Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors can be stunning additions to any home. Like every other door or window, they are prone to being damaged. Fortunately, it is possible to repair the glass on the case of a French door without having to purchase the door.
Double pane (also known as dual pane, insulated or insulated glass) can help reduce outside noise and increase energy efficiency. Double pane glass seals may break or crack.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are a popular option for homeowners who want to add a classic look to their home, while letting in plenty of natural light. However, they aren't completely safe from breaks and accidents and a damaged glass pane could be a major inconvenience for anyone who enjoys the view or the sun that these doors can provide. The good news is that it doesn't have to be an expensive or difficult project to replace these window panes. In fact, with basic tools and expertise, even novice DIYers can learn how to replace light window glass in a safe and efficient manner.
The first step to replace a French door pane is to take out the old one. Start by carefully removing any pieces of glass that have broken off, and make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from sharp edges. Once the broken glass has been removed, note the dimensions of the window opening so that you can order the new pane at a hardware store or a glass maker. Choose a glass pane that is slightly larger than the original to take into account temperature fluctuations.
The next step is to take off the window frame. You may have to take out a few of the nails that hold the trim in place or the glazing points. It is also essential that you clean the sash thoroughly so that the new window fits snugly and smoothly. Be careful not to remove too much wood or old putty, as this could cause the frame to break.
Once the sash is removed After that, you are able to install your replacement window pane. Before you do this, however, make sure to measure the window's opening, and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion when the frame gets hotter. This will avoid a loose fitting and leaks in the future.
After you have put in the new glass then apply a small amount of caulk or putty around the frame to keep it in the right place. After the caulk or putty has dried, you are able to paint the frame to match the rest. If you're not sure of your ability to complete the job yourself, consider hiring a professional window repair or glazier to avoid costly errors and insulation problems.
Take off the broken pane of glass
A damaged pane in a French-style door could be more than an eyesore. It could also be a safety risk. It's important to replace it as quickly as possible. Otherwise, glass fragments could fall and cause injuries. Replacing the broken glass is a fairly easy DIY project for the majority of homeowners, but it's important to take the proper precautions to avoid risking injury to yourself.
Begin by putting on gloves and removing any pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a plastic bag and then sweep up the area to remove any debris. Tape both sides of the glass in the event that it is cracked, but not broken. This will stop it from breaking as you remove it. Use a small pry tool to remove the trim pieces holding the window in position. These are referred to as stop. They are usually secured by a wire brad nails. Remove the bottom stop then move it up and around the frame.
After removing the trim from the door, measure the length of the frame and height to determine the dimensions of the new glass. Most home improvement stores carry safety glass, which is thicker and more durable than regular windows. Once you have the dimensions of the frame, cut the glass to fit. You may need to cut the edges of the new glass down to shape it.
If your French doors feature a classic grid or grille, you will have to replicate the same design on the new pane. This can be done by adding decorative muntin bars to the exterior of the glass or placing functional bars between two panes of glass, which is known as Grille Between Glass. Authentically-styled divided lites are best used for historic renovations and when replication of a product is required by zoning authorities.
French doors are a stunning addition to any home. However, they can be costly. Contact us today for a no-cost in-home consultation if you want to bring the elegance of French doors to your home without the price tag.
Cutting a new glass pane
A french door can be made more energy efficient by adding a 3rd pane of glass or replacing one that is damaged. Triple-paned glass can reduce noise and improves comfort for homes that are exposed to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. Inserting functional muntins between the two panes could make a traditional french door appear more stylish. This creates a grid-like pattern or grille called Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed on the outside or inside of the window. They can also be of different widths and spacings to give various designs.
Replacing glass in a French door isn't an easy task, but it can be done using a few basic tools, perseverance and knowledge. The first step is to remove the old glass from the frame. The new glass is cut and then inserted into the frame. The molding is then replaced and the frame edges sealed with caulk.
Before buying a new pane of glass, it's crucial to measure the size of the existing pane and subtract 1/8" to account for the expansion of the glass as it warms up. This will determine the size at which the new glass pane will need to be ordered at the hardware store.
The glass pane will then be cut to the proper size and inserted into the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low e coating facing towards the house. Reversing the pane could affect its performance in a negative way.
Using a putty knife, carefully cut the old trim or molding off the pane of glass without damaging it. Install the new trim, and then apply some caulk around the edges. The window panes may be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals can perform the task faster and more precise. However, it is still wise to practice before attempting this project. If you are unsure call an experienced glass company in your area for expert french double pane glass replacement for your door.
Installing the new Pane of Glass
Installing a safety glass pane that is the same size is the most efficient method of replacing a French door window. However, if you wish to achieve a more stylish appearance, a decorative window company can design a custom-sized piece of glass that will fit inside the door frame.
Before you install the new window ensure that it's not just an identical size, but also a perfect match in style and color. If the color isn't right, it will be noticeable and may affect the overall appearance of your home. Additionally, if the glass isn't properly positioned, it can crack. To ensure your windows look their best make sure that the new glass is secured by caulking or putty that is in line with the frame of the window.
A typical French door could have anywhere from 12 to 16 glass panes. french door lock replacement can add decorative muntin bars on the individual glass panes of these doors, or window frames to create a design element. This can create windows with a a classic grid or grille design, which is commonly used in historic renovations when precision in replication of the product is essential or required by zoning laws.
To install the new glass pane, carefully remove the window sash from the frame. This is usually accomplished by unscrewing the sash or pinning it. Take off any glazing points or other fasteners holding the glass in place. Be sure to wear protective glasses or gloves to avoid cutting yourself from sharp edges or broken glass shreds.
After you have removed the window sash, take off any caulk or putty from the frame. This will make it easier to install a glass pane. To ensure that the replacement glass is correctly cut, 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 simple job if you've got some experience in construction and DIY projects. If you're not a skilled DIYer, it is more secure and cost effective to employ a professional do the job. A window company will be able to swiftly and efficiently replace or repair a broken French-door pane of glass.