Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a gorgeous addition to any home. Like any other door or window, they are susceptible 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) can provide energy efficiency, noise reduction and more. Double pane glass seals can break or crack.
Installing a new pane of glass
French doors are a popular option for those who want to add a classic design to their home, while providing ample natural light. However, they aren't completely safe from breaks and accidents and a damaged glass pane can be a major inconvenience for anyone who appreciates the views or sunlight these doors offer. The good news is that replacing the window panes isn't a difficult or expensive project. In fact, with some basic tools and some construction experience, even novice DIYers can replace lightweight window glass safely and quickly.
The first step in replacing a French door pane is to take out the old one. Begin by carefully removing pieces of glass that have cracked off, and remember to wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from sharp edges. After the broken pane has been removed, you will have to take measurements of the opening in the window to ensure that a replacement piece can be purchased from a glass or hardware manufacturer. It's important to order a glass piece that is slightly larger than the original pane to account for the expansion and contraction of the glass as temperatures fluctuate.
The next step is to take off the window frame. It is possible to remove some of the nails holding the trim in place, or the glazing points. It's also crucial to clean the sash thoroughly to ensure that your new window pane is fitted securely and smoothly. Be careful not to take off 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 be 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 ensure a tight fit and possibly leaks in the future.
After you have put up the new glass, apply a small amount of caulk or putty around the frame to keep it in the right place. Once the caulk or putty has dried, you are able to paint the frame to match the rest of the. If you are unsure about your abilities to finish the job, you should hire an expert window repair service or glazier to avoid costly errors.
Take off the broken pane of glass
A broken pane in a French-styled door can be more than just an eye-sore. It could also be a safety risk. It's crucial to replace it quickly. In the event of a break, shards could fall and cause injuries. Replacing the broken pane is a fairly simple DIY project for most homeowners, but it's important to take the proper precautions to make sure you're not leaving yourself open to injury.
Wearing protective gloves, remove any loose glass pieces from the frame. Put them in a paper bag and sweep up the area to remove any debris. If the glass is broken but not cracked, tape both sides to keep it from shattering as you take it off. Then, use a small pry bar to take off the trim pieces keeping the window in place. These are referred to as stop. They are usually held in place by a wire brad nails. Start by removing the bottom stop, then work toward the top and side of the frame.
When you've removed the trim take a measurement of the height and width of the door frame to determine the size glass pane needed. You can buy security glass at many home improvement stores. It is more durable than regular windows and won't break easily in the event that it gets knocked or hit. Once you have the measurements, cut a piece of glass to fit in the frame. You may need to cut the edges of the new glass 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. french door repairs can be achieved by adding decorative muntin bars to the outside of the glass or by placing functional bars between two glass panes, which is known as a Grille Between Glass. Genuinely-styled divided lites can be used for historic renovations and when replication of the product is required by zoning authorities.
French doors can be a beautiful addition to any home. However, they can be expensive. If you're interested in bringing the beauty of the doors to your home without the cost get in touch with us for a no-cost in-home consultation.
Cutting a new glass pane
The addition of a third glass pane or a replacement for a broken one can make a french door more energy efficient. Triple-paned glass reduces noise and improves comfort for homes that are exposed to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. A classic french door can be enhanced by putting functional muntin bars between the two glass panes and creating a grille or grid pattern called Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed on the inside or outside of a window. They are also available in different sizes and spacings to create a variety looks.
Replacing a pane of glass in a French door isn't an straightforward task but it can be accomplished using a few basic tools, patience and knowledge. The first step is to remove the old glass from the frame. Then the new pane can be cut and then inserted into the frame. Then, the molding can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
Before purchasing a new pane of glass, it is important to measure the size of the pane that is already in use and subtract 1/8" to account for the expansion of the glass as it warms up. This will determine the size of the new glass pane that needs to be ordered from a hardware store or glass manufacturer.
The new glass can be cut to size and then placed in the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low-e coating facing towards the house. If not, reversing the pane can negatively impact the glass's performance.
With a putty blade Use a putty knife to gently remove the trim that was previously attached to the glass pane, making sure to not break 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 can complete the task more quickly and accurately. However, it is still wise to practice before attempting this project. If you're unsure you are, call a local business to repair the double-paned glass on your french doors.
Installing the New Pane of Glass
Installing a safety glass pane that is the same size is the easiest way to replace the French door window. However, if you wish to achieve a stylish appearance, a decorative window company can create a custom-sized piece of glass that is designed to fit into the opening of your door frame.
Before you install the new pane Make sure that it is not only an identical size, but also an exact match in style and color. If the color isn't right, it will be very visible and can affect the appearance of your home. If the glass is not properly fitted, it could also crack. To ensure that your windows appear attractive, be sure the new pane is secured with putty or caulking that matches the rest of the window frame.
A traditional French door will include anywhere between 12 and 16 glass panes. You can add decorative muntin bars to the individual glass panes of these doors or window frames to create an aesthetic element. This can give the windows the classic grid or grille pattern, which is often used in older renovations where the accuracy of replication of products is crucial or is required by zoning laws.
To install the new glass pane, carefully remove the window sash from the frame. This is usually accomplished by unscrewing or prying the sash. Then, remove any remaining glazing points, putty or other fasteners holding the old pane of glass in place. Wear protective glasses or gloves in order to avoid cutting yourself by sharp edges or glass shards.
After the window sash as well as the glass pane are removed, clean any caulk or putty from the inside of the frame to facilitate the replacement of the new pane of glass. Then, measure the size of the window's opening and subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height to ensure that the replacement glass is cut correctly. Ask the glass company in your area to assist you in figuring out how to measure the window accurately.
Replacing a double layer of glass for your French door is a relatively easy task if you have some experience in construction and DIY projects. If you're not a skilled DIYer, it's safer and more cost effective to employ a professional complete the task. A window company will be able to quickly and efficiently replace or repair a broken French-door pane of glass.