Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors can be a stunning addition to any home. As with any door or windows, they are vulnerable to being damaged. It is possible to replace the glass of a French door's glass without the need to purchase another one.
Double pane (also called dual pane, insulated or double glass) can cut down outside noise and provide energy efficiency. However, the seals of double pane glass can crack or break.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are popular with homeowners who want to add a classic appearance to their home yet still allowing plenty of sunlight. Unfortunately, these windows aren't immune to damage and accidents and a damaged glass pane could be a significant problem for anyone who enjoys the view or sunlight that these doors can provide. The good news is that replacing the window panes isn't costly or time-consuming. In fact, with basic tools and some construction expertise, even novice DIYers can learn to replace lightweight window glass safely and quickly.
The first step to replace a French door pane is to take out the old one. Begin by carefully removing pieces of glass that have broken off, and make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from sharp edges. Once the broken glass has been removed, make note of the dimensions of the window's opening, so that you can purchase an additional pane from a hardware store or a glass maker. Order a glass pane that is slightly bigger than the original to account for temperature changes.
The next step is to remove the window frame. You may have to remove some of the nails that hold the trim in place, or the glazing points. It's also important to clean the sash thoroughly so that your new window pane is fitted securely and easily. Be cautious not to pull out too many wood pieces or old putty because this could cause the frame to crack and damage later on.
Once the sash is gone, you can begin to put in your replacement window pane. Be sure to measure the window's opening first before subtracting 1/8th inch to allow for expansion when the frame heats up. This will help prevent a poor fit and further leaks.
After you have put in the new glass then apply a small amount of caulk or putty on the frame to hold it in position. When the caulk or putty is dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the door. If you aren't confident of your ability to complete the job, you should hire an expert window repair service or glazier to avoid costly mistakes.
Take off the broken pane of glass
A damaged pane in a French-style door can be more than an eyesore. It can also pose a safety risk. If it's not replaced promptly glass shards could fall and get stepped on. The majority of homeowners can repair the damaged pane using a DIY project. However, it is essential to be cautious to ensure that you do not be injured.
Begin by wearing protective gloves and removing any pieces of glass from the frame. Put them 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 prevent it from breaking while you remove it. Then you can use a small pry bar to remove the trim pieces keeping the window in place. These are referred to as stop. They are usually secured by a wire brad nail. Take the bottom stop off then move it up and around the frame.
After you have removed the trim from the door and measuring the width of the frame and the height to determine the size of the new glass. Most home improvement stores carry safety glass, which is stronger and more durable than regular windows. Once french doors glass replacement have the measurements you need, cut a piece of glass to fit in the frame. You may need to cut the edges of the new glass to shape it.
If your French doors feature a classic grid or grille, you'll need to recreate the same design on the new pane. This can be done by adding decorative muntin bars to the exterior of the glass or placing functional bars between two glass panes and forming a Grille Between Glass. Genuinely styled divided lites work best for renovations that are historic or when product replica is required by the Zoning Authority.
French doors are a stunning feature for any home. However, they can be costly. Contact us for a complimentary in-home consultation if you want to incorporate the beauty of French doors into your home without the expense.
Cutting a new glass pane
The addition of a third glass pane or a replacement for broken glass can make a french door more energy efficient. Triple-paned glass can reduce noise and improves comfort for homes exposed to severe weather conditions such as hurricanes. A classic french door can be transformed into a more attractive one by putting functional muntin bars between two glass panes, creating a grille or grid pattern called Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed on the outside or inside of windows. They can also be of different widths and spacings to give a variety looks.
Replacing glass in a French door isn't an simple task however it can be accomplished by using a few tools, patience and knowledge. The first step is to take out the old glass. The new pane is cut and inserted in the frame. Then, the frame can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
It is essential to measure your current pane of glass and subtract 1/8". This will account for the expansion of the glass as it gets heated. This will determine the dimensions at which the new glass pane will need to be ordered from the hardware store.
The new glass pane could then be cut to the proper size and then inserted into the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low-e coating facing inside the house. Otherwise, reversing the pane can negatively impact the glass's performance.
Using a putty knife, carefully remove the trim or molding from around the pane of glass without damaging it. Install the new trim and apply a bead of caulk to seal the edges. The window panes may be painted to match your door frame.
Professionals can perform the task more quickly and precisely. However, it is recommended to practice before undertaking this task. If you're unsure, contact a local company to fix the double paned glass on your french doors.
Installing the new Pane of Glass
The most simple method to replace the French door window pane is to replace it with a similar size piece of safety glass. If you prefer a more stylish look, a decorative glass company can design a piece of glass to fit the door frame.
Before installing a new window, ensure that it's the exact size and color as the previous one. If the color isn't right, it will be very evident and could affect the appearance of your home. In addition, if the window is not fitted properly, it can crack. To ensure your windows appear attractive, be sure the new pane is secured by putty or caulking that matches the rest of the frame.
A traditional French door will 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 a classic grid or grille that is often used in renovations of historic significance or when a precise replica of a product is required.
Remove the window sash carefully from the frame. This is usually accomplished by removing or prying the sash. Then, remove any remaining glazing points, putty or other fasteners holding the old pane of glass in place. Be sure to wear protective glasses or gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass shreds.
After removing the window sash, clean any caulk or putty that is left on the frame. This will make it easier to replace a glass pane. Measure the width and height of the window opening and subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width to ensure the replacement glass is cut correctly. If you aren't sure how to accurately measure a window, you can ask your local glass shop for help.
If you are familiar with DIY and construction projects, then replacing a double pane glass on your French door is an easy task. If, however, you're not usually a handy DIY-er, it's safer and more cost-effective to have a professional handle the job for you. A window company can be able to swiftly and efficiently replace or repair the broken French door pane of glass.