Larson storm doors can be adapted for use as French doors with the aid of a French Door Conversion Kit. These kits provide the necessary hardware and instructions to convert a standard storm door into a double-door configuration suitable for French door openings. The conversion process involves replacing existing components with parts included in the kit, such as an astragal and a full-width drip cap. Several kit options are available, differing primarily in nominal size and storm door style.
Kit Components and Functionality
A French Door Conversion Kit is designed to facilitate the installation of two storm doors to function as a French door system. Each kit includes specific components to enable this conversion. The kits do not include the two storm doors themselves; they are intended for use with existing Larson storm doors. Key components include detailed installation instructions, all necessary hardware, an astragal, and a special drip cap.
The astragal replaces the standard latch-side mounting rail of each door. This component is crucial for creating a weather-tight seal between the two doors when closed. The full-width drip cap replaces the standard top drip caps, providing enhanced protection against water intrusion. Additionally, slide bolts are included for securing the inactive door, providing a locking mechanism. With a French Door installation, one door will function as a left-hinge operating door, and the other as a right-hinge operating door.
Measuring for a French Door Conversion Kit
Accurate measurements are essential for selecting the correct French Door Conversion Kit. The process involves measuring the existing French door opening. The following steps are recommended:
- Measure the full width of the opening from jamb exterior trim to jamb exterior trim, where the storm doors will attach.
- Measure the full height of the opening from the head exterior trim to the threshold, where the storm doors will attach.
The documentation provides a size guide for selecting the appropriate kit based on these measurements. Two standard width doors are used in a nominal size configuration. Available sizes include 32" x 81", 36" x 81", 63 1/2" – 64 1/8" width, and 71 1/2" – 72 1/8" height, as well as 80" – 81" height.
Compatibility and Customization
Larson offers French Door Conversion Kits for various storm door models, including Lakeview, Lifestyle, Fullview, Wood-Core, and Life-Core series. Available nominal sizes include 64" x 80" and 72" x 80".
If the opening dimensions do not correspond to a standard size, custom French doors may be required. However, the documentation notes that continuous wood shims up to 1/4" thick can be installed behind the Z-bars to allow standard doors to fit an opening up to 1/2" wider. Extra-long screws will be necessary to secure the doors in this scenario.
Installation Overview
The installation process involves replacing existing storm door components with those provided in the French Door Conversion Kit. The detailed installation instructions included with each kit should be followed carefully. The key steps include:
- Replacing the latch-side mounting rail with the astragal.
- Replacing the top drip caps with the full-width drip cap.
- Installing the slide bolts onto the astragal to secure the inactive door.
The documentation indicates that kit parts, instructions, and the astragal may vary depending on the specific model. A typical Larson storm door French door installation is illustrated in the provided documentation, showing the placement of the astragal, expanders, and operating doors.
Available Conversion Kit Models
Several Larson French Door Conversion Kit models are currently available, differing primarily in style and nominal size. The following models are listed in the provided documentation:
- Larson® Lakeview Screen Away Double Door Storm Door Conversion Kit Almond 64" x 80" Nominal Size
- Larson® Lifestyle Screen Away Double Door Storm Door Conversion Kit Almond 64" x 80" Nominal Size
- Larson® Lakeview Fullview Double Door Storm Door Conversion Kit Almond 72" x 80" Nominal Size
- Larson® Fullview Double Door Storm Door Conversion Kit Almond 72" x 80" Nominal Size
- Larson® Wood-Core Double Door Storm Door Conversion Kit Almond 72" x 80" Nominal Size
- Larson® Life-Core Double Door Storm Door Conversion Kit Almond 72" x 80" Nominal Size
All listed models are available in an Almond finish.
Understanding the French Door Installation Layout
The documentation provides visual representations of a typical Larson storm door French door installation. These illustrations depict a front view and a top-down view, clarifying the arrangement of components. The front view highlights the astragal, stationary door, operating doors (left and right hinge), and expanders. The top-down view illustrates the relationship between the house door jamb, operating doors, stationary door, and hinge rail. The handle is supplied with the door.
Additional Considerations
The documentation emphasizes the importance of referring to the French Door Size Guide for proper kit selection. It also notes that the included instructions should be followed meticulously to ensure a successful installation. The kits are designed for use with existing Larson storm doors and do not include the doors themselves.
Conclusion
Larson French Door Conversion Kits offer a solution for adapting existing Larson storm doors for use as a French door system. Proper measurement and kit selection are crucial for a successful installation. The kits include all necessary hardware and detailed instructions, enabling users to convert standard storm doors into functional and aesthetically pleasing French door configurations. The availability of various models and sizes ensures compatibility with a range of French door openings.