Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors can be stunning additions to any home. However, like any door or window they can be subject to damage. It is possible to repair the glass on a French door's glass without the need to purchase another one.
Double pane (also known as dual pane, insulated or double glass) can help reduce outside noise and provide energy efficiency. Double pane glass seals may crack or break.
Installing a new pane glass
French doors are popular among homeowners who want to add an elegant look to their home, but still allow plenty of light. Unfortunately, these windows aren't immune to damage and accidents and a damaged glass pane can be a major inconvenience for anyone who enjoys the views or sunlight these doors provide. The good thing is that it doesn't need to be a costly or complicated project to replace these windows. Even DIY novices, equipped with a few basic tools and construction knowledge can replace window glass in a short time and with ease.
The first step to replace the pane of a French door is to take out the old one. Wear gloves and safety glasses and take away any broken pieces of glass. After the broken glass has been removed, make note of the dimensions of the window's opening to be able to order an additional pane from an hardware store or glass maker. It's important to order a glass piece that is slightly larger than the original pane in order to allow for the expansion and contraction of the glass as temperatures fluctuate.
Next, it's time to remove the window sash from the frame. It is possible to remove a few nails holding the glazing points or trim in place, and it's important to clean the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth, secure fit for the new window. Be cautious not to take off too much wood or old putty, as this could cause the frame to crack.
Installing the replacement window pane is easy after you have removed the sash. Be sure to measure your window's opening first before subtracting 1/8th inch to allow for expansion when the frame heats up. This will help to prevent a sloppy fit and possibly leaks in the future.
After you've put in the new pane, use the caulk or putty on the frame's interior to hold it in place. When the caulk or putty is dry and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the door. If you are unsure of your ability to complete the job, hire a professional window repair company or glazier to avoid costly errors.
Take off the broken pane of glass
A damaged pane in a French-styled door can be more than an eye-sore. It can also pose the risk of injury. It's important to replace it as quickly as possible. Otherwise, shards can fall and cause injury. Replacing the broken glass is a relatively simple DIY project for most homeowners, but it's important to take the proper precautions to avoid in danger of injury.
Wearing gloves that protect you, remove any glass pieces that are loose from the frame. Put them in a paper bag and sweep up the area to remove any debris. If the glass is cracked but not broken the sides should be taped to stop it from breaking when you remove it. Make use of a small tool to remove the trim pieces that hold the window in place. These are called stops and are usually secured by wire brad nails. Take the bottom stop off and then move it up and around the frame.
When you're done removing the trim take a measurement of the height and width of the door frame to determine what size new glass pane is needed. Most home improvement stores carry safety glass, which is thicker and more durable than regular windows. Once you know the measurements of the frame cut the glass to fit. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors may need to cut the edges of the glass to form it.
If your French doors have the classic grid or grille design You'll need to design the same pattern on a new glass. This can be accomplished by adding decorative muntin bars to the exterior of the glass or by placing functional bars between two panes of glass, which is known as a Grille Between Glass. Authentically-styled divided lites are best utilized for renovations that are historic and when product replication is required by the zoning authorities.
French doors are a stunning feature for any home. However, they can be expensive. If you're looking to bring the elegance of French doors into your home without the price tag get in touch with us for a no-cost in-home consultation.
Cutting a New Pane of Glass
A French door can be enhanced in energy efficiency by adding a third pane of glass or replacing one that is broken. Triple-paned glass reduces noise and enhances comfort in homes that are exposed to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. By putting functional muntins in between the two panes could make a classic french door more decorative. This creates a grid or grille known as Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be on either the outside or inside of the window, and they can be found in different sizes and spacings to create various styles.
It's not easy to replace a pane in french doors but with perseverance along with some basic tools and some knowledge, it can be done. The first step is to remove the old glass from the frame. The new pane will then be cut and then inserted into the frame. Then, the frame can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
It is important to measure the size of your current pane of glass and subtract 1/8". This will account for the expansion of the glass as it warms. This will determine the size of the glass pane to be purchased. to be ordered from a hardware store or glass manufacturer.
The new glass pane could be cut to the appropriate size and inserted into the frame. If the new glass is low-e, it must be placed with the low-e coating facing the interior of the house. Reversing the pane could affect its performance in a negative way.
With a putty blade, gently pry off the old trim around the glass pane, making sure to not break it. Then install the new trim and apply a dot of caulk to seal the edges. The window panes can then be painted to match your door frame.
A professional can complete the job much faster and more accurately however it's recommended to practice before you attempt this task at home. If you have any doubts, contact an expert glass service in your area for expert french door double pane glass replacement.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
The simplest method for replacing the French door window is to install an identically sized piece of safety glass. However, if you wish to achieve a stylish look, a decorative windows company can create a custom-sized piece of glass that is designed to fit the opening in the door frame.
Before installing a new window, ensure that it is the same size and color as the previous one. If the color isn't correct it will be evident and could affect the look of your home. If the glass is not installed correctly, it may also break. To ensure that your windows look their best, make sure that the new panes are firmly secured with caulking and putty that matches the rest of the frame.
A traditional French door could comprise between 12 and 16 glass panes. You can add decorative muntin bars to individual glass panes of these doors, or window frames to create a design element. This could give the windows a the classic grid or grille pattern, which is often used in older renovations where precision in replication of the product is essential or required by zoning laws.
To put in the glass pane, carefully remove the window sash from the frame. This is typically accomplished by prying or unscrewing the sash. Then, carefully remove any remaining glazing points, putty, or other fasteners that are holding the old pane glass in place. Be sure to wear safety glasses or gloves to avoid cutting yourself from sharp edges or broken glass shards.
After you have removed the window sash, clean any putty or caulk from the frame. This will make it easier to replace a glass pane. To ensure that the new glass is cut correctly, measure the size and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. Contact your local glass shop for assistance if you are unsure how to measure the window accurately.
Replacing a double pane of glass for your French door is a easy task if you have some knowledge of construction and DIY projects. If you're not a skilled DIYer, it is more secure and cost effective to hire a professional to do the job. A window company can be able to quickly and efficiently replace or repair a broken French-door pane of glass.