Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a gorgeous addition to any home. As with any door or window, they are susceptible to being damaged. It is, however, possible to replace the glass in the case of a French door without purchasing a new door.
Double pane (also known as dual pane, insulated or insulated glass) can help reduce outside noise and increase energy efficiency. Double pane glass seals could crack or break.
Installing a new pane glass
French doors are popular with homeowners who want to bring a classic appearance to their home, yet still allowing plenty of sunlight. However, they aren't impervious to breaks and accidents and a cracked glass pane can cause big inconvenience for anyone who appreciates the views or sunlight these doors offer. The good news is that replacing the window panes needn't be a difficult or expensive project. Even novice DIYers, with basic tools and building experience can replace window glass quickly and securely.
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 broken pane is removed, you'll have to determine the opening of the window so that a replacement piece can be ordered from a glass or hardware manufacturer. Choose a glass pane that is slightly bigger than the original one to take into account temperature fluctuations.
The next step is to remove the window sash from the frame. It is possible to take out a few of the nails that hold the trim in place, or the glazing points. It's also important that you clean the sash well so that the new window fits snugly and smoothly. Be careful not to take off too much wood or old putty, as this could cause the frame to crack.
Installing the replacement window pane is a breeze after you've removed the sash. Be sure to measure the window's opening first, then subtract 1/8 inch to allow for expansion as the frame heats. This will help to avoid a loose fit and possibly leaks in the future.
After you've installed the new pane, put a bead of putty or caulk around the inside of the frame to hold it in place. Once the caulk or putty is dry and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the door. If you're not sure of your ability to complete the job yourself, consider hiring a professional glazier or window repair service to avoid costly mistakes and insulation problems.
Take off the broken pane of glass
A damaged pane in a French-style door could be more than just an eye-sore. It could also be the risk of injury. It's important to replace it quickly. Otherwise, glass fragments could fall and cause injuries. Replacing the broken glass is a fairly easy DIY project for the majority of homeowners, but it's important to take the appropriate precautions to ensure you're not leaving yourself open to injury.
Begin by putting on gloves and removing any loose pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a plastic bag and then sweep the area to get rid of any debris. Tape the glass on both sides when it's cracked but not broken. This will stop it from breaking while you remove it. Then you can use a small pry bar to cut off the trim pieces keeping the window in place. These are called stop and are typically held in place by a wire brad nails. Remove the bottom stop then move it up and around the frame.
After taking the trim off the door and measuring the width of the frame and the height to determine the size of the new glass. Most home improvement stores carry safety glass which is more robust and thicker than regular windows. Once you have the measurements taken, cut the glass to fit inside the frame. You may have to sand down the edges of the glass to shape 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 putting decorative muntins on the outside of your glass or by putting functional bars between two panes. This is known as a grille between glass. Genuinely styled divided lites work best for historic renovations or when a replica of the product is required by the zoning authority.
French doors are gorgeous features for any home however, they come at the cost of. Contact us today for a no-cost in-home consultation, if you'd like to incorporate the elegant look of French doors into your home without the expense.
Cutting french door lock replacement of glass
The addition of a third pane or replacement of damaged glass can make a french door more energy efficient. Triple-pane glass can also help reduce noise transmission and provides increased comfort for homes exposed to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. Inserting functional muntins between the two panes can make a traditional french door more decorative. This creates a grid pattern or grille, also known as Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed on either the outside or inside of the window and can be found in different widths and spacings to achieve different styles.
Replacing a glass pane in a French door isn't an simple task, but it can be accomplished by using a few tools, patience and understanding. The first step is to remove the old glass. 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.
It is crucial 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 heats. This will determine the size at which the new glass pane has to be purchased from an hardware store.
The glass can be cut to the size required and placed in the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low e coating facing the house. Reversing the pane's direction could adversely affect its performance.
With a putty knife carefully cut the old trim or molding from around the pane of glass without damaging it. Install the new trim and apply a bead of caulk to seal the edges. After that, the window pane can be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals are able to complete the task faster and more precisely. However, it is still wise to practice before attempting this task. If you're unsure, contact a local company to replace 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 simplest method of replacing the French door window. If you'd like to create a more elegant effect, a decorative window company can design a custom-sized piece of glass that will fit inside your door frame.
Before you install the new window Make sure that it's not just the same size, but also a perfect match in style and color. If the color isn't correct it will be noticeable and may detract from the appearance of your home. If the glass is not properly fitted, it could also crack. For your windows to look the best, ensure that the new panes are secured with caulking and putty that match the rest of the frame.
A traditional French door could have anywhere from 12 to 16 individual glass panes. You can add decorative muntin bars on the individual glass panes of these doors or window frames to create an aesthetic element. This gives windows the classic grid or grille that is commonly used in historic renovations or when exact replica of the product is required.
Remove the window sash with care from the frame. This is usually done by removing the sash from the frame or pin it. Then, remove any remaining glazing points, putty or other fasteners keeping the old pane of glass in place. Wear safety glasses or gloves to avoid cutting yourself by sharp edges or glass shattering.
After the window sash as well as the glass pane have been removed, wipe any putty or caulk from the frame's inside to facilitate the replacement of the glass pane. To ensure that the replacement glass is cut properly to the proper size, measure the width and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. If you're not sure how to measure a window, ask your local glass company for help.
Replacing a double pane of glass for your French door is a relatively simple task if you have some knowledge of construction and DIY projects. If you're not an experienced DIYer, it is safer and more cost-effective to employ a professional complete the task. A window company will be able to swiftly and efficiently repair or replace a broken French-door pane of glass.