Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a beautiful addition to any home. Like any other door or window, they are susceptible to being damaged. It is possible to replace a French door's glass without having to buy another one.
Double pane (also known as dual pane, insulated or insulated glass) can cut down outside noise and provide energy efficiency. However, the seals in double pane glass could crack or break.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are popular with homeowners who wish to add a classic look to their home, yet still allowing plenty of sunlight. However, they aren't impervious to accidents and breakage and a damaged glass pane can cause big problem for anyone who enjoys the view or the sun that these doors offer. The good thing is that it doesn't have to be a costly or difficult project to replace these windows. Even novice DIYers, with basic tools and some construction experience can replace window glass in a short time and with ease.
The first step in replacing a French door pane is to get rid of the old one. Wear gloves and safety glasses and take out any broken pieces of glass. After the broken glass has been removed, make note of the dimensions of the window opening so that you can purchase the new pane at a hardware store or a glass maker. It is important to purchase a piece of glass that is slightly larger than the original pane to account for the expansion and contraction of the glass as temperatures change.
The next step is to remove the window frame. You may have to remove a few nails holding the trim or glazing points in place, and it's important to clean the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth and safe fit for the new window. Be cautious not to remove too many wood pieces or old putty since this can cause the frame to break and damage later on.
Installing the replacement window pane is easy once you have removed the sash. Be sure to measure your window's opening first before subtracting 1/8 inch to allow for expansion as the frame gets heated. This will help prevent a poor fit and future leaks.
After you've installed the new pane, put the caulk or putty on the frame's inside to keep it in place. After the caulk is dry and you're ready to paint it to match the rest of the door. If you aren't sure about your ability to complete the task, consider hiring a professional window repair service or glazier to avoid costly errors.
Remove the broken pane glass
A broken glass pane in a French-style door can be more than just an eye-sore. It could also be a safety risk. If it's not replaced promptly glass shards can fall and be stepped on. Replacing the broken glass is a fairly easy DIY project for the majority of homeowners however, it's essential to take the appropriate precautions to make sure you're not leaving yourself open to injury.
Begin by wearing protective gloves and removing any pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a plastic bag and sweep up the area to remove any debris. Tape the glass on both sides in the event that it is cracked, but not broken. This will prevent it from breaking when you remove it. Make use of a small tool to remove the trim pieces that hold the window in position. They are referred to as stop and are usually held in place by wire brad nails. Start by removing the bottom stop and then work towards the top and side of the frame.
After removing the trim from the door and measuring the length of the frame and the height to determine the dimensions of the new glass. Most home improvement stores sell safety glass that is more robust and thicker than regular windows. Once you have the measurements taken, cut the glass to fit into the frame. You may need to smooth the edges of the new glass down to form it.
If your French doors have a classic grid or grille, you will have to replicate the same pattern on the new pane. This can be accomplished by adding decorative muntin bars to the outside of the glass or by placing functional bars between two glass panes that is referred to as Grille Between Glass. authentically designed divided lites work best for renovations that are historic or when a replica of the product is required by the Zoning Authority.
French doors are a stunning addition to any home. However, they are costly. Contact us for a free in-home consultation, if you'd like to incorporate the elegant look of French doors into your home without the expense.
Cutting a new glass pane
A French door can be enhanced in energy efficiency by adding a third pane of glass or by replacing one that is broken. Triple-pane glass also reduces noise transmission and provides increased comfort in homes exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes. The addition of functional muntins between the two panes may make a traditional french door appear more stylish. This creates a grid or grille, also known as Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be put on the inside or outside of a window. They can also be of various widths and spacings for a variety looks.
Replacing french door repair in a french door is not an easy task, but it can be accomplished using a few basic tools, patience and understanding. The first step is to remove the old glass. The new pane will then be cut and placed into the frame. Then, the molding can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
It is essential to measure your current pane of glass and subtract 1/8". This will take into account the expansion of the glass as it gets heated. This will determine the dimensions at which the new glass pane needs to be ordered from a hardware store.
The glass pane will then be cut to the correct size before being inserted into the frame. If the new glass is low-e, it should be placed with the low-e coating facing the interior of the home. Reversing the pane can affect its performance in a negative way.
Using a putty knife, carefully pry the old trim or molding off the pane of glass without damaging it. Then, install the new trim and apply a bead of caulk to seal the edges. The window panes can then be painted to match your door frame.
A professional can do the job quicker and more accurately, but it is still an excellent idea to practice before attempting this project at home. If you are unsure call a local glass company to get expert french door double pane glass replacement.
Installing the 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'd like to achieve a stylish appearance, a decorative window company can create a custom piece of glass that will fit the opening in your door frame.
Before installing the new pane Make sure that it is not only an identical size, but also a perfect match in both style and color. If the color isn't correct, it will be very evident and could affect the appearance of your home. Furthermore, if the glass is not properly fitted it could break. If you want your windows to appear their best, make sure that the new panes are firmly secured with putty and caulking that match the frame's rest.
A traditional French door can 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 an aesthetic element. This can create windows with a an elegant grid or grille pattern, which is commonly used in older renovations where product replication accuracy is important or is required by zoning laws.
To install the new glass pane, remove the window sash from the frame. This is typically accomplished by unscrewing or prying the sash. Take off any glazing points or fasteners such as putty or any other which hold the glass in place. Be sure to wear protective glasses or gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass shards.
After you have removed the window sash, take off any putty or caulk from the frame. This will make it easier to replace the glass pane. Then, measure the size of the window opening and subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width to ensure that the glass replacement is cut in the correct way. If you don't know how to accurately measure a window, you can ask your local glass company for assistance.
If you are familiar with DIY and construction projects, then replacing a double pane glass panel on your French door is relatively simple. But, if you're not a skilled DIY type, it's much more secure and cost-effective to have a professional handle the job. A window company can quickly and efficiently repair or replace a broken French door pane of glass in a matter of minutes.