To ensure a draught-free and problem-free installation, outside uPVC french doors must be sealed, framed, and fitted individually. In this helpful blog post, we walk you through the steps. External French door installation requires patience and effort to ensure that the door is securely fitted and sealed, with no gaps or potential security issues. When two people work together and have some experience, installing outside uPVC french doors takes about two to three hours.
Remove any protective foil that was applied to the frame to prevent damage during transit before you begin installing your uPVC french doors. Remove the foil off the external part now, but keep it on the remaining aluminum, uPVC, or wood surfaces to protect them throughout the installation.
Step 1: Begin by Framing the Opening and Sealing It
Remember to properly seal the doorframe to keep draughts, humidity, and insects out. You may have up to 3 levels of seal to install, depending on the style of French door you choose: inner, middle, and outside. The major element for thermal insulation is the middle seal, which is formed of construction foam. The outside seal protects your home from rain, humidity, and atmospheric impacts by using pre-compressed tapes or silicon jointing. After sealing the doorframe, gently place the French door frame into the wall opening.
Using a spirit level and washers, check that the doors fit and adjust the shims as needed. To avoid problems with opening and closing your doors, make sure the doorframe is vertical and horizontal. Important note: Consult a professional before cutting the opening for your outside uPVC french doors. Cutting a hole in an outside wall is a big job that might affect your home’s value and stability.
Step 2: Secure the door frame
Using an impact drill as well as a wooden or stone bit, drill the mounting hole. Then, using the spirit level, double-check that the frame remains aligned. To secure the door frame to the wall, use the included screws. Protect your floors and surfaces from any dust or debris generated by the impact drill.
Step 3: Seal and Foam the Gaps
The spaces between the doorframe and the wall opening must be sealed and foamed. Fill the area between the wall and the doorframe with construction polystyrene or filling materials and stretch the sealing tape for the outer level. To finish the seal, glue insulation foil to the stonework or use acrylic or silicon jointing.
Step 4: Install and Adjust the Door Leaf
Finally, install the door leaf and test how smoothly the door opens and closes. If required, readjust the door leaf to ensure that your uPVC French doors operate smoothly.
