How to Measure and Fit Replacement French Doors
French doors can be a beautiful and practical way to add light into your space. They also provide a number of other benefits. Make several measurements to ensure that the new door will fit correctly.
Begin by measuring the "rough opening", which is the size of the space the doors will be able to fit in. Note down the numbers.
Styles
The beauty of French Doors is their ability to combine outdoor and indoor spaces. 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 a visual continuity between rooms. The kind of French door you select will impact its performance and cost.
While you can find low-cost versions of these doors, they're most likely to be damaged by the elements and may not offer adequate insulating value. The more expensive ones are constructed from durable materials that can endure the elements of the Mid-Atlantic and require less maintenance.
Wood French doors, for instance are a great option for those who like more traditional designs and have enough space to accommodate them. However, they also require regular care and attention to maintain their appearance and functionality. Similar to vinyl, French doors are less difficult to keep in good condition than wooden ones, but they are more susceptible to warping and provide lower level of insulation.
The way that outswing and inswing French doors open differs. The former opens to your home, while the latter opens onto the patio. Doors are available in a variety of sizes and are constructed from a single or several doors that work together. They can be embellished with various accessories to enhance their aesthetics and security, like window grilles.
The cost of replacing a French door will vary based on the design, material and installation option you choose. Basic installation of prehung doors is usually fairly affordable. However if you choose to add sidelights, modify your doors or even have them customized, the cost could increase. For a high-end fiberglass French door, for instance, you could expect to pay more than $6,000.
The ideal French doors to be installed in your home will depend on a number of factors, such as where they'll be installed and how much natural light you want to bring into the living space. The right installation company will help you decide which options are best for your budget and needs.
Materials
French doors add a touch of elegance to any house. They can be found as one or two hinged doors that swing open to let light and fresh air into the living space. French doors can also be fitted with decorative glass and additional details like sidelites and transoms. They can be found as inswing or sliding doors that can be constructed with a variety of materials. The type of material you choose will determine the way that your French doors function and also their life span.
Vinyl, fiberglass and wood are the most popular French door materials. It's important to choose the appropriate material for your French doors and climate. Each has distinct advantages and drawbacks. Exterior French doors, for instance are made from hardwoods like mahogany, cedar and oak which are more durable and withstand moisture better than softwoods like fir and alder. The glass you select can also affect the quality. Double- and triple-paned glass is more energy efficient and insulate better than single-paned ones. You can also select glass with a low-e coating to keep the sun's heat out in summer and warm during winter.
Aluminum French doors are also a popular selection. They are cheaper than vinyl or wood, but they do not insulate as well. They are most commonly used for telescoping French doors as well as interior French doors.
Fiberglass French doors make a good option for exteriors since they're durable and are a great insulator. They're also light and can be matched to any color scheme. They range from $500 to $2,000, with the latter amount excluding the installation.
Clad wood French doors are a blend of natural wood and modern aluminum. They are more affordable than a traditional wood French doors and can be stained or painted to match the decor of a home. They're a great choice for harsh climates since they can withstand strong winds and snow better than a traditional wooden patio doors. They're also safer than wooden patio doors since they are made of made of laminated glass that breaks into small pieces instead of sharp shards when the glass cracks or breaks. Clad wood French Doors from Marvin Replacement range between $2,500 and $5,500 for doors that swing inwards and $850 to $3,500 for doors that slide.
Installation
Replacing existing doors with French doors is a straightforward procedure, and the cost of the materials is very low. The cost of building new openings is higher due to the fact that it requires structural work. The door frames need to be carefully matched with the existing frame. This requires precision and a professional could assist in ensuring that the seal is secure and the door can move effortlessly.
The design of French Doors can impact the overall look and feeling of a space. They can be designed to complement existing trim or to contrast it. It's important to think about the views lines and light exposure as well as comfort before choosing the style. The material is another crucial aspect. Fiberglass is durable and energy efficient and can be made to resemble wood. Steel is durable, but it is prone to rust. It needs to be treated or painted.
It is crucial to ensure that the new exterior French doors are able to swing open. Check replacement french door around the existing doors or in the location where you plan to install them to make sure there's enough room. Interior french doors must be able to accommodate furniture in the way they're opened and you should consider things like throws and area rug when measuring.
It is crucial to use a high-quality caulk when installing the French door frames. Also follow the directions given by the manufacturer. It's also an excellent idea to install shims between the door frame and the sill pan for additional insulation. Test-fit the door frames, and ensure that they shut and open correctly before you secure them permanently.
While 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 operate smoothly. A professional can advise you on the most appropriate door accessories for your specific 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 keep their appearance. As time passes hinges will require to be checked and adjusted. The wood frames should be inspected for signs of warping and rot. Repairs like this should be left to the experts due to the precision needed to fit the glass panes into the frame.
Like all doors, French doors must also be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of grime and dirt which can etch the glass and impede your home's overall appearance. Water and white vinegar are a popular cleaning solution that can be applied to glass and windows with a soft cloth. If you choose to apply a commercial product, ensure it's made specifically for the type of glass your doors are made of.
Regular maintenance of your door's hardware such as locks, handles and hinges can prevent costly repairs. Based on the kind 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 on 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 relatively low-cost process and can help to reduce your energy bills by blocking air drafts and decreasing costs for cooling and heating.
Astragal systems are also used to close the gap between door panels that are congruent. Many manufacturers offer these and they are priced less than 200 dollars to put in.
It is important to keep in mind that French doors unlike sliding glass doors, can't be installed in existing openings. The installation process is customized to match the dimensions and shape of the doors. Making the opening requires structural work, which can add significant cost of labor and materials.