How to Measure and Fit Replacement French Doors
French doors are a beautiful way to bring light into any space, while providing a host of other advantages. To ensure your new door is a perfect fit make a few measurements with a tape measure.
Begin by measuring the "rough opening', which is the size of the space the doors will be able to fit in. Then write down the figures.
Styles
The appeal of French doors lies in their ability to blend indoor and outdoor spaces. If you decide to put them in your home's exterior or interior, these doors feature multiple panes of glass that flood living spaces with natural light while establishing visual continuity between rooms. The type of French door that you choose will impact its performance and cost.
While you can find low-cost doors, they're most likely to be damaged by the elements and might not offer adequate insulating value. More expensive options are made from durable materials that can withstand the weather in the Mid-Atlantic and require less maintenance.
For instance for instance, wood French doors are a great option for those who want a traditional design and have enough space to accommodate them. However, they require regular care and attention to maintain their appearance and functionality. repairing french doors are also more easy to maintain than wooden ones. However, they're more prone to warping and provide less insulation.
The way inswing and outswing French door open is different. The former opens to your home, whereas the latter opens onto an outdoor patio. Doors are available in a range of sizes and can be made from a single or several doors that work in conjunction. They can also be adorned with a variety of accessories that enhance their design and increase security or privacy, such as window grills.
The cost of replacing a French door will vary based on the style, materials and installation option you choose. Installation of doors that are prehung is generally affordable. However if you choose to add sidelites, customize your doors or even have them customized price may increase. For a top-quality fiberglass French door, for instance, you could expect to shell out upwards of $6,000.
The most effective French doors to put in your home will depend on several aspects, including the location they'll be put in and how much natural light you wish to bring into your living space. The right company for installation will help you determine which options are best for your budget and needs.
Materials
French doors add a touch of elegance to any home. They can be found with hinged doors that swing open to let light and fresh air into the living area. French doors can also be fitted with decorative glass and additional details like sidelites and transoms. These doors are available as sliding or inswing designs and can be made from a variety materials. The material you choose will impact the way your French doors function as well as their lifespan.
Vinyl, fiberglass, and wood are popular French door materials. It is important to select a material that is suitable for your French doors and your climate. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks. 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. The glass you select will also impact. Triple- or double-paned glass is more energy efficient and insulates better than single-pane glass. You can also select glass with an anti-e coating that keeps the sun's heat out in summer and its warmth in during winter.
Aluminum French doors are also a popular selection. They are cheaper than wood or vinyl, but they do not provide insulation as well. They're most often used for Telescoping French doors and interior French doors.
Fiberglass French doors are a great option for exterior doors since they're extremely insulating and durable. They are also lightweight and can be customized to match any color scheme. They cost between $500 and $2,000 in average, excluding the installation.
Clad wood French doors are a hybrid of natural wood and modern aluminum. They are less expensive than wood French door and can be painted or stained to match a house. They're a great choice for harsh climates as they can stand up to high winds and snow more effectively than traditional wooden patio doors. They're also safer than wooden patio doors because they feature a layer of laminated glass that break into smaller pieces instead of sharp shards of glass when it is broken or cracked. 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 old doors with French Doors is simple and the materials are cheap. The process of creating new openings however, requires the construction of a structure and increases the total cost of the project. Additionally the door frames need to be carefully matched to fit the existing frame. This requires precision and a professional could ensure that the seal is secure and the door moves effortlessly.
The style of French Doors can affect the overall look and feeling of a space. They can be designed to complement existing trim or stand out against it. Before deciding on a style, it's important to consider the lines of view, the light exposure, and your personal preferences. The material is another crucial aspect. Fiberglass is durable and energy efficient, and can be molded to resemble wood. Steel is durable, but it is prone to rust. It must be painted or treated.
Exterior French doors require space to swing open, therefore it's crucial to measure the area around your doors or the new location to ensure that there will be room for the new doors to swing open and close. Interior french doors must be capable of accommodating furniture in the way they're opened and you should be aware of things such as throws and area rug when calculating.
When installing the French door frame, it's important to apply a high-quality caulk and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Use shims for insulation between the door's frame and the sill pan. Test-fit the door frames and ensure that they open and shut correctly before securing them permanently.
Although it is possible for an accomplished DIYer to put in 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 seal is secure 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 match them with the trim of your home.
Maintenance
As with any type of door, French doors require regular maintenance to keep their appearance. Hinges need to be checked and adjusted as needed and the wooden frames need to be monitored for signs of rot and warping. Due to the precision needed to put the glass panes and frame the repairs are usually best handled by a professional.
Like all doors, French doors must also be cleaned regularly to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime that can stain the glass and impede your home's overall appearance. A common home-based cleaning solution comprises equal parts of water and white vinegar, which can be applied with a soft cloth to the glass and windows. If you opt to use a commercial cleaning product ensure that it is specifically designed to fit the shape and type of the glass you have on your doors.
You can also reduce the need for costly repairs by making sure you are keeping track of the routine maintenance of your door's hardware, locks, and handles. Depending on the type of door, this may include lubricating moving parts to ensure smooth operation, regularly replacing or repairing locks and keeping track of the state of the seals of your door.
In addition to keeping the appearance of your doors, it is important to keep their insulation properties by replacing any damaged weather stripping. This is a fairly inexpensive procedure and can help you save on energy by stopping air leaks and lowering your cooling and heating costs.
Astragal systems are also utilized to close the gap between door panels that are in a congruous manner. These are available from numerous manufacturers and typically cost less than $200 to install.
It is crucial to remember that French doors are not able to be put in inside 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 the opening requires structural work, which could add significant cost of labor and materials.