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 damage. It is possible to repair the glass of a French door's glass without the need to purchase a new one.
Double pane glass (also called dual pane or insulated) provides energy efficiency, outside noise reduction, and more. However, the seals used in double pane glass could break or crack.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are popular with homeowners who want to bring an elegant look to their homes, but still allow plenty of natural light. These windows are not impervious to damage or accidents. A broken glass pane can be an enormous inconvenience for anyone who loves the view and sunshine that these doors offer. The good part is that it doesn't have to be an expensive or complicated task to replace these windows. In fact, with basic tools and some construction expertise, even novice DIYers can learn how to replace light window glass quickly and safely.
The first step to replacing the French door pane is to remove the old one. Wear protective glasses and gloves and take away any broken pieces of glass. Once the damaged pane has been removed, you'll be required to determine the opening of the window so that a new piece can be ordered from a glass or hardware manufacturer. It's important to order glass that is slightly larger than the pane that was originally ordered to allow for the expansion and contraction of the glass as temperatures fluctuate.
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, snug fit for your new window pane. Be careful not to pull out too many of the wood pieces or old putty as this can cause the frame to split and then cause damage later on.
Once the sash is gone Once the sash is removed, you can begin to install your replacement window pane. Before you begin, however, make sure to measure the window's opening, and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion when the frame heats up. This will ensure a tight fitting and leaks in the future.
After you've installed the new pane, put a bead of caulk or putty around the inside of the frame to hold it in place. Once the putty or caulk is dry, you can paint the frame to match the rest of the. 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.
Remove the Broken Pane of Glass
A broken pane of glass in the French door isn't just an eye-sore but could also pose a safety hazard. If it's not replaced quickly, shards of glass 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 proper precautions to ensure you're not risking injury to yourself.
Begin by wearing gloves that are protective and removing any loose pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a bin of paper and sweep the frame to remove all debris. Tape both sides of the glass in the event that it is cracked, but not broken. This will prevent it from breaking while you take it off. Then you can use a small pry bar to cut off the trim pieces holding the window in place. These are called stop and are usually held in place by wire brad nails. Remove the bottom stop first and work your way up to the top and side of the frame.
When you're done removing the trim take a measurement of the length and width of the door frame to determine the size glass pane required. The majority of home improvement stores sell safety glass which is thicker and more durable than regular windows. Once you have the measurements, cut a piece of glass to fit inside the frame. You may have to file down the edges of the glass in order to shape it.
If your French doors feature the traditional grid or grille pattern You'll need to design the similar pattern on the new glass. You can do this by putting decorative muntins on the glass's exterior or by putting functional bars in between two panes, known as a grille between glass. Authentically styled divided lites are ideal for historic renovations or when product replica is required by the Zoning Authority.
French doors are stunning and a perfect addition to any home However, they do come at the cost of. Contact us for a complimentary in-home consultation if you wish to bring the elegance of French doors into your home without the expense.
Cutting a new pane of glass
The addition of a third pane or replacement of a broken one can make a French door more energy efficient. Triple-pane glass also helps reduce the transmission of noise and offers greater comfort in homes that are exposed to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. A traditional french door can be enhanced by putting functional muntin bars between two glass panes creating a grid or grille pattern known as Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be on either the outside or inside of the window, and can be in various widths and spacings to achieve various styles.
It is not easy to replace a glass pane on a French door but with perseverance and a few basic tools and knowledge, it can be done. 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. The molding is then replaced and the frame edges sealed by caulk.
Before purchasing a brand new pane of glass, it's crucial to measure the size of the existing pane and subtract 1/8" to account for expansion of the glass as it gets heated. This will determine the dimensions at which the new glass pane needs to be purchased from a hardware store.
The glass pane will then be cut to the appropriate size and then inserted into the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low-e coating facing inside the house. In the event of a reversed pane, it could negatively affect the performance of the glass.
Using a putty knife, carefully pry the old trim or molding from around the pane of glass without damaging 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 task faster and more precise. However, it's still wise to practice before attempting this project. If french door repair near me 're not sure to contact a local firm to fix the double paned glass on your french doors.
Installing the New Pane of Glass
The most straightforward method of replacing the French door window is to install an identically size piece of safety glass. 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 the opening in the door frame.
Before you install the new window, make sure it is not only a similar size but also a perfect match in style and color. If the color isn't right it will be apparent and could affect the appearance of your home. In addition, if the window is not properly fitted it could break. To ensure that your windows appear attractive make sure that the new pane is secured by caulking or putty that matches the rest of the window frame.
A traditional French door could have between 12 and 16 glass panes. To add a visual element to these doors or windows, you can add decorative muntin bars in between the glass panes. This could give the windows a a classic grid or grille design, which is often used in older renovations where precision in replication of the product is essential or is required by zoning laws.
To put in the new glass pane, carefully remove the window sash from the frame. This is usually accomplished by unscrewing the sash or pinning it. Take out any glazing points, putty or other fasteners which hold the old glass in place. Wear safety gloves or glasses to avoid being cut by sharp edges or glass shards.
After you have removed the window sash, remove any caulk or putty from the frame. This will make it easier to replace a new 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 don't know how to measure a window, you can ask your local glass shop for help.
If you're experienced with DIY and construction projects, replacing the double pane glass panel on your French door is an easy task. If you're not a skilled DIYer, it's safer and more cost-effective to employ a professional do the job. A window company can quickly and efficiently fix or replace a broken French door pane of glass in a matter of minutes.