a good option for exteriors since they are durable and a good insulator. They're also lightweight and can be painted to match the color of your home's scheme. They range from $500 to $2,000 in average, excluding the installation.
Clad wood French doors are a mix of natural wood and modern aluminum. They are less expensive than a wood French door and can be stained or painted to match the decor of a home. They're a good option for harsh climates since they can withstand high winds and snow more effectively than traditional wooden patio doors. They're also more secure than wood because they contain a layer of laminated glass that breaks into small chunks instead of sharp shards when the glass has cracked or broken. Clad wood French Doors from Marvin Replacement range between $2,500 and $5,500 for doors that swing upwards, and between $850 and $3,500 for doors that slide.
Installation
Replacing the doors of your old home with French doors is a straightforward procedure, and the cost of materials is low. Making new openings, however, involves structural work and adds to the total cost of the project. In addition the door frames have to be carefully matched to fit the existing frame. This requires precision, and a professional can assist in ensuring that the seal is tight and the door can move effortlessly.
The style of French Doors can alter the overall look and feeling of a space. They can be designed to match trims in the room or to contrast it. It is crucial to think about the lines of view as well as light exposure and comfort prior to choosing a style. The material is another major consideration. Fiberglass is energy-efficient and durable and can be made to look like wood. Steel is strong, but it's susceptible to rust and must be treated or painted.
Exterior French doors require space to swing open, therefore it's crucial to measure the space around your doors or the location you're considering to ensure there will be room for the new doors to swing open and closed. French doors for interior use must be able to accommodate furniture in the way they are opened, and you must take into account things such as throws and area rug when measuring.
It is essential to use a high-quality caulk to install the French door frames. Also follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Use shims for insulation between the door's frame and the sill pan. Once the frame is set it is time to test the doors and make sure that they close and open correctly before locking them permanently.
A professional can set up a replacement French door more quickly than the DIYer. They can also ensure that the seals are in good condition and that the doors operate smoothly. A professional can also provide advice on the types of door accessories that are appropriate for a particular location and how to match the doors with other trims in your home.
Maintenance
French doors, like any other type of door require regular maintenance to ensure they look their best. Over time hinges need to be checked and adjusted. The wood frames should be examined for indications of rot and warping. Repairs like this should be left to professionals because of the precision needed to fit the glass panes within the frame.
French doors, like every other type of door, should be maintained regularly to stop dirt and grime from accumulating and staining the glass. This can affect the overall appearance of your home. A common home-based cleaning solution is made up of equal parts white vinegar and water which can be applied using a soft cloth on the glass and windows. If you opt to apply a commercial product, ensure it's made specifically for the kind of glass your doors are made of.
Routine maintenance of your door 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, frequently replacing or repairing locks, and keeping track of the condition of the seals on your door.
In addition to keeping the appearance of your doors, you must also ensure that they are insulated by replacing any damaged weather stripping. This is a relatively inexpensive process and can help you save on energy by stopping air leaks and lowering your cooling and heating costs.
Astragal systems can also be used to close the gap between doors that are in a congruous manner. They are available from a variety of manufacturers and usually 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 in existing openings. The process of installation is custom-made to match the dimensions and shape of the doors. Creating replace window with french doors requires structural work, which could add significant cost of labor and materials.