French doors can be stunning additions to any home. As with any door or window, they are prone to damage. Fortunately, it is possible to repair the glass on the case of a French door without buying the door.
Double pane glass (also known as dual pane or insulated) can provide energy efficiency, outside noise reduction and much more. Double pane glass seals could crack or break.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are popular among homeowners who wish to add an elegant look to their home, yet still allowing plenty of light. However, they aren't impervious to damage and accidents and a damaged glass pane can be a significant inconvenience for anyone who enjoys the view or the sun that these doors provide. Fortunately, the good news is that replacing the window panes needn't be costly or time-consuming. Even DIY novices, equipped with basic tools and some construction knowledge can change window glass quickly and securely.
The first step to replace a French door pane is to get rid of the old one. Start by carefully removing any pieces of glass that have shattered 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 order an additional pane from an hardware store or glass maker. It's important to order glass that is slightly larger than the original pane to account for expansion and contraction as temperatures change.
Next, it's time to take the window sash off the frame. You may have to remove some of the nails holding the trim in place, or the glazing points. It's also important that you clean the sash well so that your new window pane fits snugly and smoothly. Be cautious not to take off too much wood or old putty, as this could cause the frame to break.
Once the sash is gone After that, you are able to put in your replacement window pane. Make sure you measure your window's opening first before subtracting 1/8 inch to allow for expansion as the frame heats up. This will prevent a sloppy fit and possible leaks in the future.
After you have installed the new glass then apply a small amount of caulk or putty on the frame to hold it in position. After the caulk is dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the door. If you aren't sure of your ability to complete the job, hire a professional window repair company or glazier to avoid costly errors.
Take off the broken pane of glass
A broken pane of glass in the French door isn't just an eyesore, but it can also be a safety risk. If it's not replaced promptly, shards of glass can fall and get stepped on. Replacing the broken pane is a fairly simple DIY project for most homeowners, but it's important to take the proper precautions to make sure you're not risking injury to yourself.
Begin by putting on gloves and removing any pieces of glass from the frame. Put them in a paper bag and sweep up the area to get rid of any debris. If the glass is cracked but not broken you can tape both sides to keep it from shattering while you remove it. Use a small tool to remove the trim pieces holding the window in position. These are called stops and are usually secured by wire brad nails. Remove the bottom stop then move it up and around the frame.
When you're done removing the trim take a measurement of the length and width of the door frame to determine what size glass pane required. You can buy security glass at many stores for home improvement, which is more durable than regular windows and won't break easily in the event that it does get struck or knocked on. Once you have the measurements, cut a piece of glass to fit into the frame. You may have to smooth the edges of the glass to form it.
If your French doors feature a classic grid or grille, you'll need to recreate the same pattern on the new pane. This can be accomplished by adding decorative muntin bars to the exterior of the glass, or by placing functional bars between two glass panes and forming a Grille Between Glass. Authentically-styled divided lites are best utilized for renovations that are historic and when product replication is required by Zoning authorities.
French doors are a stunning feature for any home. However, they are expensive. Contact us today for a no-cost in-home consultation, if you'd like to bring the elegance of french doors glass replacement doors to your home without the price tag.
Cutting a New Pane of Glass
The addition of a third glass pane or a replacement for a broken one can make a french door more energy efficient. Triple-pane glass can also help reduce the transmission of noise and increases comfort for homes exposed to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. A classic french doors glass replacement door can be transformed into a more attractive one by inserting functional muntin bars between two panes of glass creating a grid or grille pattern known as Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be on either the outside or inside of the window, and can be in a variety of sizes and spacings for various styles.
It's not easy to replace a glass pane on french doors but with perseverance, some basic tools and knowledge, it can be done. The first step is to take out the old glass. The new glass can be cut and then inserted into the frame. The molding can then be replaced, and the frame edges sealed using caulk.
It is essential to measure your current glass pane and subtract 1/8". This will allow for the expansion of the glass as it heats. This will determine the size of the glass pane to be purchased. to be ordered from the hardware store or glass manufacturer.
The new glass pane can be cut to the appropriate size before being inserted into the frame. If the glass is low-e, it should be installed with the coating facing the interior of the house. Reversing the pane's direction could affect its performance in a negative way.
With a putty-blade Use a putty knife to gently remove the trim that was previously attached to the glass pane, making sure to not break it. Install the new trim and apply a bead of caulk to seal the edges. The window pane can be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals can do the job much faster and more accurately however it's an excellent idea to practice before you attempt this task at home. If you are unsure you are unsure, contact a local glass company for expert french door double pane glass replacement.
Installing the New Pane of Glass
The most straightforward method of replacing a French door window is to replace sliding door with french doors it with a similar sized piece of safety glass. However, if you wish to achieve a more stylish look, a decorative windows company can design a custom-sized piece of glass that will perfectly fit inside your door frame.
Before installing a new window, ensure that it's the exact size and color as the old one. If the color isn't right it will be visible and can affect the overall appearance of your home. If the glass is not installed correctly, it may also crack. If you want your windows to appear the best, ensure that the new panes are firmly secured with putty and caulking that match the frame's rest.
A traditional French door may include between 12 and 16 glass panes. To add a visual element to these doors, or windows, you can add decorative muntin bars in between the individual glass panes. This gives the windows a classic 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 unscrewing the sash or pin it. Take off any glazing points or fasteners such as putty or any other which hold the glass in place. Wear protective gloves or glasses to avoid cutting yourself by sharp edges or glass shattering.
After you have removed the window sash, remove any putty or caulk from the frame. This will allow you to easily replace a glass pane. To ensure that the new glass is cut correctly take a measurement of the size and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. If you're not sure how to measure a window's size, ask the glass company in your area for help.
Replacing a double layer of glass for your French door is a relatively easy task if you have some experience in construction and DIY projects. If, however, you're not typically a handy DIY type, it's much more secure and cost-effective to let a professional handle the task for you. A window company can swiftly and efficiently repair or replace a broken French door's glass in a matter of hours.
Double pane glass (also known as dual pane or insulated) can provide energy efficiency, outside noise reduction and much more. Double pane glass seals could crack or break.
