Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a gorgeous feature for any home. However, as with any windows or doors, they can be damaged. It is, however, possible to repair the glass on a French door without purchasing an entirely new door.
Double pane (also known by the names dual pane, insulated, or insulated glass) can reduce outside noise and offer energy efficiency. Double pane glass seals can crack or break.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a classic look to their home while still offering plenty of light. These windows are not impervious to accidents or breakage. A damaged glass pane can be an enormous problem for anyone who enjoys the views and light these doors bring. Fortunately, the good news is that replacing these window panes isn't an expensive or difficult task. In fact, with a few basic tools and some construction experience, even novice DIYers can replace lightweight window glass in a safe and efficient manner.
The first step to replace the french door pane is to remove the old one. Wear protective glasses and gloves and remove any broken pieces of glass. Once the broken pane is removed, you'll have to take measurements of the opening in the window so that a replacement piece can be ordered from a hardware or glass manufacturer. It's important to order a piece of glass that is slightly larger than the original pane in order to allow for expansion and contraction when temperatures fluctuate.
Next, it's time to remove the window sash from the frame. You may need to take out a few nails that hold the glazing points or trim in place, and it's also important to clean the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth, secure fit for the new window. Be cautious not to take off too much wood or old putty, as this could cause the frame to crack.
Installing the replacement window pane is easy once you have removed the sash. Before you begin, however be sure to measure the window opening and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion as the frame is heating up. This will help to prevent a sloppy fitting and leaks in the future.
Once you've installed the new pane, put a bead of caulk or putty around the frame's interior to secure it. After the caulk is dry and you're ready to paint it to match the rest of the door. If you aren't sure about your abilities to finish the job, you should hire an expert window repair service or glazier to avoid costly mistakes.
Removal of the Broken Pane of Glass
A glass pane that has been damaged in a French door isn't just an eyesore, but it could also pose a safety hazard. If it's not replaced promptly, shards of glass can fall and cause injury to someone who steps on. Replacing the broken glass is a relatively simple DIY project for the majority of homeowners however, it's essential to take the proper precautions to avoid leaving yourself open to injury.
Begin by wearing protective gloves and removing any pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a plastic bag and sweep up the area to remove any debris. If the glass is broken but not cracked the sides should be taped to keep it from shattering while you remove it. Then you can use a small pry bar to take off the trim pieces that are holding the window in place. They are referred to as stop and are usually secured by a wire brad nails. Remove the bottom stop, then move up and around the frame.
After taking the trim off the door and measuring the length of the frame and height to determine the dimensions of the new glass. The majority of home improvement stores sell safety glass which is stronger and more durable than regular windows. Once you have the measurements, cut a piece of glass to fit in the frame. You may need to smooth the edges of the glass to shape it.
If your French doors have the classic grid or grille pattern, you'll need to create the similar pattern on the new pane of glass. This can be done by adding decorative muntin bars to the exterior of the glass or by placing functional bars between two glass panes that is referred to as the Grille Between Glass. Genuinely-styled divided lites can be used for historic renovations and when product replication is required by zoning authorities.
French doors are beautiful and a perfect addition to any house however, they come at a premium cost. If you're interested in bringing the beauty of the doors to your home without the price tag, contact us for an in-home consultation for free.
Cutting a new glass pane
The addition of a third pane or replacing a broken one can make a french door more energy efficient. Triple-pane glass can also help reduce the transmission of noise and increases comfort in homes that are exposed to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. A traditional french door can be made more decorative by putting functional muntin bars between two panes of glass, creating a grille or grid pattern called Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be put on the outside or inside of windows. They are also available in different widths and spacings to give a variety looks.
It is not easy to replace a pane in french doors but with perseverance, some basic tools and a little knowledge you can do it. The first step is to remove the old glass. The new glass is cut and placed in the frame. The molding is then replaced and the frame edges sealed using caulk.
It is crucial to measure your existing pane of glass and subtract 1/8". This will account for the expansion of the glass as it heats. This will determine the size at which the new glass pane needs to be ordered from the hardware store.
The new glass pane could then be cut to the proper size and inserted into the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low-e coating facing the house. Reversing the pane could affect its performance in a negative way.
With a putty knife, gently pry off the old trim around the glass pane without breaking it. Then install the new trim and apply a dot of caulk to seal the edges. The window panes will then be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals can do the job much quicker and more accurately, but it is still a good idea to practice before you attempt this task at home. If you are uncertain, contact an experienced glass company in your area to get expert french double pane glass replacement for your door.
Installing the new Pane of Glass
The most straightforward method of replacing a French door window is to replace it with a similar large piece of safety glass. If you prefer a more fashionable look an ornamental glass company can make a piece glass that will fit into the door frame.
Before you install the new pane, make sure it's not just the same size, but also an exact match in style and color. If the color isn't correct it will be evident and could affect the look of your home. Furthermore, if the glass is not fitted properly, it may break. To ensure that your windows look their best, make sure that the new panes are firmly secured with caulking and putty that match the frame's rest.
A typical French door will comprise between 12 and 16 individual glass panes. To add a visual element to these doors or windows, you can incorporate decorative muntin bars between the glass panes. This can give the windows the classic grid or grille pattern, which is commonly used in renovations of the past when precision in replication of the product is essential or is required by zoning laws.
Remove the window sash carefully from the frame. This is usually accomplished by removing or prying the sash. Then, remove any remaining glazing points, putty or other fasteners holding the old pane glass in place. french door repair or glasses to avoid being cut by sharp edges or glass shattering.
After you have removed the window sash, clean any caulk or putty from the frame. This will make it easier to install a new glass pane. Measure the width and height of the window opening. Then, subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width to ensure that the glass replacement is cut in the correct way. Ask your local glass company to assist you in figuring out how to accurately measure a window.
If you're familiar with DIY and construction projects, replacing a double-pane glass panel on your French door should be an easy task. But, if you're not a skilled DIY-er, it's more secure and cost-effective to let a professional take care of the task for you. A window company can quickly and efficiently fix or replace a damaged French door's glass in a matter of minutes.