French Door Double Pane Glass Replacement: 11 Thing That You're Failing To Do
Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door
French doors are a stunning feature for any home. However, as with any door or window they can be damaged. It is possible to repair a French door's glass without the need to purchase an entirely new one.
Double pane glass (also called dual pane or insulated) provides energy efficiency, outside noise reduction, and more. However, the seals used in double pane glass can crack or break.
Installing a new pane glass
French doors are popular with homeowners who want to bring a classic appearance to their home, while still allowing for plenty of sunlight. These windows are not impervious to accidents or breakage. A broken glass pane can be a huge issue for anyone who loves the view and sunlight that these doors offer. Fortunately, the good news is that replacing these window panes isn't a difficult or expensive project. In fact, with basic tools and experience, even novice DIYers can learn how to replace light window glass safely and quickly.
The first step in replacing the french door pane is to take out the old one. Start by carefully removing any pieces of glass that have shattered off, and make sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from sharp edges. Once the broken glass is removed, make note of the dimensions of the window opening so that you can purchase the new pane at an hardware store or glass maker. It is essential to choose a piece of glass that is slightly larger than the original pane in order to account for expansion and contraction as temperatures fluctuate.
The next step is to remove the window frame. It may be necessary to remove some of the nails holding the trim in place, or the glazing points. It is also essential to clean the sash well so that the new window fits snugly and smoothly. Be cautious not to take off too much wood or old putty, as this could cause the frame to break.
Once the sash is removed, you can begin installing your new window pane. Before you do this, however ensure that you measure the window opening and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion when the frame heats up. This will help ensure a tight fit and possible leaks in the future.
After you have installed the new glass then apply a small amount of caulk or putty around the frame to hold 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 aren't confident about your ability to complete the job, hire a professional window repair service or glazier to avoid costly mistakes.
Remove the broken pane of glass
A glass pane that is broken in the French door isn't just an eye-sore but can also be a safety risk. If it's not replaced quickly, shards of glass can fall and get stepped on. The majority of homeowners can repair the broken pane with an easy DIY project. However, it is essential to be cautious to ensure you don't get injured.
Begin by putting on gloves and removing any loose pieces of glass from the frame. Place them in a bin of paper and sweep the area to remove all debris. If the glass is broken but not cracked the sides should be taped to prevent it from breaking as you take it off. Make use of a small tool to take off the trim pieces that are holding the window in place. They are referred to as stops and are usually held by wire brad nails. Remove the bottom stop first and then work towards the top and sides of the frame.
When you're done removing the trim take a measurement of the width and height of the door frame to determine what size new glass pane is needed. The majority of home improvement stores sell safety glass, which is more robust and thicker than regular windows. Once you have the measurements, cut a piece of glass to fit inside the frame. You may have to cut the edges of the new glass down to form it.
If your French doors feature the traditional grid or grille design, you'll need to create the same pattern on the new glass. You can do this by adding decorative muntins to the glass's exterior or by putting functional bars between two panes, known as grilles between glass. Genuinely styled divided lites are best used for historic renovations or when a copy of the product is required by the Zoning Authority.
Repair My Windows And Doors can be an attractive feature for any home. However, they are costly. If you're looking to bring the beauty of the doors to your home without the price tag call us to arrange a no-cost in-home consultation.
Cutting a new pane of glass
The 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 exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes. Inserting functional muntins between the two panes may make a traditional french door appear more stylish. This creates a grid-like pattern or grille called Simulated Dividing Lites (SDL). The bars can be positioned on the inside or outside of the window. They can also be of different sizes and spacings to create various designs.
It's not simple to replace a pane in french doors however, with a bit of patience along with some basic tools and some knowledge it is possible to do it. The first step is to take the old glass from the frame. The new pane will then be cut and then inserted into the frame. The molding is then replaced and the frame edges sealed by caulk.
Before buying a new pane of glass, it's essential to measure the dimensions of the pane that is already in use and subtract 1/8" to account for expansion of the glass as it warms up. This will determine the size that the new glass pane will need to be purchased from an hardware store.
The new glass can be cut to size and then placed into the frame. If the new glass is low-e, it must be placed with the low-e coating facing the interior of the home. Reversing the pane could adversely affect its performance.
Utilizing a putty blade, carefully cut the old molding or trim from the glass pane without breaking it. Then install the new trim and apply a bead of caulk to seal the edges. The window panes will then be painted to match the door frame.
Professionals can complete the job faster and more accurately. However, it is recommended to practice before you attempt this task. If you are unsure you are unsure, contact an experienced glass company in your area for a professional french door double pane glass replacement.
Installing a New Pane of Glass
The simplest method for replacing a French door window pane is to replace it with a similar sized piece of safety glass. If you prefer a more fashionable design an ornamental glass company can create a piece of glass that will fit into the door frame.
Before installing the new pane ensure that it is not only the same size, but also a perfect match in color and style. If the color is off it will be evident and could affect the appearance of your home. Furthermore, if the glass is not properly fitted it can crack. To ensure your windows appear attractive, be sure the new pane is secure by caulking or putty that is in line with the frame of the window.
A traditional French door could include between 12 and 16 individual glass panes. You can add decorative muntin bars to the individual glass panes of these doors or window frames to create a design element. This could give the windows a an elegant grid or grille design, that is typically used in older renovations where the accuracy of replication of products is crucial or required by zoning laws.
Remove the window sash carefully from the frame. This is usually accomplished by removing the sash from the frame or pinning it. Remove any glazing points, putty or other fasteners which hold the old glass in place. Make sure you wear safety glasses or gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass shards.
After removing the window sash, clean any putty or caulk from the frame. This will allow you to easily replace the glass pane. To ensure that the replacement glass is cut properly to the proper size, measure the width and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. Contact your local glass shop to help you in figuring out how to measure a window correctly.
If you are familiar with DIY and construction work, changing a double-pane glass panel on your French door is an easy task. However, if you are not usually a handy DIY-er, it's safer and more cost-effective to let a professional handle the job for you. A window company can quickly and efficiently fix or replace a damaged French door's glass in no time.