Watch Out: How French Door Double Pane Glass Replacement Is Gaining Ground, And What To Do
Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors can be stunning additions to any home. However, like any door or window they can be damaged. It is possible to replace the glass on a French door's glass without having to buy an entirely new one.
Double pane (also called dual pane, insulated, or insulated glass) can cut down outside noise and increase energy efficiency. french door hinge repairs may crack or break.
Installing a new piece of glass
French doors are popular with homeowners who wish to add a classic appearance to their home but still allow plenty of light. They aren't impervious to accidents or breakage. A damaged glass pane can be an enormous issue for anyone who loves the view and sunshine that these doors offer. Fortunately, the good news is that replacing the window panes doesn't have to be costly or time-consuming. Even novice DIYers, armed with basic tools and building experience can replace window glass quickly and safely.
The first step to replace a French door pane is to get rid of the old one. Begin by carefully removing pieces of glass that have broken off, and make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from sharp edges. Once the broken glass has been removed, note the dimensions of the window opening so that you can purchase an additional pane from a hardware store or glass maker. It is essential to choose glass that is slightly larger than the pane that was originally ordered to take into account the expansion and contraction of the glass as temperatures change.
The next step is to eliminate the window frame. It is possible to take out a few 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 is fitted securely and smoothly. Be careful not to pull out too many of the wood pieces or old putty, because this could cause the frame to split and damage later on.
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 is heating up. This will help prevent a poor fit and future leaks.
After you have put in the new glass and framed it, apply a small amount of caulk or putty to the frame to hold it in place. Once the putty or caulk has dried, you can paint the frame to match the rest. If you aren't confident about your ability to complete the job, hire a professional window repair company or glazier to avoid costly mistakes.
Remove the broken pane glass
A broken glass pane in a French-style door could be more than an eye-sore. It can also pose an injury risk. If it's not replaced quickly glass shards could fall and be stepped on. Most homeowners can replace the broken pane with an easy DIY project. However, it is essential to be cautious to ensure you don't be injured.
Begin by wearing protective gloves and removing any loose pieces of glass from the frame. Put them in a paper bag and sweep up the area to remove any debris. Tape the glass on both sides if it is cracked but not broken. This will stop it from breaking while you remove it. Then, use a small pry bar to cut off the trim pieces that are holding the window in place. These are called stop and are typically held in place by wire brad nail. Take the bottom stop off and then move it up and around the frame.
After you've removed the trim to remove the trim, take measurements of the length and width of the door frame to determine the size of glass is required. Most home improvement stores sell safety glass, which is stronger and more durable than regular windows. Once you have the dimensions of the frame, cut the glass to fit. You may need to file the edges of the new glass to form 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 accomplished by adding decorative muntin bars to the outside of the glass, or by placing functional bars between two glass panes, which is known as the Grille Between Glass. Authentically-styled divided lites are best used for renovations of historic significance and when replication of a product is required by Zoning authorities.
French doors can be an attractive addition to any home. However, they are expensive. Contact us for a complimentary in-home consultation if you wish to incorporate the elegant look of French doors to your home without the price tag.
Cutting a new glass pane
Addition of a third glass pane or replacing broken glass can make a French door more energy efficient. Triple-pane glass can also help reduce the transmission of noise and offers greater comfort in homes that are exposed to severe weather conditions like hurricanes. A traditional french door can be transformed into a more attractive one by putting functional muntin bars between the two panes of glass creating a grille or grid pattern known as Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed on either the outside or inside of the window and can be found in a variety of sizes and spacings to create various styles.
It is not easy to replace a glass pane on a French door however, with a bit of patience along with some basic tools and a little knowledge, it can be done. The first step is to take out the old glass. 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.
It is essential to measure the size of your current pane of glass and subtract 1/8". This will take into account the expansion of the glass as it gets heated. This will determine the size at which the new glass pane will need to be ordered at an hardware store.
The new pane of glass can be cut to the size required and placed into the frame. If the new glass is low-e, it must be installed with the coating facing the interior of the house. In the event of a reversed pane, it could affect the performance of the glass.
With a putty-blade, gently pry off the trim that was attached to the glass pane without breaking it. Then install the new trim and apply a layer of caulk to seal the edges. The window pane can be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals can do the job much quicker and more accurately However, it's a good idea to practice before attempting this task at home. If you have any doubts you are unsure, contact a local glass company to get expert french double pane replacement for doors.
Installing the New Pane of Glass
The most simple method to replace a French door window is to put in a similarly large piece of safety glass. If you prefer a more stylish look an ornamental glass company can create a piece of glass to fit the door frame.
Before you install windows, make sure that it is the same size and color as the old one. If the color isn't correct it will be evident and could affect the overall appearance of your home. Furthermore, if the glass isn't properly positioned, it may break. To make your windows appear as good as they can, be sure the new glass is secured with putty or caulking that matches the rest of the frame.
A typical French door could have anywhere from 12 to 16 individual glass panes. To add a design element to these doors or windows, you can include decorative muntin bars in between the glass panes. This gives windows an elegant grid or grille design 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 either removing the sash or by pinning it. Remove any glazing points or other fasteners holding the glass in place. Be sure to wear safety glasses or gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass shards.
After removing the window sash, clean any caulk or putty that is left on the frame. This will make it easier to replace a new glass pane. Next, take a measurement of the window opening and subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height to ensure the replacement glass is cut properly. Ask the glass company in your area to assist you when you're not sure how to accurately measure a window.
If you're familiar with DIY and construction work, changing a double-pane glass on your French door should be relatively simple. However, if you are not typically a handy DIY type, it's much safer and more cost-effective to let a professional handle the task for you. A window company can quickly and efficiently fix or replace a broken French door's glass in no time.