Home ImprovementHome Exterior Remodel & Improvement
Are you contemplating adding French doors to your house?
This could be one of the best home improvement moves you’re free to make.
The door can either close or open in the middle.
Its also a part of the house that can add elegance and beauty to your place.
Many homeowners elect to have French doors replace windows in their house to let natural light in.
French doors not only serve as another entry point but also make home interiors look more spacious and inviting.
It saves energy
Another reason to install French doors at home is to save on energy.
Because French doors let natural light enter a house, theres a reduced need for artificial lighting.
You wont have to turn on the lights inside your home during the daytime when you have French doors.
Plus, most French doors have heat-reflective glass.
This reflects the extreme heat from the sun during the summer season.
It also traps interior heat during the colder months.
This characteristic reduces the need for artificial cooling during summer and heating systems during winter.
As a result, you might benefit from lower energy consumption and reduced energy bills.
But this is far from the truth!
Most contemporary French doors are reinforced with laminated safety glass that practically makes them indestructible.
French doors are as secure as other door types.
Also, French doors these days have multi-point locks for enhanced security.
But this is not to say that a French door is perfect.
It has its share of weaknesses.
One disadvantage of installing a French door is that it would require additional floor space.
This is very much true if swinging doors are paired with swinging screens.
Also, French doors are always subject to the elements.
French doors also require some maintenance.
For one, tracks must be kept free of debris.
You would also need periodic replacement of weatherstripping.
Hinges, meanwhile, need to be tightened once in a while.
Finally, French doors can put you in view of other people.
As such, you would need to put on blinds or shades for privacy, especially at night.
Its also advisable to seek some professional assistance if youre to pursue your French doors installation project.
And who would want to spend many hours toiling on a project, right?
If youve decided to push through with the DIY installation, youll need to make some decisions.
One of these is the throw in of French door to buy.
The latter punch in lets you swing both doors open.
Its also recommended if you want to utilize the interior wall space near the doors.
On the other hand, an in-swing door is best if you have limited outdoor space.
Speaking of space, you must have a plan for it, specifically around the door swing.
How do you do it?
Youll determine the amount of space youll need to plant the French door.
In terms of design, the most popular for French doors is the divided-glass panes.
Most manufacturers produce standard French doors that are measured and fabricated to fit standard door openings.
You may also have the French door custom made to suit unique spaces.
The standard French door sizes start at 1 foot 6 inches with increments of 2 inches.
You would also need some wood pieces for shimming.
Ordering a pre-hung French door is the easiest way to install this throw in of door.
Pre-hung French doors have jambs, hinges, and thresholds already included in the kit.
This gives you a seamless way of attaching your new door.
If you ordered a pre-hung French door, first check the items included in the French door kit.
Normally, fixings and things such as door furniture are already included.
However, it may also include only the frame and the door.
You should also see if the kit comes with installation instructions.
Now, lets look at how to install French doors in an existing opening.
First, determine the opening of the space where you plan to implement the doors.
You could likely remove the drywall.
Another option is to trim around the space.
Then measure the width when you’ve got removed enough drywall.
Next, remove the head and inside jambs which are commonly nailed together.
After that, slide the pre-hung doors into the rough opening.
confirm that the jambs are flushed well with the wall.
Further, check that the doors will open in the desired area without any obstruction.
Shimming the jamb plumb is the best way to ensure that the door is level and straight.
The jamb of the door that is lower at the top corner must be shimmed.
This way, the outer corner will be raised.
Slip the shims under the side jambs until the head jamb is straight or level.
Next, get the #8 finishing nails and hammer these through the frame, shims, and studs.
Before nailing all the nails, you should check first if the door opens and closes appropriately.
Then get the #6 finishing nails and hammer these through the trim and into the studs.
Trim exposed shims and cut and install these for the other side of the French doors.
Thats it, youve installed French doors in an existing opening!
Now you might test the door if it opens and closes smoothly.
Complete the task by installing the remaining hardware, such as the handles and doorknobs.
Conclusion
Installing French doors could be a great way to spice up your house.
It can make your space more inviting.
And it can add a touch of elegance to your place.
