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 prone to damage. It is, however, possible to repair the glass on a French door without buying the door.
Double pane glass (also known as dual pane or insulated) can provide energy efficiency, outside noise reduction, and more. However, the seals of double pane glass can crack or break.
Installing a new piece of glass
French doors are a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a classic design to their home while still providing ample natural light. They aren't immune to breakage or accidents. A damaged glass pane is a major inconvenience for anyone who loves the views and light these doors provide. The good news is that it doesn't have to be a costly or difficult project to replace these panes of glass. Even novice DIYers, armed with basic tools and construction experience can change window glass quickly and safely.
The first step to replace a French door pane is to get rid of the old one. Start by carefully removing any pieces of glass that have cracked off, and make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from sharp edges. Once the broken pane is removed, you'll be required to determine the opening of the window to ensure that a replacement piece can be ordered from a hardware or glass manufacturer. It is essential to choose a glass piece that is slightly larger than the pane that was originally ordered to take into account the expansion and contraction of the glass as temperatures change.
The next step is to take the window sash off the frame. You may need to remove a few nails that are holding the glazing or trim in place, and it's important to clean the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth, secure fit for your new window pane. Be careful not to take off too much wood or old putty, as this could cause the frame to break.
Once the sash is gone Once the sash is removed, you can begin to install your replacement window pane. Before you do this, however be sure to measure the window opening and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion when the frame heats up. This will help prevent a poor fit and a future leak.
After you've installed the new pane, apply the caulk or putty around the inside of the frame to keep it in place. When the caulk or putty is dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the door. If you aren't sure about your ability to complete the task, consider hiring a professional window repair company or glazier to avoid costly mistakes.
Removal of the Broken Pane of Glass
A broken pane in a French-styled door can be more than just an eyesore. It could also be a safety risk. It's essential to replace it quickly. In the event of a break, shards could fall and cause injuries. Most homeowners can replace the damaged pane by completing an DIY project. However, french doors glass replacement to be cautious to ensure that you do not be injured.
Begin by putting on gloves and removing any pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a bag of paper and then sweep the area to remove all debris. If the glass is cracked but not broken you can tape both sides to keep it from shattering as you take it off. Then, use a small pry bar to take off the trim pieces that are keeping the window in place. These are referred to as stop. They are usually held in place by wire brad nails. Take off the bottom stop, then move up and around the frame.
After you have removed the trim from the door and measuring the frame's width and height to determine the size of the new glass. The majority of home improvement stores sell safety glass that is more robust and thicker than regular windows. Once you know the measurements of the frame, cut the glass to fit. You may have to smooth the edges of the new glass down to shape it.
If your French doors feature a classic grid or grille, you will need to recreate the same pattern on the new pane. You can achieve this by adding decorative muntins on the glass's exterior or by putting functional bars in between two panes, known as grilles between glass. The authentically-styled divided lights are best used for renovations of historic significance and when replication of the product is required by zoning authorities.
French doors are a stunning addition to any home. However, they can be costly. Contact us today for a no-cost in-home consultation, if you'd like to incorporate the elegant look of French doors to your home without the cost.
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-paned glass is quieter and improves comfort for homes that are exposed to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. Inserting functional muntins between the two panes could make a classic french door appear more stylish. This creates a grid or grille known as Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed on the outside or inside of a window. They can also be of various sizes and spacings to create a variety looks.
Replacing a glass pane 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 removing the old glass. The new pane is then cut and inserted in the frame. The molding is then replaced and the frame edges sealed by caulk.
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 that the new glass pane needs to be ordered at the hardware store.
The new glass pane could be cut to the correct size and inserted into the frame. If the glass is low-e, it must be installed with the coating facing the interior of the house. In the event of a reversed pane, it can negatively impact the performance of the glass.
Using a putty knife, carefully remove 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 panes will then be painted to match your door frame.
Professionals can perform the job faster and more accurately. However, it's still wise to practice before you attempt this project. If you have any doubts you are unsure, contact an expert glass service in your area to get expert french double pane replacement for doors.
Installing the New Pane of Glass
Installing a safety glass pane that is the same size is the most efficient method to replace the French door window. If you prefer a more stylish design an ornamental glass company can design a piece of glass that will fit into the door frame.
Before installing the new window, be sure that it's the same size and color as the previous one. If the color isn't right it will be obvious and can detract from the overall appearance of your home. If the glass is not installed correctly, it may also crack. If you want your windows to appear their best, make sure that the new panes are secured with putty and caulking that match the rest of the frame.
A traditional French door can comprise between 12 and 16 individual glass panes. To add a style element to these doors or windows, you can incorporate decorative muntin bars within the individual glass panes. This gives the windows the classic grille or grid pattern which is typically used in renovations of historic significance or when a precise replica of a product is required.
Remove the window sash gently from the frame. This is usually accomplished by either removing the sash or by pinning it. Then, remove any remaining glazing points, putty, or other fasteners holding the old pane glass in place. Wear protective glasses or gloves in order to avoid cutting yourself with sharp edges or glass shards.
Once the window sash and glass pane are removed, wash any putty or caulk from the frame's interior to make it easier to replace the new pane of glass. Next, take a measurement of the window opening. Then, subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height to ensure the replacement glass is cut correctly. If you're not sure how to accurately measure a window's size, ask your local glass company for assistance.
If you are familiar with DIY and construction projects, replacing a double-pane glass panel on your French door is relatively simple. If you're not a skilled DIYer, it is safer and more cost-effective to hire a professional to complete the task. A window company can quickly and efficiently repair or replace a broken French door pane of glass in a matter of hours.