Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors can be a stunning addition to any home. Like any other door or window, they are susceptible to being damaged. Fortunately, it is possible to repair the glass on a French door without buying a new door.
Double pane (also known by the names dual pane, insulated or double glass) can reduce outside noise and offer energy efficiency. However, the seals of double pane glass can break or crack.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are popular with homeowners who want to add a classic appearance to their home but still allow plenty of natural light. They aren't impervious to accidents or breakage. A damaged glass pane is a major issue for anyone who loves the view and sunlight that these doors offer. The good thing is that it doesn't have to be a costly or complicated task to replace these windows. In fact, with some basic tools and construction knowledge, even beginners can replace lightweight window glass in a safe and efficient manner.
The first step to replace the pane of a French door is to take out the old one. Wear gloves and safety glasses and remove any broken pieces of glass. Once the broken glass has been removed, make note of the dimensions of the window opening so that you can order an additional pane from a hardware store or glass maker. It is essential to choose a piece of glass that is slightly larger than the pane that was originally ordered to account for expansion and contraction when temperatures change.
The next step is to take the window sash off the frame. It is possible to remove a few nails that are holding 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 careful not to remove too much wood or old putty because this could cause the frame to crack.
Once the sash is gone, you can begin installing your new window pane. Be sure to measure the window's opening first, then subtract 1/8 inch to allow for expansion when the frame gets heated. This will help ensure a tight fit and possible leaks in the future.
After you have installed the new glass and framed it, apply a small amount of caulk or putty around the frame to hold it in the right place. Once the putty or caulk has dried, you are able to paint the frame to match the rest of the. If you're unsure of your ability to do the job yourself, consider hiring a professional window repair or glazier to avoid costly errors and insulation issues.
Remove the broken pane glass
A glass pane that has been damaged in the French door isn't just an eye-sore, but it can also be a safety danger. If it's not replaced quickly glass shards can fall and cause injury to someone who steps on. Many homeowners can fix the damaged pane using an easy DIY project. However, it is essential to be cautious so that you don't get injured.
Wearing protective gloves, take any glass pieces that have fallen out of the frame. Place them in a paper bag and then sweep the area to get rid of any debris. If the glass is broken but not cracked the sides should be taped to prevent it from breaking while you remove it. Use a small pry tool to remove the trim pieces holding the window in place. These are referred to as stop. They are usually held in place by wire brad nail. Remove the bottom stop, then move up and around the frame.
After taking the trim off the door, measure the length of the frame and height to determine the dimensions of the new glass. You can buy safety glass at most home improvement stores, which is thicker than normal windows and won't break easily in the event that it does get hit or knocked against. Once you have the measurements you need, cut a piece of glass to fit inside the frame. You may have to smooth the edges of the glass to shape it.
If your French doors are adorned with the classic grid or grille design You'll need to design the same pattern on a new pane of glass. This can be accomplished by putting decorative muntins on the outside of your glass or by placing functional bars in between two panes, known as a grille between glass. Genuinely styled divided lites are ideal for renovations that are historic or when product replica is required by the Zoning Authority.
French doors are stunning additions to any house, but they come with an expensive price. Contact us today for a no-cost in-home consultation if you want to incorporate the elegant look of French doors into your home without the cost.
Cutting a new Pane of Glass
A French door can be improved in energy efficiency by adding a third layer of glass or by replacing one that has broken. Triple-paned glass reduces noise and improves comfort for homes exposed to severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes. The addition of functional muntins between the two panes can make a classic french door look more attractive. This creates a grid pattern or grille, also known as Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be located on either the inside or outside of the window, and can be found in different widths and spacings to achieve different looks.
Replacing glass in a French door is not an straightforward task but it is achievable using a few basic tools, perseverance and knowledge. The first step is to take out the old glass. Then the new pane can be cut and inserted into the frame. The molding can then be replaced and the frame edges sealed by caulk.
Before purchasing a brand new pane of glass, it is essential to measure the dimensions of the existing pane and subtract 1/8" to account for expansion of the glass as it gets heated. This will determine the size that the new glass pane will need to be ordered at a hardware store.
The new pane of glass can be cut to size and then placed into the frame. If the new glass is low-e, it must be installed with the coating facing the interior of the house. Reversing the pane can negatively impact its performance.
With a putty knife, gently pry off the trim that was attached to the glass pane without breaking it. Install the new trim and then apply a small amount of caulk around the edges. After that, the window pane can be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals can perform the task more quickly and precise. However, it's still wise to practice before attempting this task. If you have any doubts you are unsure, contact an expert glass service in your area to get expert french double pane glass replacement for your door.
Installing replace french door Repair My Windows And Doors 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 create a more elegant look, a decorative windows company can design a custom-sized piece of glass that is designed to fit into the opening of your door frame.
Before you install windows, make sure that it is the same size and color as the old one. If the color isn't right, it will be very visible and can affect the appearance of your home. If the glass isn't fitted correctly, it can also crack. To make your windows look their best, be sure the new glass is secured with caulking or putty that is in line with the rest of the window frame.
A traditional French door may have between 12 and 16 glass panes. You can add decorative muntin bars on the individual glass panes of these doors, or window frames to add a design element. This gives the windows the classic grille or grid pattern that is often used in historic renovations or when product replica accuracy is required.
Remove the window sash carefully from the frame. This is typically done by either removing the sash or pin it. Then, carefully remove any remaining glazing points, putty, or other fasteners keeping the old pane of glass in place. Be sure to wear protective glasses or gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass shards.
After the window sash as well as the glass pane are removed, wash any caulk or putty off the frame's inside to make it easier to replace the glass pane. To ensure that the replacement glass is correctly cut to the proper size, measure the width and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. Ask the glass company in your area to help you if you are unsure how to measure the window accurately.
Replacing a double-pane of glass for your French door is a easy task if you have some experience in construction and DIY projects. If you're not a handy DIYer, it is more secure and cost effective to engage a professional complete the task. A window company will be able to swiftly and efficiently repair or replace the broken French door pane of glass.