How to Measure and Fit Replacement French Doors
French doors can be a beautiful and practical method of bringing more light into a space. They also provide a number of other benefits. Take a few measurements to ensure that the new door will be a perfect fit.
Start by measuring the 'rough opening', which is the size of the space that the doors will sit in. Write down the figures.
Styles
The appeal of French Doors is their ability to blend indoor and outdoor areas. They can be set up on the exterior or inside of your house. They have multiple panes which allow natural light to flood living spaces, while creating visual continuity between rooms. However, the type of French door you select will affect the cost and performance.
Although you can find cheap doors, they're likely to become damaged by the elements and might not provide enough insulation. On the other hand, more expensive models are constructed of tough materials that are able to stand up to Mid-Atlantic's climate and require less maintenance.
Wood French doors, like those, are a great option for those who prefer more traditional designs and have enough space to accommodate them. They require regular maintenance to keep their appearance and functionality. Vinyl French doors are also easier to maintain than wooden ones. However, they're more prone to warping, and also offer less insulation.
Inswing and outswing French doors differ in how they open in the first, with the former swinging within your home, and the one that opens onto a patio. Doors are available in a variety of sizes and are made from a single or several doors that work in conjunction. They can also be decorated with a variety of accessories that complement their design and increase security or privacy, such as window grilles.
The cost of a replacement French door will vary depending on the style, materials and installation option you choose. Installation of prehung doors is usually fairly inexpensive. However, if you add sidelites, customize your doors or even have them customized, the cost could increase. For a high-end fiberglass French door for instance, you might expect to pay upwards of $6,000.
The best French doors to be installed in your home will depend on various factors, including where they'll be installed and the amount of natural light you want to bring into the living space. A professional installation company can help you determine which option is most efficient for your particular needs and budget.
Materials
French doors are a nice touch to any house. They can be one or two hinged doors that opens to let in light and fresh air. French doors also come with decorative glass and additional details like sidelites and transoms. They are available in sliding or inswing options and can be made from various materials. The material you choose will impact the way your French doors function and their life span.
Vinyl, fiberglass and wood are the most popular French door materials. It is important to select a material that is suitable for your French doors and your climate. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. For instance exterior French doors should be constructed from more durable hardwoods like mahogany, oak and cedar because they resist moisture better than softwoods like fir and alder. The glass you choose will also impact. Double- and triple-paned glasses are more energy-efficient and more insulating than single-paned ones. You can pick low-e coated glass to keep the sun's heat out in summer and the warmth inside during winter.
repairing french doors are another popular option. They are cheaper than vinyl or wood, however they aren't insulate as well. Most often, they're used for interior French doors and the telescoping French door.
Fiberglass French doors are a great option for exterior doors since they're extremely insulating and long-lasting. They're also lightweight and can be painted to match any home's color scheme. They cost between $500 and $2,000 in the average, not including installation.
Clad wood French doors are a blend of natural wood and modern aluminum. They're more affordable than wooden French doors and can be painted or stained to match a home. They are a great option for harsh climates since they can withstand high winds and snow better than the traditional wooden patio door. They are also safer than wooden patio doors because they are made of laminated glass that breaks into small 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 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 straightforward process and the cost of the materials is very low. Making new openings, however, involves structural work, which adds to the overall cost of the project. Additionally the door frames have to be carefully aligned to the existing frame. This requires precision and a professional will ensure that the seal is in place and the door can move easily.
The design of French doors can affect the overall look and feel of a room, and they can be designed to match or contrast with the trim. Before choosing a style, it is crucial to consider the lines of view, the light exposure, and your own comfort. Material is a different aspect to consider. Fiberglass is energy efficient and durable and can be molded to resemble wood. Steel is tough, but prone to rust. It has to be painted or treated.
Exterior French doors require space to swing open, therefore it is important to measure the space around your doors or the location you're considering to ensure that there's enough space for the new doors to open and close. Interior french doors must be able accommodate furniture when they are opened. You should also take into consideration things like area rugs and throws when calculating.
It is crucial to use high-quality caulk when installing the French door frames. Also, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. It's also a good idea to use shims between the frame and the sill pan to provide additional insulation. Once the frame is in place, test-fit the doors and ensure that they close and open correctly before securing them permanently.
While it is feasible for an accomplished DIYer to install replacement French doors but a professional will generally be able to do it quicker and more efficiently than the average homeowner and can ensure that the door's seal is tight and that the doors function smoothly. A professional can also provide advice on the types of door accessories that are suitable for a specific setting and how to match the doors to other trims in your home.
Maintenance
Like any other door, French doors require regular maintenance to maintain their appearance. Hinges will need to be checked and adjusted as needed and the wooden frames must be inspected for signs of rot and warping. Repairs like this should be left to professionals because of the precision required to fit the glass panes into the frame.
Like all doors, French doors must also be cleaned regularly to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime that can etch the glass and impede the overall appearance of your home. A common home-based cleaner is made up of equal parts white vinegar and water, which can be applied using a soft cloth to the windows and glass. If you choose to apply a commercial product, ensure it's made specifically for the kind of glass your doors have.
You can also avoid the need for expensive repairs by keeping up with the routine maintenance of your door's hardware, locks, and handles. Based on the type of door, this could include lubricating moving parts to ensure smooth operation, regularly replacing or repairing locks and keeping track of the condition of your door's seals.
In addition to maintaining the appearance of your doors, you should also maintain their insulative properties by replacing any damaged weather stripping. This process is relatively cheap and can help you save on energy by stopping air leaks and decreasing the cost of cooling and heating.
Astragal systems are also used to reduce the gap between door panels that are congruent. They are available from a variety of manufacturers and usually cost less than $200 to install.
It is crucial to remember that French doors cannot be placed inside existing openings, unlike sliding glass. The process of installation is custom-made to match the dimensions and shape of the doors. The process of creating a new opening requires structural work, which can add significant cost of labor and materials.