Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a beautiful addition to any home. However, as with any window or door, they could be subject to damage. It is possible to repair a French door's glass without the need to purchase an entirely new one.
Double pane glass (also known as dual pane or insulated) can provide energy efficiency, outside noise reduction and more. However, the seals in double pane glass may crack or break.
Installing a new pane glass
French doors are popular with homeowners who want to add a classic appearance to their home while still allowing for plenty of light. They aren't impervious to breakage or accidents. A damaged glass pane can be an enormous inconvenience for anyone who loves the views and light these doors offer. The good news is that replacing these window panes isn't a difficult or expensive project. In fact, with some basic tools and construction expertise, even novice DIYers can replace lightweight window glass quickly and safely.
The first step in replacing a French door pane is to remove the old one. Begin by carefully removing any pieces of glass that have shattered off, and be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from sharp edges. Once the broken pane is removed, you will have to determine the opening of the window to ensure that a new piece can be purchased from a glass or hardware manufacturer. Choose a glass pane that is slightly larger than the original to account for temperature changes.
The next step is to take the window sash off the frame. You may have to take out a few nails that hold the glazing points or trim in place. It's essential to wash the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth and 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 new window pane is a breeze once you have removed the sash. Before you do this, however be sure to measure the window's opening, and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion when the frame heats up. This will ensure a perfect fit and a future leak.
Once you've installed the new pane, apply a small amount of caulk or putty around the frame's inside to hold it in place. After the caulk is dry and you're ready to paint it to match the rest of the door. If you're unsure of your abilities to do the job yourself, consider hiring a professional window repair or glazier to avoid costly errors and insulation issues.
Take off the broken pane of glass
A broken pane in a French-style door can be more than just an eyesore. It could also be an injury risk. If it's not replaced quickly glass shards can fall and be stepped on. The majority of homeowners can repair the damaged pane by completing an easy DIY project. However, it's important to be careful so that you don't be injured.
Begin by putting on gloves and removing any loose pieces of glass from the frame. Put them in a paper bag and then sweep the area to remove any debris. Tape the glass's sides when it's cracked but not broken. This will stop it from breaking as you take it off. Then, use a small pry bar to cut off the trim pieces keeping the window in place. They are referred to as stop and are typically held in place by a wire brad nails. Remove the bottom stop then move it up and around the frame.
After you've removed the trim take a measurement of the width and height of the door frame to determine the size of glass is needed. You can purchase safety glass at most home improvement stores. It is thicker than normal windows and won't break easily if it does get knocked or hit. Once you have the dimensions of the frame, cut the glass to fit. You may have to smooth the edges of the glass in order to shape it.
If your French doors are adorned with the classic grid or grille design then you'll have to create the same pattern on a new pane of glass. This can be achieved by adding decorative muntin bars to the exterior of the glass, or by placing functional bars between two panes of glass, which is known as the Grille Between Glass. Authentically styled divided lites are ideal for historic renovations or when product replica is required by the Zoning Authority.
French doors can be a beautiful feature for any home. However, they are expensive. If you're interested in bringing the elegance of French doors into your home without the price tag get in touch with us for a free in-home consultation.
Cutting a new pane of glass
The addition of a third glass pane or replacing damaged glass can make a french door more energy efficient. Triple-pane glass also reduces noise transmission and provides increased comfort in homes that are subject to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. A classic french door can be transformed into a more attractive one by putting functional muntin bars between the two glass panes, creating a grille or grid pattern called Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be put on the inside or outside of the window. They can also be of different widths and spacings for a variety looks.
It is not easy to replace a glass pane on french doors however, with a bit of patience, some basic tools and knowledge, it can be done. The first step is to remove the old glass. The new pane will then be cut and inserted into the frame. Then, the molding can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
It is important to measure your existing glass pane and subtract 1/8". This will account for the expansion of the glass as it gets heated. This will determine the size of the new glass pane that needs to be ordered from a hardware store or glass manufacturer.
The glass can be cut to size and inserted into the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low e coating facing towards the house. Reversing the pane's direction could negatively impact its performance.
With a putty knife use a putty blade to gently pull off the trim that was attached to the glass pane without breaking it. Then install the new trim and apply a dot of caulk to seal the edges. After that, the window pane can be painted to match the door frame.
french door repairs near me can do the task quicker and more accurately however it's an excellent idea to practice before attempting this task at home. If you are unsure, contact a local glass company to get expert french door double pane glass replacement.
Installing the new Pane of Glass
The most simple method to replace the French door window is to install an identically sized piece of safety glass. If you want a more elegant look an ornamental glass company can design a piece of glass to fit your door frame.
Before you install the new window ensure that it's not just the same size, but also a perfect match in style and color. If the color isn't right it will be obvious and may affect your home's appearance. If the glass is not properly fitted, it could also crack. To ensure that your windows appear as good as they can ensure that the new glass is secured with caulking or putty that is in line with the rest of the window frame.
A traditional French door can have anywhere from 12 to 16 individual glass panes. You can add decorative muntin bars on the individual glass panes of these doors or window frames to add an aesthetic element. This gives the windows an elegant grille or grid pattern that is commonly used for historic renovations or when a precise replica of a product is required.
Remove the window sash with care from the frame. This is usually done by removing or prying the sash. Then, carefully remove any remaining glazing points, putty or other fasteners that are holding the old pane glass in place. Wear safety gloves or glasses to avoid being cut by sharp edges or glass shattering.
After the window sash and glass pane have been removed, clean any caulk or putty from the frame's interior to facilitate the replacement of the glass pane. To ensure that the replacement glass is cut correctly to the proper size, measure the width and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. If you aren't sure how to correctly measure a window, you can ask your local glass company for assistance.
Replacing a double-pane of glass for your French door is a relatively simple task if you have some experience in construction and DIY projects. If you're not a skilled DIYer, it's safer and more cost effective to engage a professional do the job. A window company can be able to swiftly and efficiently repair or replace the broken French door pane of glass.