10 Sites To Help You Become An Expert In French Door Double Pane Glass Replacement
Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors can be a stunning addition to any home. Like any other door or windows, they are vulnerable to damage. Fortunately, it is possible to replace the glass in the case of a French door without having to purchase the door.
Double pane glass (also known as dual pane or insulated) offers energy efficiency, noise reduction and more. However, the seals in double pane glass may crack or break.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a classic look to their house while offering plenty of light. They aren't impervious to damage or accidents. A damaged glass pane can be an enormous inconvenience for anyone who loves the view and sunshine that these doors bring. The good news is that replacing these panes doesn't have to be an expensive or difficult task. Even novice DIYers, armed with a few basic tools and construction knowledge can replace window glass quickly and safely.
The first step to replacing the French door pane is to get rid of the old one. Wear gloves and safety glasses and take away any broken pieces of glass. Once the broken glass is removed, note the dimensions of the window opening so that you can purchase the new pane at a hardware store or glass maker. Order a glass pane that is slightly bigger than the original one to account for temperature changes.
The next step is to take off the window frame. It is possible to take out a few nails that hold the glazing or trim in place, and it's also important to clean the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth, secure fit for your new window. Be careful not to pull out too many wood pieces or old putty, since this can cause the frame to break and then cause damage later on.
Installing the new window pane is easy once you have removed the sash. Before you do, though be sure to measure the window opening and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion when the frame gets hotter. This will help to prevent a sloppy fit and possibly leaks in the future.
After you have put in the new glass then apply a small amount of caulk or putty to the frame to keep it in the right place. Once the caulk or putty is dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the door. If you're not sure of your abilities to do the job yourself, consider hiring a professional glazier or window repair service to avoid costly errors and insulation issues.
Remove the Broken Pane of Glass
A glass pane that is broken in the French door isn't just an eyesore, but it could also be a security danger. It's important to replace it as quickly as possible. Otherwise, shards can fall and cause injuries. Many homeowners can fix the damaged pane using an DIY project. However, it's essential to be cautious to ensure that you do not be injured.
Begin by wearing protective gloves and removing any broken pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a bin of paper and sweep the frame to remove all debris. Tape the glass's sides in the event that it is cracked, but not broken. This will prevent it from breaking when you take it off. Use a small tool to remove the trim pieces holding the window in position. These are called stop and are usually secured by a wire brad nail. Remove the bottom stop first, then work toward the top and side of the frame.
After removing the trim from the door take a measurement of the frame's width and the height to determine the dimensions of the new glass. Most home improvement stores carry safety glass, which is thicker and more durable than regular windows. Once you have the measurements of the frame cut the glass to fit. You may have to file down the edges of the glass in order to shape it.
If your French doors feature a classic grid or grille, you will have to replicate the same pattern on the new pane. This can be achieved by adding decorative muntin bars to the outside of the glass or by placing functional bars between two glass panes and forming the Grille Between Glass. Authentically styled divided lites work best for historic renovations or when a copy of the product is required by the zoning authority.
French doors are stunning and a perfect addition to any home, but they come with a premium cost. If you're looking to bring the beauty of these doors into your house without the cost get in touch with us for a no-cost in-home consultation.
Cutting a new glass pane
A french door can be made more energy efficient by adding a third pane of glass or by replacing one that is damaged. Triple-pane glass can also help reduce the transmission of noise and offers greater comfort for homes exposed to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. Inserting functional muntins between the two panes may make a classic french door appear more stylish. This creates a grid pattern or grille called Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be on either the outside or inside of the window, and they can be found in different sizes and spacings to create different styles.
It is not easy to replace a pane in the French door but with perseverance along with some basic tools and knowledge you can do it. The first step is to remove the old glass. The new glass can be cut and inserted into the frame. Then, the molding can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
Before buying a new pane of glass, it is essential to measure the dimensions of the existing pane and subtract 1/8" to account for the expansion of the glass as it warms up. This will determine the size of the new glass pane that needs to be ordered from a hardware store or glass manufacturer.
The new glass pane could be cut to the correct size and inserted into the frame. If the glass is low-e, it must be placed with the low-e coating facing the interior of the home. In the event of a reversed pane, it could negatively affect the glass's performance.
With a putty-blade, gently pry off the trim that was previously attached to the glass pane, making sure to not break it. Install the new trim, and then apply a small amount of caulk around the edges. The window panes may be painted to match your door frame.
Professionals can perform the task faster and more accurately. However, it's recommended to practice before you attempt this project. If you have any doubts you are unsure, contact an expert glass service in your area for expert french double pane glass replacement for your door.
Installing repair french doors of Glass
The simplest method for replacing the French door window pane is to install an identically size piece of safety glass. However, if you wish to achieve a stylish effect, a decorative window company can create a custom-sized piece of glass that is designed to fit the opening in the door frame.
Before installing a new window, ensure that it's the exact size and color as the old one. If the color is off it will be noticeable and may detract from the overall appearance of your home. If the glass isn't fitted correctly, it can also crack. To make your windows look their best make sure that the new pane is secure with putty or caulking that matches the frame of the window.
A traditional French door could comprise between 12 and 16 individual glass panes. To add a design aspect to these doors or windows, you can add decorative muntin bars within the individual glass panes. This gives the windows a classic grid or grille that is commonly used in renovations of historic significance or when a precise replica of a product is required.
Remove the window sash gently from the frame. This is usually accomplished by either removing the sash or by pinning it. Then, remove any remaining glazing points, putty, or other fasteners that are holding the old pane glass in place. Wear protective gloves or glasses to avoid being cut by sharp edges or glass shards.
Once the window sash and glass pane have been removed, wipe any putty or caulk from the frame's interior to facilitate the replacement of the new pane of glass. Measure the width and height of the window opening and subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height to ensure the replacement glass is cut in the correct way. Ask your local glass company for assistance 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 an easy task. If you're not a skilled DIYer, it's more secure and cost effective to hire a professional to complete the task. A window company can quickly and efficiently repair or replace a damaged French door's glass in no time.