Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a stunning addition to any home. Like every other door or window, they are susceptible to being damaged. It is possible to replace the glass on a French door's glass without having to buy a new one.
Double pane (also known as dual pane, insulated or insulated glass) can help reduce outside noise and increase energy efficiency. However, the seals in 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 homes, while still allowing for plenty of light. They aren't impervious to accidents or breakage. A broken glass pane can be a huge problem for anyone who enjoys the views and light these doors bring. The good part is that it doesn't have to be a costly or difficult project to replace these window panes. In fact, with a few basic tools and construction experience, even novice DIYers can learn how to replace light window glass safely and quickly.
The first step to replace a French door pane is to remove the old one. Start by carefully removing any pieces of glass that have shattered off, and make sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from sharp edges. Once the broken pane is removed, you will have to take measurements of the opening in the window to ensure that a replacement piece can be purchased from a hardware or glass manufacturer. It's important to order a piece of glass that is slightly larger than the original pane in order to allow for the expansion and contraction of the glass as temperatures fluctuate.
The next step is to take the window sash off the frame. You may need to take out a few nails that hold the trim or glazing points in place, and it's important to clean the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth and safe fit for your new window. Be cautious not to remove too many wood pieces or old putty, because this could cause the frame to crack and then cause damage later on.
Once the sash is removed, you can begin to install your replacement window pane. Make sure you measure your window's opening first, then subtract 1/8th inch to allow for expansion as the frame heats. This will ensure a tight fit and possible leaks in the future.
After you have put up the new glass and framed it, apply a small amount of caulk or putty on the frame to keep it in place. When replace window with french doors cost uk or putty is dry and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the door. If you aren't confident about your abilities to finish the task, consider hiring a professional window repair service or glazier to avoid costly mistakes.
Remove the Broken Pane of Glass
A glass pane that has been damaged in the French door isn't just an eye-sore, but it can also be a safety hazard. If it's not repaired quickly glass shards can fall and cause injury to someone who steps on. Many homeowners can fix the damaged pane using a DIY project. However, it is important to be careful to ensure that you do not be injured.
Wearing gloves that protect you, remove any glass pieces that have fallen out of the frame. Place them in a plastic bag and then sweep up the frame to eliminate any debris. If the glass is broken but not cracked, tape both sides to prevent it from breaking when you remove it. Then take a small plier bar to cut off the trim pieces that are holding the window in place. These are called stops and are typically held by wire brad nails. Remove the bottom stop first, then work toward the top and sides of the frame.
After taking the trim off the door, measure the length of the frame and height to determine the size of the new glass. Most home improvement stores carry safety glass, which is thicker and more durable than regular windows. Once you know the measurements of the frame cut the glass to fit. You may have to smooth the edges of the glass to form it.
If your French doors feature the traditional grid or grille design, you'll need to create the similar pattern on the new glass. You can achieve this by adding decorative muntins on the outside of your glass or by placing functional bars in between two panes, known as a grille between glass. The authentically-styled divided lights are best used for renovations of historic significance and when replication of the product is required by zoning authorities.
French doors are beautiful and a perfect addition to any house however, they come at an expensive price. Contact us today for a no-cost in-home consultation, if you'd like to incorporate the elegant look of French doors to your home without the expense.
Cutting a new Pane of Glass
A French door can be made more energy efficient by adding a 3rd pane of glass or by replacing one that is broken. Triple-pane glass can also help reduce the transmission of noise and increases comfort for homes subject to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes. By putting functional muntins in between the two panes may make a classic french door more decorative. This creates a grid pattern or grille, also known as Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be on either the outside or inside of the window and can be placed in a variety of widths and spacings to achieve different styles.
It's not easy to replace a glass pane on a French door but with perseverance and a few basic tools and knowledge, it can be done. The first step is to take the old glass from the frame. The new pane is then cut and inserted in the frame. Then, the molding can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
Before purchasing a brand new pane of glass, it is important to measure the size of the existing pane. Then subtract 1/8" to account for expansion of the glass when it gets heated. This will determine the size at which the new glass pane will need to be ordered at the hardware store.
The glass pane will be cut to the proper size before being inserted into the frame. If the new glass is low-e, it should be placed with the low-e coating facing the interior of the home. Reversing the pane can adversely affect its performance.
Utilizing a putty blade, carefully remove the old trim or molding off the pane of glass without damaging it. Install the new trim, and then apply some caulk around the edges. The window panes can then be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals are able to complete the task faster and more accurately. However, it's recommended to practice before attempting this project. If you are unsure, contact a local company to fix the double paned glass on your french doors.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
The simplest method for replacing a French door window is to put in a similarly large piece of safety glass. If you'd like to achieve a stylish effect, a decorative window company can design a custom-sized piece of glass that will fit the opening in your door frame.
Before you install the new window, be sure that it is the same size and color as the old one. If the color is off it will be obvious and can detract from the overall appearance of your home. If the glass isn't properly fitted, it could also break. If you want your windows to appear their best, make sure that the new panes are firmly secured with putty and caulking that match the rest of the frame.
A traditional French door could have anywhere from 12 to 16 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 the windows a classic grid or grille which is typically used in renovations of historic significance or when exact replica of the product is required.
To put in the glass pane, remove the window sash from the frame. This is usually accomplished by unscrewing the sash or pin it. Take off any glazing points, putty or other fasteners that hold the old glass in place. Be sure to wear safety glasses or gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass shards.
Once the window sash and glass pane are removed, wash any caulk or putty from the frame's interior to facilitate the replacement of the glass pane. 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 the glass company in your area to assist you when you're not sure how to measure the window accurately.
Replacing a double-pane of glass for your French door is a simple task if you have some knowledge of construction and DIY projects. If, however, you're not typically a handy DIY person, it's more secure and cost-effective to have a professional handle the job. A window company can quickly and efficiently repair or replace a broken French door pane of glass in a matter of hours.