Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a beautiful addition to any home. As with any door or window, they are prone to being damaged. It is possible to replace the glass of a French door's glass without needing to purchase a new one.
Double pane glass (also called dual pane or insulated) provides energy efficiency, outside noise reduction and more. However, the seals in double pane glass can break or crack.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are a popular option for homeowners who want to add a classic design to their house while providing ample natural light. However, they aren't immune to breaks and accidents, and a broken glass pane can be a major inconvenience for anyone who appreciates the view or the sun that these doors offer. The good news is that replacing these panes doesn't have to be costly or time-consuming. In fact, with a few basic tools and some construction expertise, even novice DIYers can learn to replace lightweight window glass safely and quickly.
The first step in replacing the pane of a French door is removing the old one. Wear safety glasses and gloves and remove any broken pieces of glass. Once the broken glass has been removed, note the dimensions of the window opening so that you can order the new pane at a hardware store or a glass maker. Make sure you order a glass pane which is slightly bigger than the one you have to take into account temperature fluctuations.
The next step is to take off the window frame. You may have to remove a few of the nails holding the trim in place or the glazing points. It is also essential to clean the sash thoroughly so that your new window pane fits securely and smoothly. Be cautious not to remove too much wood or old putty because this could cause the frame to break.
Once the sash is gone Once the sash is removed, you can begin to put in your replacement window pane. Be sure to measure your window's opening first before subtracting 1/8th inch to allow for expansion as the frame gets heated. This will help to avoid a loose fitting and leaks in the future.
After you have put in the new glass, apply a small amount of caulk or putty to the frame to keep it in position. After the caulk or putty has dried, you are able to paint the frame to match the rest of the. If you aren't sure of your ability to complete the task, consider hiring an expert window repair service or glazier to avoid costly mistakes.
Remove the broken pane glass
A broken pane of glass in the French door isn't just a nuisance, but it can also be a safety danger. If it's not repaired quickly glass shards can fall and cause injury to someone who steps on. The majority of homeowners can repair the damaged pane by completing an DIY project. However, it's essential to be cautious so that you don't be injured.
Begin by wearing protective gloves and removing any loose pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a plastic bag and then sweep the area to remove any debris. Tape the glass on both sides when it's cracked but not broken. This will prevent it from breaking while you remove it. Then take a small plier bar to take off the trim pieces that are keeping the window in place. These are called stop and are usually secured by wire brad nail. Remove the bottom stop first and then work towards the top and side of the frame.
When you're done removing the trim to remove the trim, take measurements of the length and width of the door frame to determine what size new glass pane is needed. Most home improvement stores carry safety glass, which is stronger and more durable 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 glass to shape it.
If your French doors have a traditional grid or grille, you'll need to replicate the pattern onto the new pane. This can be achieved by adding decorative muntin bars on the outside of the glass or by placing functional bars between two glass panes that is referred to as the Grille Between Glass. Authentically-styled divided lites are best used for renovations of historic significance and when replication of the product is required by the zoning authorities.
French doors are gorgeous features for any house, but they come with a premium cost. If you're looking to bring the beauty of these doors into your house without the cost get in touch with us for an in-home consultation for free.
Cutting a new Pane of Glass
A French door can be enhanced in energy efficiency by adding a 3rd pane of glass or by replacing one that is damaged. Triple-pane glass also helps reduce the transmission of noise and offers greater comfort in homes exposed to severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes. A classic French door can be transformed into a more attractive one by inserting functional muntin bars between the two glass panes, creating a grille or grid pattern known as Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be put on the inside or outside of windows. They can also be of various sizes and spacings to create a variety looks.
Replacing a pane of glass in a french door is not an easy task, but it is achievable with some basic tools, perseverance and knowledge. The first step is to take the old glass from the frame. The new glass is cut and then inserted into the frame. The molding is then replaced and the frame edges sealed using caulk.
It is important to measure your existing glass pane and subtract 1/8". This will take into account the expansion of the glass as it gets heated. This will determine the size of the glass pane that is to be ordered from the hardware store or glass manufacturer.
The glass can be cut to size and then placed in the frame. If the new glass is low-e, it must be placed with the low-e coating facing the interior of the house. Otherwise, reversing the pane could affect the performance of the glass.
With a putty-blade Use a putty knife to gently remove the trim that was previously attached to the glass pane, without breaking it. Install the new trim and then apply a small amount of caulk around the edges. The window panes will then be painted to match your door frame.
A professional can complete the job much quicker and more accurately, but it is still recommended to practice before attempting this project at home. If replace french door have any doubts, contact a local glass company for a professional french door double pane glass replacement.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
The most simple method to replace the French door window is to replace it with a similar size piece of safety glass. If you prefer a more fashionable appearance an ornamental glass company can design a piece of glass that will fit into your door frame.
Before you install windows, make sure that it's the same size and color as the previous one. If the color isn't correct, it will be very visible and can affect the appearance of your home. Additionally, if the glass is not properly fitted it could break. To make your windows appear as good as they can ensure that the new pane is secure by caulking or putty that is in line with the rest of the window frame.
A traditional French door could comprise between 12 and 16 individual glass panes. To add a style 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 historic renovations when precision in replication of the product is essential or required by zoning regulations.
Remove the window sash with care from the frame. This is typically done by either removing the sash or by pinning it. Remove any glazing points or fasteners such as putty or any other which hold the old glass in place. Make sure you wear safety glasses or gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass shards.
After the window sash as well as the glass pane are removed, wash any caulk or putty from the inside of the frame to make it easier to replace the new pane of glass. To ensure that the new glass is correctly cut, measure the size and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. Ask the glass company in your area to help you in figuring out how to measure a window correctly.
If you're familiar with DIY and construction work, changing the double pane glass on your French door should be a fairly simple task. If, however, you're not usually a handy DIY person, it's safer and more cost-effective to have a professional handle the job for you. A window company can quickly and efficiently repair or replace a broken French door pane of glass in a matter of hours.