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 being damaged. It is possible to replace a French door's glass without needing to purchase a new one.
Double pane (also called dual pane, insulated or insulated glass) can cut down outside noise and offer energy efficiency. However, the seals of double pane glass can crack or break.
Installing a new pane of glass
French doors are popular with homeowners who wish to add a classic appearance to their home, but still allow plenty of light. Unfortunately, these windows aren't completely safe from accidents and breakage and a damaged glass pane can be a big problem for anyone who enjoys the view or sunlight that these doors provide. The good thing is that it doesn't have to be an expensive or complicated project to replace these panes of glass. Even novice DIYers, with a few basic tools and building experience can replace window glass in a short time and with ease.
The first step in replacing the french door pane is to remove the old one. Wear protective glasses and gloves and take away any broken pieces of glass. After the broken glass has been removed, note the dimensions of the window's opening to be able to order an additional pane from an hardware store or glass maker. Order a glass pane that is slightly bigger than the original to accommodate temperature changes.
The next step is to remove the window sash from the frame. It may be necessary to take out a few of the nails that hold 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 snugly and smoothly. Be cautious not to pull out too many of the wood pieces or old putty, since this can cause the frame to split and then cause damage later on.
After the sash has been removed After that, you are able to install your replacement window pane. Before you do, though be sure to measure the window's opening, and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion as the frame is heating up. This will help ensure a tight fitting and leaks in the future.
After you've installed the new pane, put the caulk or putty on the frame's inside to hold it in place. When the caulk or putty is dry and you're ready to paint it to match the rest of the door. If my website of your abilities to do the job yourself, think about hiring a professional window repair or glazier to avoid costly mistakes and insulation issues.
Take off the broken pane of glass
A broken pane in a French-style door could be more than just an eyesore. It could also be an injury risk. If it's not replaced quickly glass shards can fall and cause injury to someone who steps on. Many homeowners can fix the damaged pane using an DIY project. However, it is essential to be cautious to ensure you don't be injured.
Wearing protective gloves, take any loose glass pieces from the frame. Put them in a bag of paper and sweep the area 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 when you remove it. Use a small tool to take off the trim pieces that are holding the window in position. These are called stops and are typically held by wire brad nails. Take the bottom stop off then move it up and around the frame.
After taking the trim off the door and measuring the length of the frame and the height to determine the dimensions of the new glass. Most home improvement stores carry safety glass that is thicker and more durable than regular windows. Once you have the measurements taken, cut the glass to fit inside the frame. You may have to smooth the edges of the glass to form it.
If your French doors are adorned with the classic grid or grille design You'll need to design the similar pattern on the new pane of glass. You can do this by putting decorative muntins on the outside of your glass or by placing functional bars between two panes. This is known as grilles between glass. authentically designed divided lites work best for renovations that are historic or when product replica is required by the zoning authority.
French doors are gorgeous additions to any home, but they come with the cost of. If you're interested in bringing the beauty of French doors into your home without the price tag get in touch with us for a no-cost in-home consultation.
Cutting a new piece of glass
A French door can be improved in energy efficiency by adding a 3rd pane of glass or by replacing one that is damaged. Triple-pane glass also reduces noise transmission and provides increased comfort for homes exposed to severe weather conditions like hurricanes. A classic French door can be transformed into a more attractive one by putting functional muntin bars between two glass panes and creating a grid or grille pattern known as Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be on either the inside or outside of the window and can be placed in a variety of sizes and spacings for different styles.
Replacing a pane of glass in a French door is not an simple task but it can be accomplished with some basic tools, patience and understanding. The first step is to take out the old glass. Then the new pane can be cut and placed into the frame. Finally, the molding can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
It is crucial to measure 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 of the glass pane that is to be purchased from the hardware store or glass manufacturer.
The new pane of glass can be cut to size and then placed in the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low e coating facing the house. Reversing the pane could adversely affect its performance.
Using a putty knife, carefully pry the old trim or molding from around the glass pane without damaging it. Then 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.
A professional can do the job much faster and with greater accuracy however it's recommended to practice before attempting this task at home. If you are uncertain call a local glass company for a professional french door double pane glass replacement.
Installing the new Pane of Glass
Installing a safety glass pane that is of the same size is the easiest way to replace the French door window. If you'd like to achieve a more stylish effect, a decorative window company can create a custom piece of glass that will fit inside the door frame.
Before installing the new pane ensure that it is not only a similar size but also a perfect match in color and style. If the color is off, it will be very noticeable and may detract from the look of your home. Additionally, if the glass is not properly fitted it could break. For your windows to look the best, ensure that the new panes are secured using caulking and putty that matches the frame's rest.
A traditional French door could comprise between 12 and 16 glass panes. To add a style aspect to these doors or windows, you can include decorative muntin bars in between the glass panes. This gives the windows the classic grid or grille that is commonly used for historic renovations or when exact replica of the product is required.
To put in the glass pane, carefully remove the window sash from the frame. This is usually accomplished by removing the sash from the frame or by pinning it. Take out any glazing points or other fasteners holding the old glass in place. Wear protective gloves or glasses to avoid cutting yourself by sharp edges or glass shards.
Once the window sash and glass pane have been removed, wipe any caulk or putty off the frame's interior to facilitate the replacement of the new pane of glass. Next, take a measurement of the window's opening and subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width to ensure that the replacement glass is cut properly. Contact your local glass shop to help you when you're not sure how to measure the window accurately.
If you're familiar with DIY and construction work, changing the double pane glass on your French door is a fairly simple task. If, however, you're not typically a handy DIY-er, it's safer and more cost-effective to let a professional handle the job. A window company will be able to swiftly and efficiently repair or replace a broken French-door pane of glass.