Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a stunning feature for any home. However, as with any door or window they can be subject to damage. It is possible to repair the glass of a French door's glass without having to buy another one.
Double pane glass (also known as dual pane or insulated) can provide energy efficiency, outside noise reduction and much more. Double pane glass seals can break or crack.
Installing a new pane of glass
French doors are popular among homeowners who want to bring a classic appearance to their homes, while still allowing for plenty of light. However, they aren't immune to accidents and breakage and a damaged glass pane could be a major inconvenience for anyone who appreciates the views or sunlight these doors can provide. The good part is that it doesn't need to be an expensive or difficult project to replace these windows. In fact, with a few basic tools and construction experience, even novice DIYers can learn to replace lightweight window glass in a safe and efficient manner.
The first step to replacing the French door pane is to get rid of the old one. Start by carefully removing any pieces of glass that have shattered off, and be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from sharp edges. After the broken glass has been removed, make note of the dimensions of the window's opening so that you can order an additional pane from an hardware store or glass maker. It is essential to choose a glass piece that is slightly larger than the original pane to allow for expansion and contraction when temperatures change.
Next, it's time to remove the window sash from the frame. It may be necessary to remove some of the nails holding the trim in place or the glazing points. It is also essential that you clean the sash well so that your new window pane fits securely and smooth. Be careful not to pull out too many of the wood pieces or old putty since this can cause the frame to break and then cause damage later on.
After the sash has been removed Once the sash is removed, you can begin to install your replacement window pane. Before you begin, however be sure to take measurements of the window's opening and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion when the frame gets hotter. This will ensure a perfect fit and future leaks.
After you have put up the new glass then apply a small amount of caulk or putty on the frame to keep it in position. Once the putty or caulk has dried, you can paint the frame to match the rest of the. If you're uncertain about your ability to do the work yourself, consider hiring a professional glazier or window repair company to avoid costly mistakes and insulation issues.
Remove the broken pane of glass
A broken pane in a French-style door could be more than an eye-sore. It can also pose the risk of injury. If it's not replaced promptly glass shards could fall and get stepped on. Most homeowners can replace the damaged pane using an easy DIY project. However, it's essential to be cautious to ensure you don't get injured.
Begin by wearing protective gloves and removing any loose pieces of glass from the frame. Put them in a bag of paper and sweep the frame to remove all debris. If the glass is broken but not cracked the sides should be taped to keep it from shattering as you take it off. Use a small pry tool to remove the trim pieces holding the window in place. They are referred to as stops and are usually secured by wire brad nails. Take off the bottom stop first, then work toward the top and side of the frame.
After you've removed the trim to remove the trim, take measurements of the width and height of the door frame to determine what size new glass pane is needed. The majority of home improvement stores sell safety glass, which is more robust and thicker than regular windows. Once you have the measurements you need, cut a piece of glass to fit in the frame. You may have to cut the edges of the new glass to shape it.
If your French doors feature a classic grid or grille, you'll need to replicate the pattern onto the new pane. You can achieve this by putting decorative muntins on the glass's exterior or by putting functional bars in between two panes, referred to as grilles between glass. authentically designed divided lites are ideal for historic renovations or when product replica is required by the Zoning Authority.
French doors are a stunning addition to any home. But, they can be costly. Contact us for a free in-home consultation if you wish to bring the elegance of French doors to your home without the expense.
Cutting a new Pane of Glass
Addition of a third glass pane or replacement of a broken one can make a French door more energy efficient. Triple-pane glass also reduces the transmission of noise and offers greater comfort in homes that are exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes. The addition of functional muntins between the two panes may make a traditional french door look more attractive. This creates a grid-like pattern or grille known as Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be located on either the inside or outside of the window, and can be in different sizes and spacings to create various styles.
Replacing glass in a french door isn't an simple task, but it can be accomplished with some 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. The molding can then be replaced and the frame edges sealed by caulk.
It is important to measure the size of your current pane of glass and subtract 1/8". This will take into account the expansion of the glass as it warms. This will determine the size that the new glass pane needs to be ordered from the hardware store.
The glass can be cut to size and then placed in the frame. If the glass is low-e, it must be installed with the coating facing the inside of the house. Otherwise, reversing the pane can negatively impact the performance of the glass.
Utilizing a putty blade, carefully cut the old trim or molding off the pane of glass without damaging it. Install the new trim, and then apply some caulk around the edges. The window pane can be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals are able to complete the task faster and more accurately. However, it's recommended to practice before you attempt this project. If you are unsure you are, call a local business to fix the double paned glass on your french doors.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
Installing a safety glass pane of the same size is the easiest method of replacing the French door window. If you want a more elegant appearance, a decorative glass company can create a piece of glass that will fit into the door frame.
Before you install a new window, ensure that it's the exact size and color as the previous one. If the color is wrong it will be apparent and could affect your home's appearance. 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 secured with caulking and putty that match the frame's rest.
A traditional French door could include between 12 and 16 individual glass panes. To add a style element to these doors or windows, you can incorporate decorative muntin bars in between the individual glass panes. This can create windows with a an elegant grid or grille design, which is commonly used in older renovations where product replication accuracy is important or is required by zoning laws.
Remove the window sash gently from the frame. This is typically accomplished by removing or prying the sash. Then, remove french door glass replacement remaining glazing points, putty or other fasteners keeping the old pane of glass in place. Wear protective gloves or glasses to avoid cutting yourself with sharp edges or glass shattering.
After removing the window sash, clean any caulk or putty that is left on the frame. This will make it easier to replace a glass pane. Next, take a measurement of the window's opening and subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height to ensure the replacement glass is cut properly. If you're not sure how to accurately measure a window, you can ask the glass company in your area for assistance.
If you're experienced with DIY and construction projects, replacing a double-pane glass panel on your French door should be an easy task. However, if you are not typically a handy DIY-er, it's more secure and cost-effective to have a professional handle the task for you. A window company can be able to quickly and efficiently replace or repair the broken French door pane of glass.