10 Erroneous Answers To Common French Door Double Pane Glass Replacement Questions Do You Know Which Ones?
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 subject to damage. It is possible to repair a French door's glass without having to buy an entirely new one.
Double pane (also called dual pane, insulated or insulated glass) can help reduce outside noise and provide energy efficiency. However, the seals used in double pane glass can crack or break.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are popular among homeowners who want to bring a classic appearance to their home yet still allowing plenty of light. These windows are not impervious to accidents or breakage. A broken glass pane can be an enormous issue for anyone who loves the view and sunshine that these doors bring. Fortunately, french door lock repairs is that replacing these panes isn't an expensive or difficult task. Even DIY novices, equipped with basic tools and some construction experience can replace window glass quickly and securely.
The first step in replacing the French door pane is to get rid of the old one. Begin by carefully removing any pieces of glass that have cracked off, and be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from sharp edges. Once the broken glass has been removed, take 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. It's important to order glass that is slightly larger than the pane that was originally ordered to account for expansion and contraction as temperatures change.
The next step is to eliminate the window frame. You may need to remove a few nails holding the glazing or trim in place, and it's essential to wash the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth and safe fit for your new window pane. Be cautious not to remove too much wood or old putty as this could cause the frame to break.
Installing the replacement window pane is easy once you have removed the sash. Make sure you measure your window opening first and subtract 1/8 inch to allow for expansion as the frame heats. This will help ensure a tight fitting and leaks in the future.
After you have put up the new glass, apply a small amount of caulk or putty to the frame to keep it in place. Once the putty or caulk has dried, you are able to paint the frame to match the rest of the. If you are unsure of your ability to complete the task, consider hiring a professional window repair company or glazier to avoid costly mistakes.
Remove the broken pane of glass
A broken pane in a French-style door could be more than an eye-sore. It could also be an injury risk. It's important to replace it promptly. In the event of a break, shards could fall and cause injuries. Replacing the broken pane is a fairly easy DIY project for the majority of homeowners However, it's crucial to take the appropriate precautions to ensure you're not in danger of injury.
Wearing gloves that protect you, remove any glass pieces that have fallen out of the frame. Place them in a bag of paper and sweep the frame to remove all debris. Tape the glass's sides if it is cracked but not broken. This will prevent it from breaking when you remove it. Then, use a small pry bar to take off the trim pieces that are holding the window in place. These are called stop and are typically held in place by wire brad nails. Take off the bottom stop first and then work towards the top and sides of the frame.
After you've removed the trim to remove the trim, take measurements of the height and width of the door frame to determine what size of glass is needed. You can buy safety glass at a majority of home improvement stores. It is thicker than regular windows and won't break easily in the event that it gets struck or knocked on. Once you have the measurements taken, cut the glass to fit into the frame. You may need to file the edges of the glass to form it.
If your French doors are adorned with the classic grid or grille design, you'll need to create the same pattern on the new glass. This can be achieved by adding decorative muntin bars to the exterior of the glass, or by placing functional bars between two panes of glass that is referred to as the 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 home, but they come with a premium cost. Contact us today for a no-cost in-home consultation, if you'd like to bring the elegance of French doors into your home without the expense.
Cutting a new Pane of Glass
A French door can be improved in energy efficiency by adding a 3rd pane of glass or replacing one that has broken. Triple-paned glass reduces noise and increases comfort in homes that are exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes. By putting functional muntins in between the two panes could make a classic french door appear more stylish. This creates a grid or grille called Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed on the inside or outside of windows. They are also available in different widths and spacings for different styles.
It is not easy to replace a pane in french doors however, with a bit of patience along with some basic tools and some knowledge you can do it. The first step is to take out the old glass. The new pane is cut and inserted in the frame. The molding is then replaced and the frame edges sealed using caulk.
Before purchasing a brand new pane of glass, it is important to measure the size of the existing pane and subtract 1/8" to account for the expansion of the glass when it warms up. This will determine the size at which the new glass pane needs to be purchased from the hardware store.
The new glass can be cut to size and inserted into the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low e coating facing towards the house. Reversing the pane could affect its performance in a negative way.
With a putty knife carefully pry the old trim or molding off 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.
A professional can do the task quicker and more accurately, but it is still a good idea to practice before you attempt this project at home. If you are unsure, contact a local company to replace the double paned glass on your french doors.
Installing the New Pane of Glass
Installing a safety glass pane of the same size is the simplest method to replace a French door window. If you'd like to create a more elegant effect, a decorative window company can design a custom-sized piece of glass that will perfectly fit into the opening of the door frame.
Before installing the new pane ensure that it's not just a similar size but also a perfect match in both style and color. If the color isn't right it will be evident and could affect the look of your home. If the glass is not installed correctly, it may also break. To ensure that your windows look their best ensure that the new glass is secured by caulking or putty that matches the rest of the window frame.
A traditional French door could have between 12 and 16 glass panes. You can add decorative muntin bars to individual glass panes of these doors, or window frames to add an aesthetic element. This gives windows a classic grille or grid pattern that is often used in renovations of historic significance or when product replica accuracy is required.
To put in the new glass pane, carefully remove the window sash from the frame. This is usually done by unscrewing the sash or pinning it. Take out any glazing points or fasteners such as putty or any other which hold the glass in place. Wear safety glasses or gloves to avoid cutting yourself by sharp edges or glass shattering.
Once the window sash and glass pane have been removed, wipe any caulk or putty from the inside of the frame to facilitate the replacement of the glass pane. Next, take a measurement of the window's opening and subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height to ensure the replacement glass is cut in the correct way. 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 work, changing the double pane glass on your French door should be relatively simple. If you're not a skilled DIYer, it's more secure and cost effective to engage a professional complete the task. A window company can be able to swiftly and effectively replace or repair the broken French door pane of glass.