Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors can be a stunning addition to any home. Like every other door or window, they are susceptible to damage. It is, however, possible to replace the glass in the case of a French door without having to purchase an entirely new door.
Double pane (also known as dual pane, insulated, or insulated glass) can reduce outside noise and offer energy efficiency. However, the seals used in double pane glass may crack or break.
Installing a new piece of glass
French doors are popular with homeowners who want to add an elegant look to their homes, yet still allowing plenty of sunlight. They aren't immune to breakage or accidents. A damaged glass pane can be a huge problem for anyone who enjoys the views and light these doors provide. The good thing is that it doesn't need to be a costly or complicated project to replace these windows. Even novice DIYers, with a few basic tools and construction knowledge can change window glass in a short time and with ease.
The first step in replacing a French door pane is to get rid of the old one. Begin by carefully removing any pieces of glass that have cracked off, and make sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from sharp edges. After the broken glass has been removed, make note of the dimensions of the window's opening so that you can purchase a new pane from an hardware store or glass maker. It is essential to choose a piece of glass that is slightly larger than the original pane to allow for expansion and contraction when temperatures fluctuate.
The next step is to eliminate the window frame. You may have to remove a few nails that are holding the glazing points or trim in place. It's essential to wash the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth, snug fit for your new window pane. Be cautious not to take off too much wood or old putty as this could cause the frame to crack.
Once the sash is gone Once the sash is removed, you can begin installing your new window pane. Before you do, though ensure that you measure the window opening and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion as the frame is heating up. This will ensure a tight fitting and 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 the right place. Once the caulk or putty is dry, you can paint the frame to match the rest. If you aren't confident about your abilities to finish the job, hire a professional window repair service or glazier to avoid costly mistakes.
Take off the broken pane of glass
A broken glass pane in a French-styled door can be more than just an eye-sore. It could also be a safety risk. It's crucial to replace it as quickly as possible. Otherwise, shards can fall and cause injuries. Replacing the broken glass is a fairly easy 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.
Begin by putting on gloves and removing any pieces of glass from the frame. Place replace french door in a bag of paper and sweep the frame to remove all debris. If the glass is cracked but not broken you can tape both sides to keep it from shattering while you remove it. Then take a small plier bar to cut off the trim pieces holding the window in place. They are referred to as stops and are usually held by wire brad nails. Take the bottom stop off and then move it up and around 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 of glass is needed. The majority of home improvement stores sell safety glass that is thicker and more durable than regular windows. Once you have the measurements, cut a piece of glass to fit into the frame. You may have to file down the edges of the glass in order to shape it.
If your French doors are adorned with the classic grid or grille pattern, you'll need to create the same 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 panes of glass that is referred to as Grille Between Glass. The authentically-styled divided lights are best used for historic renovations and when replication of the product is required by zoning authorities.
French doors are beautiful features for any house However, they do come at a premium cost. Contact us for a free in-home consultation, if you'd like to bring the elegance of French doors into your home without the price tag.
Cutting a New Pane of Glass
A French door can be enhanced in energy efficiency by adding a 3rd pane of glass or replacing one that is broken. Triple-pane glass also helps reduce the transmission of noise and offers greater comfort in homes that are exposed to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. The addition of functional muntins between the two panes can make a classic french door look more attractive. This creates a grid pattern or grille known as Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed on the outside or inside of windows. They are also available in different widths and spacings for various designs.
It is not easy to replace a glass pane on the French door but with perseverance, some basic tools and a little knowledge you can do it. The first step is to remove the old glass from the frame. The new glass can be cut and then inserted into the frame. Finally, the molding can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
Before purchasing a new pane of glass, it's essential to measure the dimensions of the pane that is already in use and subtract 1/8" to account for expansion of the glass as it heats up. This will determine the size of the glass pane to be purchased. to be purchased from a hardware store or glass manufacturer.
The new pane of glass can be cut to the size required and placed in the frame. If the glass is low-e, it should be installed with the coating facing the interior of the house. Otherwise, reversing the pane could affect the glass's performance.
With a putty knife use a putty blade to gently pull off the old trim around the glass pane, making sure to not break it. Install the new trim and then apply some caulk around the edges. After that, the window pane can be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals can do the job much faster and with greater accuracy However, it's an excellent idea to practice before you attempt this project at home. If you're unsure to contact a local firm to fix the double paned glass on your french doors.
Installing the New Pane of Glass
The simplest method for replacing the French door window is to install an identically size piece of safety glass. However, if you want to achieve a stylish look, a decorative windows company can create a custom piece of glass that is designed to fit the opening in the door frame.
Before installing the new pane ensure that it's not just an identical size, but also a perfect match in color and style. If the color isn't right, it will be noticeable and can detract from the appearance of your home. In addition, if the window isn't properly positioned, it may break. To make your windows appear attractive ensure that the new glass is secured by caulking or putty that matches the rest of the window frame.
A traditional French door can have anywhere from 12 to 16 individual glass panes. To add a style element to these doors, or windows, you can add 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 the accuracy of replication of products is crucial or is required by zoning laws.
Remove the window sash carefully from the frame. This is typically done by either removing the sash or pinning it. Then, remove any remaining glazing points, putty, or other fasteners holding the old pane of glass in place. Wear protective glasses or gloves to avoid cutting yourself by sharp edges or glass shattering.
Once the window sash and glass pane have been removed, wash any caulk or putty from 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 in the correct way. If you're not sure how to measure a window, ask your local glass shop for help.
Replacing a double pane of glass for your French door is a easy task if you have some experience in construction and DIY projects. If you're not an experienced DIYer, it is safer and more cost-effective to employ a professional complete the task. A window company can be able to quickly and efficiently repair or replace the broken French door pane of glass.