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 door or window they can be damaged. It is possible to repair a French door's glass without having to buy an entirely new one.
Double pane glass (also called dual pane or insulated) can provide energy efficiency, outside noise reduction and more. Double pane glass seals may break or crack.
Installing a new pane of glass
French doors are popular with homeowners who wish to add a classic look to their home but still allow plenty of sunlight. They aren't immune to accidents or breakage. A broken glass pane is a major issue for anyone who loves the view and sunlight that these doors provide. Fortunately, the good news is that replacing the window panes needn't be costly or time-consuming. Even DIY novices, equipped with a few basic tools and construction experience can replace window glass quickly and safely.
The first step to replace the french door pane is removing the old one. Wear protective glasses and gloves and take out any broken pieces of glass. Once the broken glass has been removed, note the dimensions of the window's opening, to be able to order the new pane at a hardware store or a glass maker. It is important to purchase a glass piece that is slightly larger than the pane that was originally ordered to account for the expansion and contraction of the glass as temperatures fluctuate.
The next step is to take off the window frame. You may need to take out a few nails that hold the trim or glazing points in place. It's essential to wash the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth and secure fit for your new window. Be cautious not to remove too many of the wood pieces or old putty, since this can cause the frame to split and damage later on.
After the sash has been removed Once the sash is removed, you can begin to put in your replacement window pane. 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 prevent a poor fit and further leaks.
After you've installed the new pane, put a bead of putty or caulk around the frame's interior to secure it. When the caulk or putty is dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the door. If you're uncertain about your abilities to do the work yourself, consider hiring a professional glazier or window repair company to avoid costly errors and insulation problems.
Remove the Broken Pane of Glass
A damaged pane in a French-style door could be more than an eye-sore. It can also pose a safety risk. If it's not replaced promptly glass shards could fall and get stepped on. Replacing the broken pane is a relatively simple DIY project for homeowners of all ages However, it's crucial to take the proper precautions to make sure you're not risking injury to yourself.
Begin by putting on gloves and removing any pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a bag of paper and sweep the area to remove all debris. If the glass is broken but not cracked you can tape both sides to prevent it from breaking as you take it off. Then you can use a small pry bar to take off the trim pieces keeping the window in place. These are called stop and are typically held in place by a wire brad nail. Remove the bottom stop, then move up and around the frame.
After you've removed the trim take a measurement of the width and height of the door frame to determine what size of glass is required. Most home improvement stores carry safety glass which is more robust and thicker than regular windows. Once you have the dimensions of the frame, cut the glass to fit. You may need to smooth the edges of the glass to form it.
If your French doors have the classic grid or grille pattern then you'll have to create the similar pattern on the new glass. You can achieve this by putting decorative muntins on the outside of your glass or by putting functional bars in between two panes, known as grilles between glass. Authentically styled divided lites are best used for renovations that are historic or when a replica of the product is required by the Zoning Authority.
French doors can be an attractive feature for any home. However, they can be costly. Contact us for a free in-home consultation, if you'd like to incorporate the beauty 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 layer of glass or replacing one that is broken. Triple-pane glass also reduces the transmission of noise and offers greater comfort for homes subject to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes. Inserting functional muntins between the two panes could make a traditional french door look more attractive. This creates a grid pattern or grille, also known as Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be on either the outside or inside of the window and can be in a variety of widths and spacings to achieve various styles.
Replacing a pane of glass in a French door is not an easy task, but it can be done using a few basic tools, patience and understanding. The first step is to remove the old glass. The new glass can be cut and placed into the frame. Then, the frame can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
It is crucial to measure your existing glass pane and subtract 1/8". This will take into account the expansion of the glass as it gets heated. This will determine the size of the glass pane that is to be ordered from a hardware store or glass manufacturer.
The new glass can be cut to the size required and placed in the frame. If the glass is low-e, it must be installed with the low-e coating facing the interior of the house. If not, reversing the pane could negatively affect the glass's performance.
Utilizing a putty blade, carefully remove the trim or molding from around the glass pane without breaking it. Install french doors glass replacement , and then apply some caulk around the edges. After that, the window pane can be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals are able to complete the task faster and more precisely. However, it is recommended to practice before undertaking this project. If you have any doubts 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 of the same size is the most efficient method to replace a French door window. If you prefer a more fashionable appearance an ornamental glass company can design a piece of glass that will fit into the door frame.
Before you install windows, make sure that it's the same size and color as the previous one. If the color isn't right it will be noticeable and may detract from the appearance of your home. Additionally, if the glass is not properly fitted it can crack. To ensure your windows look their best, be sure the new glass is secured by caulking or putty that is in line with the rest of the frame.
A traditional French door could have anywhere from 12 to 16 glass panes. You can add decorative muntin bars on the individual glass panes of these doors or window frames to add an element of design. This can create windows with a an elegant grid or grille design, which is often used in older renovations where precision in replication of the product is essential or required by zoning regulations.
Remove the window sash carefully from the frame. This is usually done by unscrewing or prying the sash. Take out any glazing points or fasteners such as putty or any other that hold the glass in place. Be sure to wear protective glasses or gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass shreds.
After removing the window sash, remove any putty or caulk from the frame. This will allow you to easily replace the glass pane. To ensure that the replacement glass is correctly cut, measure the size and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. If you aren't sure how to correctly measure a window's size, ask your local glass company for assistance.
Replacing a double-pane of glass for your French door is a relatively simple task if you have some experience with construction and DIY projects. If you're not a skilled DIYer, it is safer and more cost effective to employ a professional do the job. A window company can be able to swiftly and efficiently repair or replace damaged French-door glass.