DIY Network

Replacing Window with French Doors From "Home Transformations" episode DHTR-105

Bret Jones is leaving the workforce to focus on raising her two daughters. She and husband Todd -- an outdoorsy couple -- would like to create a backyard entertainment area to enjoy their California climate and create an oasis for the family.

With the reality of living on only one income, the couple wants to get the most bang for their buck -- and that's where Home Transformations comes in. In this episode, host Michael Ray Wisely will help the couple remove an existing bedroom window and replace it with French patio doors leaving to what will be the new "outdoor room."

Before the Transformation: an ordinary California backyard.

After: A year-round family oasis.

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	In this episode, a bedroom window will be replaced by French doors and a small deck that will lead to the new outdoor room.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I

Window Removal

Materials:

Hammer
Utility knife
Pry bar
Cordless drill
Tarp

Before beginning, be sure to place tarps over the floor and cover furniture. Also place tarp around the exterior work area to make clean-up easier.

1. Use a utility knife to score the edges of the interior window sill (figure A) to cut paint and old caulking.

2. Remove sill with a pry bar.

3. Move to the exterior and remove window screens. Score the exterior materials surrounding the window trim (here, paint and stucco).

4. Use a pry bar and hammer to remove all of the exterior window trim (figure B).

5. Move back to the interior, and use a cordless drill to remove all the screws (figure C) securing the window to wall studs.

6. Working near the exterior, remove furring strips holding the window in place and gently remove window (figure D).

Materials:

Measuring Tape
Pry bar
Hammer
Chisel
Screwdrivers
Drill with drill bits and driver bits
Utility knife
Circular saw
Hacksaw or reciprocating saw with metal-cutting blade
Miter saw
Wooden shims
Caulk gun with butyl caulk
Pre-hung door
Exterior trim
Weather stripping
Safety glasses
Work gloves

Before getting started, you'll need to remove the remaining portion of interior and exterior wall beneath the window opening. To do this, score lines from the outer edges of window down to floor. Tear away interior material (figure E)-- using a saw if necessary - and ensure that no load-bearing beams are cut. Use circular saw to cut through the exterior materials (figure F) and pull away.

1. Once the rough opening for the French doors has been created, weatherproof the opening with flashing paper. Staple the paper on the bottom and sides of door opening.

2. Next, install a rubberized flashing (in this example, the flashing it made of polyethylene, sheet metal and a bituminous membrane). Place rubberized flashing over the flashing paper (figure G).

3. Add caulking around edges of door to seal the door in the opening (figure H) and set door in place (figure I).

4. Tap shims in between door and opening to square the frame.

5. Insert 3" screws through door jamb into studs to secure.

6. Finish rubberized flashing installation at top of door frame.

7. Shim, level and secure sliding French doors.

RESOURCES :

French Doors
The Window Warehouse
5776 Paradise Drive
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Phone: 415-924-8300