Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a gorgeous addition to any home. However, as with any window or door, they could be damaged. It is possible to repair the glass of a French door's glass without the need to purchase a new one.
Double pane (also known by the names dual pane, insulated or double glass) can reduce outside noise and provide energy efficiency. However, the seals in double pane glass could break or crack.
Installing a new pane of glass
French doors are a popular option for homeowners looking to add a classic style to their home while still letting in plenty of natural light. These windows are not impervious to breakage or accidents. A damaged glass pane can be a huge issue for anyone who loves the view and sunshine that these doors bring. Fortunately, the good news is that replacing these panes doesn't have to be costly or time-consuming. Even novice DIYers, with a few basic tools and construction experience can replace window glass in a short time and with ease.
The first step to replace the pane of a French door is removing 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 damaged pane has been removed, you'll have to determine the opening of the window to ensure that a new piece can be ordered from a glass or hardware manufacturer. Choose a glass pane that is slightly larger than the original one to accommodate temperature changes.
The next step is to take off the window frame. You may have to remove a few nails holding the glazing points or trim in place, and it's essential to wash the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth and secure fit for your new window pane. You should be careful not to take off too much wood or old putty, as this could cause the frame to break.
Installing the new window pane is simple once you have removed the sash. Before you begin, however, make sure to take measurements of the window's opening and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion as the frame heats up. This will help prevent a sloppy fit and possible leaks in the future.
After you have installed the new glass, apply a small amount of caulk or putty on the frame to keep it in position. After the caulk is dry and you're ready to paint it to match the rest of the door. If you are unsure of your ability to complete the job, you should hire a professional window repair service or glazier to avoid costly mistakes.
Remove the Broken Pane of Glass
A broken pane in a French-styled door can be more than an eye-sore. It can also pose a safety risk. If it's not replaced quickly glass shards can fall and get stepped on. Replacing the broken pane is a fairly simple DIY project for most homeowners however, it's essential to take the proper precautions to make sure you're not leaving yourself open to injury.
Wearing protective gloves, remove any glass pieces that are loose from the frame. Place them in a paper bag and sweep up the area to get rid of any debris. If the glass is cracked but not broken, tape both sides to stop it from breaking as you take it off. Then, use a small pry bar to take off the trim pieces holding the window in place. They are referred to as stop and are typically held in place by wire brad nail. Take the bottom stop off, then move up and around the frame.
When you've removed the trim, measure the height and width of the door frame to determine the size of glass is required. The majority of home improvement stores sell safety glass that is stronger and more durable than regular windows. Once you know the measurements of the frame, cut the glass to fit. You may have to cut the edges of the new glass down to form it.
If your French doors feature a classic grid or grille, you'll need to replicate the design on the new pane. This can be accomplished by adding decorative muntins on the outside of your glass or by putting functional bars in between two panes, known as a grille between glass. Genuinely-styled divided lites can be used for historic renovations and when replication of the product is required by Zoning authorities.
French doors are gorgeous additions to any home however, they come at an expensive price. If you're interested in bringing the beauty of French doors into your home without the cost, contact us for a free in-home consultation.
Cutting a new glass pane
A french door can be made more energy efficient by adding a third layer of glass or replacing one that is damaged. Triple-pane glass also reduces the transmission of noise and offers greater comfort for homes subject to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. Inserting functional muntins between the two panes may make a traditional french door appear more stylish. This creates a grid or grille called Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be on either the inside or outside of the window, and can be in a variety of sizes and spacings for different styles.
Replacing a pane of glass in a French door isn't an straightforward task, but it can be accomplished with some basic tools, perseverance and knowledge. The first step is removing the old glass. The new glass is cut and then inserted into the frame. The molding can then be replaced, and the frame edges sealed with caulk.
It is important to measure your current glass pane and subtract 1/8". This will account for the expansion of the glass as it heats. This will determine the size of the glass pane to be purchased. to be ordered from the hardware store or glass manufacturer.
The glass can be cut to size and then placed into the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low e coating facing inside the house. Reversing the pane's direction could negatively impact its performance.
Using a putty knife, carefully pry the old trim or molding off the glass pane without damaging it. Install the new trim, and then apply some caulk around the edges. The window pane can be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals can do the task faster and with greater accuracy However, it's an excellent idea to practice before attempting this task at home. If you are uncertain call a local glass company to get expert french door double pane glass replacement.
Installing the new Pane of Glass
The most straightforward method of replacing a French door window is to replace it with a similar size piece of safety glass. However, if you wish to create a more elegant look, a decorative windows company can design a custom-sized piece of glass that is designed to fit the opening in the 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 right it will be evident and could affect the look of your home. Additionally, if replacement french door isn't properly positioned, it could break. To make your windows look their best, be sure the new pane is secure by caulking or putty that is in line with the rest of the frame.
A traditional French door can include anywhere between 12 and 16 individual glass panes. You can add decorative muntin bars to the individual glass panes of these doors, or window frames to add an aesthetic element. This gives windows an elegant grille or grid pattern which is typically used for historic renovations or when a precise replica of a product is required.
To put in the glass pane, take care to remove the window sash from the frame. This is usually done by unscrewing the sash or pin it. Take off any glazing points or fasteners such as putty or any other holding the old glass in place. Wear protective gloves or glasses to avoid cutting yourself with sharp edges or glass shattering.
Once the window sash and glass pane are removed, clean any caulk or putty off the inside of the frame 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 that the glass replacement is cut in the correct way. If you're not sure how to measure a window, ask your local glass shop for assistance.
Replacing a double layer of glass for your French door is a easy task if you have some experience in construction and DIY projects. If, however, you're not typically a handy DIY type, it's much safer and more cost-effective to have a professional handle the job. A window company can quickly and efficiently fix or replace a broken French door's glass in a matter of hours.