Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" About 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. But, just like any other window or door, they could be subject to damage. It is, however, possible to replace the glass in a French door without having to purchase a new door.
Double pane (also known as dual pane, insulated, or insulated glass) can help reduce outside noise and increase energy efficiency. However, the seals of double pane glass can crack or break.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
French doors are a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a classic design to their home, while providing ample natural light. However, they aren't impervious to damage and accidents and a cracked glass pane can be a big problem for anyone who enjoys the view or sunlight that these doors provide. The good thing is that it doesn't have to be an expensive or difficult project to replace these windows. In fact, with a few basic tools and construction knowledge, even beginners can learn how to replace light window glass in a safe and efficient manner.
The first step to replace the pane of a French door is to remove the old one. Begin by carefully removing any pieces of glass that have shattered off, and remember to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from sharp edges. Once the broken glass is removed, make note of the dimensions of the window opening so that you can purchase a new pane from an hardware store or glass maker. It is important to purchase glass that is slightly larger than the pane that was originally ordered to allow for expansion and contraction as temperatures fluctuate.
The next step is to remove the window frame. It is possible to remove some of the nails that hold the trim in place, or the glazing points. It's also important that you clean the sash thoroughly to ensure that the new window is fitted securely and easily. You should be careful not to remove too much wood or old putty as this could cause the frame to break.
Once the sash is gone, you can begin installing your new window pane. Before you do, though be sure to take measurements of the window's opening and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion as the frame heats up. This will ensure a perfect fit and further leaks.
After you've put in the new pane, use a bead of putty or caulk around the frame's interior to secure it. When the caulk or putty is dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the door. If you are unsure about your abilities to finish the job, hire a professional window repair company or glazier to avoid costly errors.
Remove the broken pane glass
A broken glass pane in a French-styled door can be more than an eyesore. It could also be the risk of injury. If it's not replaced promptly, shards of glass can fall and get stepped on. Replacing the broken glass is a fairly simple DIY project for homeowners of all ages However, it's crucial to take the proper precautions to make sure you're not in danger of injury.
Wearing protective gloves, remove any glass pieces that are loose from the frame. Put them in a bag of paper and then sweep the frame to remove all debris. If the glass is cracked but not broken the sides should be taped to stop it from breaking when you remove it. Use a small pry tool to remove the trim pieces holding the window in position. replace french door glass are referred to as stop and are usually held in place by wire brad nail. Take off the bottom stop and then move it up and around the frame.
After you've removed the trim, measure the height and width of the door frame to determine what size new glass pane is required. You can buy safety glass at most stores for home improvement, which is thicker than regular windows and won't break easily if it does get hit or knocked against. Once you have the measurements taken, cut the glass to fit into the frame. You may need to file down the edges of the glass to form it.
If your French doors have a traditional grid or grille, you'll 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 panes of glass, which is known as a Grille Between Glass. Genuinely-styled divided lites can be utilized for renovations that are historic and when replication of a product is required by zoning authorities.
French doors can be an attractive addition to any home. However, they are costly. If you're interested in bringing the elegance of French doors into your home without the cost get in touch with us for a free in-home consultation.
Cutting a new pane of glass
A French door can be enhanced in energy efficiency by adding a third layer of glass or by replacing one that has broken. Triple-pane glass can also help reduce noise transmission and provides increased comfort for homes exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes. A classic French door can be made more decorative by inserting functional muntin bars between the two panes of glass creating a grid or grille pattern known as Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed on the inside or outside of the window. They are also available in different sizes and spacings to create various designs.
Replacing a pane of glass in a French door isn't an straightforward task, but it is achievable using a few basic tools, patience and knowledge. The first step is to take the old glass from the frame. The new pane is cut and inserted in the frame. Then, the molding can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.
It is important to measure your existing pane of glass and subtract 1/8". This will allow for the expansion of the glass as it warms. This will determine the dimensions at which the new glass pane needs to be ordered at a hardware store.
The glass pane will then be cut to the proper size and then inserted into the frame. If the glass is low-e, it must be installed with the low-e coating facing the inside of the house. Otherwise, reversing the pane could affect the glass's performance.
With a putty blade use a putty blade to gently pull 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 panes may be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals are able to complete the task more quickly and precise. However, it is recommended to practice before undertaking this task. If you are uncertain call a local glass company for a professional french double pane glass replacement for your door.
Installing the New Pane of Glass
The simplest method for replacing the French door window is to install an identically size piece of safety glass. If you prefer a more stylish appearance an ornamental glass company can create a piece of glass to fit the door frame.
Before you install windows, make sure that it's the same size and color as the old one. If the color is off, it will be very noticeable and may detract from the look of your home. Furthermore, if the glass is not properly fitted it can crack. To make your windows appear as good as they can ensure that the new pane is secured by caulking or putty that matches the rest of the window frame.
A traditional French door could include anywhere between 12 and 16 glass panes. You can add decorative muntin bars on the individual glass panes of these doors, or window frames to add an aesthetic element. This can create windows with a the classic grid or grille design, which is often used in renovations of the past when the accuracy of replication of products is crucial or is required by zoning laws.
Remove the window sash gently from the frame. This is usually done by either removing the sash or pin it. Take off any glazing points or other fasteners holding the old glass in place. Be sure to wear safety glasses or gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass shreds.
After the window sash and glass pane have been removed, clean any putty or caulk from the inside of the frame to facilitate the replacement of the new pane of glass. Then, measure the size of the window's opening and subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width to ensure that the glass replacement is cut in the correct way. Ask your local glass company to help you in figuring out how to measure a window correctly.
If you are familiar with DIY and construction projects, replacing a double-pane glass panel on your French door should be an easy task. If, however, you're not a skilled DIY type, it's much more secure and cost-effective to have a professional handle the task for you. A window company can quickly and efficiently repair or replace a damaged French door pane of glass in a matter of hours.