Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors can be stunning additions to any home. Like any other door or windows, they are vulnerable to damage. It is possible to repair the glass on a French door's glass without needing to purchase a new one.
Double pane glass (also called dual pane or insulated) offers energy efficiency, outside noise reduction and more. However, the seals of double pane glass could break or crack.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are a popular option for homeowners who want to add a classic style to their home, while letting in plenty of natural light. These windows are not impervious to damage or accidents. A damaged glass pane can be a huge inconvenience for anyone who loves the views and light these doors bring. The good part is that it doesn't need to be an expensive or complicated project to replace these panes of glass. Even novice DIYers, with basic tools and construction experience can change window glass quickly and safely.
The first step to replace a French door pane is to get rid of the old one. Begin by carefully removing pieces of glass that have cracked off, and remember to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from sharp edges. Once the broken glass has been removed, make note of the dimensions of the window's opening so that you can purchase the new pane at a hardware store or a glass maker. Choose a glass pane that is slightly bigger than the original to take into account temperature fluctuations.
Next, it's time to take the window sash off the frame. You may need to remove a few nails that are holding the glazing points or trim in place, and it's essential to wash the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth, safe 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.
Once the sash is removed Once the sash is removed, you can begin to put in your replacement window pane. Before you do this, however ensure that you measure the window's opening, and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion as the frame is heating up. This will ensure a perfect fit and further leaks.
After you have installed the new glass and framed it, apply a small amount of caulk or putty to the frame to hold it in the right place. Once the caulk or putty has dried, you are able to paint the frame to match the rest. If you're not sure of your abilities to do the work yourself, consider hiring a professional glazier or window repair service to avoid costly errors and insulation problems.
Remove the Broken Pane of Glass
A broken pane of glass in a French door isn't just an eye-sore, but it can also be a safety danger. It's crucial to replace it as quickly as possible. Otherwise, glass fragments could fall and cause injuries. Replacing the broken pane is a fairly simple DIY project for most homeowners However, it's crucial to take the proper precautions to make sure you're not risking injury to yourself.
Begin by wearing protective gloves and removing any pieces of glass from the frame. Put them in a paper bag and sweep up the area to get rid of any debris. Tape the glass's sides when it's cracked but not broken. This will prevent it from breaking while you take it off. Use a small tool to remove the trim pieces holding the window in place. They are referred to as stop and are typically held in place by wire brad nails. Take off the bottom stop first and work your way up to the top and sides of the frame.
After taking the trim off the door, measure the length of the frame and the height to determine the dimensions of the new glass. You can purchase security glass at many home improvement stores. It is thicker than regular windows and won't break easily in the event that it does get knocked or hit. Once you have the measurements of the frame, cut the glass to fit. You may have to smooth the edges of the new glass to shape it.
If your French doors feature a classic grid or grille, you'll need to recreate the same pattern onto the new pane. This can be done by adding decorative muntin bars on the outside of the glass or by placing functional bars between two glass panes, which is known as a Grille Between Glass. Authentically-styled divided lites are best utilized for renovations that are historic and when replication of a product is required by the zoning authorities.
French doors are stunning additions to any home however, they come at a premium cost. Contact us today for a no-cost in-home consultation, if you'd like to incorporate the elegant look of French doors to your home without the expense.
Cutting a new Pane of Glass
The addition of a third glass pane or replacing broken glass can make a French door more energy efficient. Triple-paned glass can reduce noise and enhances comfort in homes exposed to severe weather conditions such as hurricanes. By putting functional muntins in between the two panes can make a classic french door look more attractive. This creates a grid or grille, also known as Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed on the inside or outside of windows. They are also available in different widths and spacings for a variety looks.
It's not easy to replace a pane in french doors however, with a bit of patience 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 inserted into the frame. The molding is then replaced and the frame edges sealed by caulk.
It is essential to measure your existing pane of glass and subtract 1/8". This will account for the expansion of the glass as it gets heated. This will determine the size at which the new glass pane needs to be ordered at the hardware store.
The glass pane will then be cut to the proper size and then inserted into the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low e coating facing inside the house. Reversing the pane could negatively impact its performance.
With a putty blade, gently pry off the trim that was attached to the glass pane without breaking it. Install the new trim and apply a layer of caulk to seal the edges. The window panes may be painted to match your door frame.
Professionals are able to complete the task faster and more precise. However, it's important to practice before attempting this task. If you're unsure you are, call a local business to replace the double paned glass on your french doors.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
Installing a safety glass pane that is the same size is the easiest method of replacing the French door window. If you want a more elegant look, a decorative glass company can create a piece of glass that will fit into your door frame.
Before you install the new window, be sure that it's the exact size and color as the previous one. If the color is wrong it will be apparent and may affect the appearance of your home. Furthermore, if the glass isn't properly positioned, it can crack. To make your windows appear attractive ensure that the new pane is secure by putty or caulking that matches the frame of the window.
A traditional French door could include between 12 and 16 individual glass panes. To add a visual element to these doors, or windows, you can add decorative muntin bars within the individual glass panes. This can create windows with a an elegant grid or grille design, which is commonly used in historic renovations when precision in replication of the product is essential or is required by zoning laws.
To install the new glass pane, take care to remove the window sash from the frame. why not find out more is typically done by either removing the sash or pinning it. Take out any glazing points, putty or other fasteners which hold the old glass in place. Be sure to wear safety glasses or gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass shreds.
Once the window sash and glass pane are removed, wipe any caulk or putty off the frame's inside to make it easier to replace the glass pane. Measure the width and height of the window opening. Then, subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height to ensure that the replacement glass is cut properly. Contact your local glass shop for assistance if you are unsure how to accurately measure a window.
Replacing a double layer of glass for your French door is a simple task if you have some experience with construction and DIY projects. But, if you're not a skilled DIY person, it's safer and more cost-effective to have a professional handle the task for you. A window company will be able to swiftly and efficiently repair or replace a broken French-door pane of glass.