Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors can be a stunning addition to any home. But, just like any other windows or doors, they can be subject to damage. Fortunately, it is possible to replace the glass in a French door without having to purchase the door.
Double pane glass (also known as dual pane or insulated) provides energy efficiency, noise reduction and more. However, the seals used in double pane glass may crack or break.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are a popular choice for those who want to add a classic style to their home, while letting in plenty of natural light. Unfortunately, these windows aren't immune to damage and accidents, and a broken glass pane can be a major inconvenience for anyone who enjoys the views or sunlight these doors can provide. Fortunately, the good news is that replacing these panes isn't a difficult or expensive project. In fact, with some basic tools and construction experience, even novice DIYers can learn to replace lightweight window glass safely and quickly.
The first step to replacing a French door pane is to remove the old one. Wear protective glasses and gloves and take out any broken pieces of glass. After the broken glass has been removed, make note of the dimensions of the window opening to be able to order a new pane from a hardware store or a glass maker. It is essential to choose a piece of glass that is slightly larger than the pane that was originally ordered to account for expansion and contraction when temperatures change.
The next step is to remove the window sash from the frame. It is possible 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, safe fit for your new window. You should be careful not to remove too much wood or old putty because this could cause the frame to crack.
Installing the replacement window pane is simple after you have removed the sash. Be sure to measure your window's opening first before subtracting 1/8th inch to allow for expansion as the frame heats up. This will prevent a poor fit and further leaks.
After you've installed the new pane, use the caulk or putty around the frame's interior to keep it in place. Once french door lock repairs stratford www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk or caulk is dry, you can paint the frame to match the rest of the. If you're not sure of your ability to complete the job yourself, think about hiring a professional window repair or glazier to avoid costly errors and insulation issues.
Remove the Broken Pane of Glass
A broken pane of glass in the French door isn't just a nuisance but could also be a security 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 by completing a DIY project. However, it is important to be careful to ensure that you do not get injured.
Begin by wearing protective gloves and removing any broken pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a bag of paper and sweep the frame to eliminate all debris. Tape both sides of the glass when it's cracked but not broken. This will stop it from breaking as you remove it. Use a small tool to take off the trim pieces that are holding the window in position. These are referred to as stop. They are usually held in place by wire brad nails. Take off the bottom stop first and work your way up to the top and sides of the frame.
After you have removed the trim from the door take a measurement of the width of the frame and height to determine the dimensions of the new glass. Most home improvement stores carry safety glass, which is more robust and thicker than regular windows. Once you have the measurements taken, cut the glass to fit into the frame. You may need to smooth the edges of the glass to shape it.
If your French doors have the classic grid or grille pattern then you'll have to create the same pattern on the new glass. You can achieve this by putting decorative muntins on the outside of your glass or by placing functional bars between two panes, known as a grille between glass. Genuinely-styled divided lites can be used for historic renovations and when replication of a product is required by Zoning authorities.
French doors are beautiful and a perfect addition to any house however, they come at an expensive price. If you're interested in bringing the beauty of the doors to your home without the price tag call us to arrange a free in-home consultation.
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 broken. Triple-pane glass can also help reduce noise transmission and provides increased comfort in homes that are subject to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes. A traditional french door can be enhanced by inserting functional muntin bars between two glass panes and creating a grid or grille pattern known as Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed either on the inside or outside of the window. They can also be of various widths and spacings for different styles.
It is not easy to replace a pane in a French door, but with patience, some basic tools and some knowledge you can do it. The first step is to remove the old glass from the frame. The new pane is then cut and inserted in the frame. The molding is then replaced and the frame edges sealed with caulk.
Before purchasing a brand new pane of glass, it's important to measure the size of the pane that is already in use and subtract 1/8" to account for expansion of the glass when it warms up. This will determine the size that the new glass pane will need to be purchased from a hardware store.
The new glass pane could be cut to the correct size and inserted into the frame. If the new glass is low-e, it should be placed with the low-e coating facing the inside of the house. Reversing the pane's direction could affect its performance in a negative way.
With a putty knife carefully remove the trim or molding off the glass pane without breaking it. Install the new trim and then apply some caulk around the edges. The window panes may be painted to match the door frame.
A professional can complete the job much faster and more accurately, but it is still an excellent idea to practice before attempting this task at home. If you're not sure to contact a local firm to repair the double-paned glass on your french doors.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
The simplest method for replacing the French door window pane is to install an identically large piece of safety glass. If you'd like to achieve a stylish effect, a decorative window company can create a custom-sized piece of glass that will fit the opening in the door frame.
Before you install the new pane, make sure it's not just the same size, but also an exact match in color and style. If the color is off it will be obvious and may affect your home's appearance. If the glass is not fitted correctly, it can also break. For your windows to look their best, make sure that the new panes are secured with caulking and putty that matches the rest of the frame.
A traditional French door could include between 12 and 16 individual glass panes. To add a design element to these doors or windows, you can include decorative muntin bars in between the individual glass panes. This could give the windows a an elegant grid or grille design, which is commonly used in historic renovations when product replication accuracy is important or required by zoning regulations.
Remove the window sash with care from the frame. This is usually done by either removing the sash or by pinning it. Take off any glazing points or fasteners such as putty or any other holding the old glass in place. Make sure you wear safety glasses or gloves to avoid cutting yourself from sharp edges or broken glass shards.
Once the window sash and glass pane have been removed, wash any caulk or putty from the frame's inside to make it easier to replace the new pane of glass. To ensure that the new glass is cut properly to the proper size, measure the width and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. Ask your local glass company to help you when you're not sure how to accurately measure a window.
If you're experienced with DIY and construction projects, replacing the double pane glass on your French door is a fairly simple task. But, if you're not a skilled DIY-er, it's more secure and cost-effective to have a professional handle the task for you. A window company can be able to quickly and efficiently repair or replace damaged French-door glass.