Watch This: How French Door Double Pane Glass Replacement Is Taking Over And What To Do
Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a stunning addition to any home. However, as with any door or window they can be damaged. It is, however, possible to replace the glass in a French door without purchasing the door.
Double pane (also called dual pane, insulated or double glass) can help reduce outside noise and provide energy efficiency. However, the seals of double pane glass may break or crack.
Installing a new pane glass
French doors are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a classic design to their house while providing ample natural light. However, they aren't immune to breaks and accidents and a damaged glass pane could be a major problem for anyone who enjoys the view or sunlight that these doors can provide. The good thing is that it doesn't need to be a costly or difficult project to replace these windows. Even french door repair repairmywindowsanddoors , armed with basic tools and construction experience can replace window glass in a short time and with ease.
The first step to replacing a French door pane is to get rid of the old one. Wear protective glasses and gloves and remove any broken pieces of glass. Once the broken glass has been removed, take note of the dimensions of the window opening so that you can order the new pane at a hardware store or glass maker. Order a glass pane that is slightly bigger than the one you have to take into account temperature fluctuations.
The next step is to eliminate the window frame. It is possible to remove a few nails that are holding the trim or glazing points in place. It's also important to clean the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth and safe fit for the new window. Be cautious not to pull out too many wood pieces or old putty as this can cause the frame to break and cause further damage.
Installing the new window pane is a breeze after you have removed the sash. Before you do this, however, make sure to measure the window opening and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion as the frame heats up. This will help prevent a poor fit and future leaks.
After you've installed the new pane, apply a bead of caulk or putty on the inside of the frame to keep it in place. Once the caulk or putty is dry and you're ready to paint it to match the rest of the door. If you are unsure of your ability to complete the job, hire a professional window repair company or glazier to avoid costly errors.
Removal of the Broken Pane of Glass
A glass pane that has been damaged in a French door isn't just an eye-sore but could also pose a safety danger. If it's not replaced quickly glass shards could fall and cause injury to someone who steps on. Replacing the broken glass is a fairly simple DIY project for the majority of homeowners However, it's crucial to take the proper precautions to ensure you're not in danger of injury.
Begin by putting on gloves and removing any loose pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a bag of paper and then sweep the area to remove all debris. If the glass is broken but not cracked you can tape both sides to prevent it from breaking when you remove it. Then, use a small pry bar to cut off the trim pieces keeping the window in place. These are called stops and are usually held by wire brad nails. Take off the bottom stop first and work your way up to the top and sides of the frame.
After you've removed the trim take a measurement of the width and height of the door frame to determine what size new glass pane is needed. Most home improvement stores sell safety glass, which is more robust and thicker than regular windows. Once you have the measurements you need, cut a piece of glass to fit inside the frame. You may need to smooth the edges of the glass to shape it.
If your French doors feature a classic grid or grille, you will need to recreate the same pattern on the new pane. This can be achieved by adding decorative muntin bars on the outside of the glass or placing functional bars between two panes of glass, which is known as the Grille Between Glass. authentically designed divided lites are best used for historic renovations or when a replica of the product is required by the zoning authority.
French doors are a stunning feature for any home. But, they can be expensive. If you're looking to bring the elegance of French doors into your home without the cost get in touch with us for a no-cost in-home consultation.
Cutting a new piece of glass
The addition of a third glass pane or replacing broken glass can make a french door more energy efficient. Triple-pane glass also helps reduce the transmission of noise and offers greater comfort for homes exposed to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. A classic French door can be enhanced by inserting functional muntin bars between the two glass panes and creating a grid or grille pattern called Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be positioned on the outside or inside of windows. They are also available in different sizes and spacings to create various designs.
Replacing glass in a French door is not an straightforward task but it can be accomplished with some basic tools, perseverance and knowledge. The first step is to remove 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's crucial to measure the size of the pane that is already in use and subtract 1/8" to account for the expansion of the glass as it warms up. This will determine the size of the glass pane that is to be ordered from the hardware store or glass manufacturer.
The glass pane will be cut to the proper size and inserted into the frame. Install the new low-e glass with the low e coating facing towards the house. If not, reversing the pane could negatively affect the performance of the glass.
With a putty knife carefully remove the molding or trim from the glass pane without damaging it. Install the new trim, and then apply some caulk around the edges. The window panes can then be painted to match your door frame.
A professional can complete the task quicker and more accurately, but it is still recommended to practice before you attempt this task at home. If you are uncertain call an experienced glass company in your area for a professional french double pane glass replacement for your door.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
Installing a safety glass pane that is of the same size is the simplest method to replace a French door window. If you want a more elegant design the decorative glass business can design a piece of glass that will fit into the door frame.
Before installing a new window, ensure that it is the same size and color as the previous one. If the color is wrong it will be obvious and can detract from the overall appearance of your home. In addition, if the window is not fitted properly, it may break. If you want your windows to appear at their best, make sure that the new panes are secured with putty and caulking that match the frame's rest.
A traditional French door can have between 12 and 16 individual glass panes. To add a visual element to these doors or windows, you can include decorative muntin bars between the glass panes. This can create windows with a an elegant grid or grille pattern, that is typically used in historic renovations when precision in replication of the product is essential or required by zoning regulations.
Remove the window sash carefully from the frame. This is usually accomplished by unscrewing the sash or by pinning it. Then, carefully remove any remaining glazing points, putty, or other fasteners keeping the old pane of glass in place. Make sure you wear protective glasses or gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass shreds.
After the window sash and glass pane have been removed, wash any caulk or putty off the inside of the frame to make it easier to replace the new pane of glass. To ensure that the replacement glass is correctly cut take a measurement of the size and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. If you're not sure how to correctly measure a window, ask your local glass shop for assistance.
If you're experienced with DIY and construction projects, then replacing a double pane glass panel on your French door is a fairly simple task. But, if you're not typically a handy DIY person, it's safer and more cost-effective to let a professional take care of the job for you. A window company can be able to quickly and efficiently repair or replace a broken French-door pane of glass.