Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a beautiful addition to any home. But, just like any other windows or doors, they can be subject to damage. It is possible to repair a French door's glass without needing to purchase an entirely new one.
Double pane glass (also called dual pane or insulated) offers energy efficiency, noise reduction and much more. However, the seals of double pane glass may crack or break.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are a popular option for those who want to add a classic design to their house while offering plenty of light. They aren't immune to damage or accidents. A broken glass pane can be an enormous problem for anyone who enjoys the view and sunshine that these doors provide. The good news is that it doesn't have to be a costly or difficult project to replace these window panes. Even DIY novices, equipped with a few basic tools and construction experience, can replace lightweight window glass quickly and securely.
The first step to replacing a French door pane is to take out the old one. Wear protective glasses and gloves and remove any broken pieces of glass. Once the broken pane is removed, you will be required to take measurements of the opening in the window to ensure that a new piece of glass can be ordered from a glass or hardware manufacturer. Make sure you order a glass pane which 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 nails that hold the glazing points or trim in place, and it's also important to clean the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth and snug fit for the new window. Be cautious not to remove too much wood or old putty as this could cause the frame to crack.
Installing the replacement window pane is easy once you have removed the sash. Make sure you measure your window's opening first before subtracting 1/8th inch to allow expansion as the frame heats up. This will prevent a poor fit and future leaks.
After you've put in the new pane, apply the caulk or putty on the frame's inside to secure it. After the caulk is dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the door. If you aren't sure about your abilities to finish the task, consider hiring a professional window repair company or glazier to avoid costly errors.
Take off the broken pane of glass
A broken pane in a French-style door could be more than just an eye-sore. It could also be the risk of injury. If it's not replaced promptly glass shards can fall and be stepped on. Replacing the broken pane is a fairly easy DIY project for homeowners of all ages However, it's crucial to take the appropriate precautions to avoid leaving yourself open to injury.
Begin by putting on gloves and removing any broken pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a paper bag and sweep up the area to get rid of any debris. Tape both sides of the glass when it's cracked but not broken. This will stop it from breaking as you take it off. Then take a small plier bar to take off the trim pieces that are holding the window in place. They are referred to as stops and are usually secured by wire brad nails. Take off the bottom stop first, then work toward the top and sides of the frame.
When you've removed the trim, measure the width and height of the door frame to determine what size new glass pane is required. You can purchase security glass at many home improvement stores, which is thicker than normal windows and won't break easily if it gets struck or knocked on. Once you have the measurements, cut a piece of glass to fit in the frame. You may have to file the edges of the glass to form it.
If your French doors have a classic grid or grille, you'll need to replicate the pattern onto the new pane. This can be achieved by adding decorative muntin bars to the outside of the glass or placing functional bars between two panes of glass and forming Grille Between Glass. The authentically-styled divided lights are best utilized for renovations that are historic and when product replication is required by zoning authorities.
French doors can be a beautiful addition to any home. However, they are expensive. Contact us today for a no-cost in-home consultation if you wish to bring the elegance of French doors into your home without the cost.
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-pane glass can also help reduce noise transmission and provides increased comfort for homes exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes. The addition of functional muntins between the two panes can 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 either the outside or inside of the window and can be in a variety of sizes and spacings for various styles.
It's not simple to replace a glass pane on the French door, but with patience along with some basic tools and knowledge, it can be done. The first step is to take out the old glass. The new pane will then be cut and placed into the frame. Then, replace garage door with french doors can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
It is important to measure the size of your current glass pane and subtract 1/8". This will account for the expansion of the glass as it heats. This will determine the size at which the new glass pane has to be purchased from the hardware store.
The new glass can be cut to size and then placed in the frame. If the glass is low-e, it must be installed with the coating facing the interior of the house. Reversing the pane could adversely affect 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 dot of caulk to seal the edges. The window pane can be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals are able to complete the job faster and more accurately. However, it's still wise to practice before undertaking this task. If you have any doubts call an experienced glass company in your area to get expert french door double pane glass replacement.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
The most straightforward method of replacing the French door window is to install an identically size piece of safety glass. If you prefer a more stylish appearance the decorative glass business can make a piece glass that will fit into your door frame.
Before installing a new window, ensure that it is the same size and color as the old one. If the color isn't right it will be obvious and can detract from your home's appearance. Additionally, if the glass isn't properly positioned, it can crack. To make your windows appear attractive, be sure the new pane is secured by caulking or putty that is in line with the rest of the window frame.
A traditional French door can comprise between 12 and 16 individual glass panes. To add a design element to these doors or windows, you can incorporate decorative muntin bars within the glass panes. This gives the windows a classic grille or grid pattern that is commonly used for historic renovations or when a precise replica of a product is required.
To install the new glass pane, carefully remove the window sash from the frame. This is usually done by unscrewing the sash or by pinning it. Then, carefully remove any remaining glazing points, putty, or other fasteners 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, take off any caulk or putty that is left on the frame. This will make it easier to replace the glass pane. To ensure that the replacement glass is cut properly take a measurement of the size and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. If you aren't sure how to measure a window, ask your local glass company for help.
Replacing a double-pane of glass for your French door is a simple job if you've got some knowledge of construction and DIY projects. If you're not a handy DIYer, it's more secure and cost effective to employ a professional do the job. A window company can swiftly and efficiently fix or replace a broken French door's glass in a matter of minutes.