Replace the Glass in a French Door Without Buying a New Door

french Door Double pane glass replacement doors are a gorgeous addition to any home. However, like any windows or doors, they can be subject to damage. It is, however, possible to repair the glass on the case of a French door without having to purchase a new door.

Double pane glass (also known as dual pane or insulated) offers energy efficiency, noise reduction and much more. However, the seals used in double pane glass could crack or break.

Installing a new pane glass

French doors are popular with homeowners who want to add a classic look to their home, yet still allowing plenty of light. Unfortunately, these windows aren't completely safe from accidents and breakage and a damaged glass pane could be a major inconvenience for anyone who enjoys the view or sunlight that these doors provide. Fortunately, the good news is that replacing these window panes isn't an expensive or difficult task. Even novice DIYers, armed with a few basic tools and building experience can replace french door glass window glass quickly and securely.

The first step to replacing the French door pane is to get rid of the old one. Wear safety glasses and gloves and take away any broken pieces of glass. After the broken glass has been removed, make 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 original pane to allow for expansion and contraction when temperatures fluctuate.

Next, it's time to remove the window sash from the frame. You may have to remove a few nails holding the trim or glazing points in place, and it's important to clean the sash thoroughly to ensure a smooth, snug 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 split and damage later on.

Installing the new window pane is a breeze once you have removed the sash. Before you do this, however, make sure to take measurements of the window's opening and subtract 1/8th of an inch to allow for expansion as the frame is heating up. This will help prevent a poor fit and future leaks.

After you've installed the new pane, use a bead of caulk or putty on the frame's interior to hold it in place. Once the putty or caulk has dried, you can paint the frame to match the rest. If you're not sure of your ability to do the job yourself, consider hiring a professional glazier or window repair company to avoid costly mistakes and insulation problems.

Removal of the Broken Pane of Glass

A glass pane that is broken in a French door isn't just an eye-sore but could also be a security hazard. It's essential to replace it as quickly as possible. Otherwise, shards can fall and cause injuries. Replacing the broken glass is a relatively simple DIY project for most homeowners however, it's essential to take the approprione that is damaged. Triple-pane glass can also help reduce noise transmission and provides increased comfort in homes exposed to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. A classic french door can be enhanced by inserting functional muntin bars between two glass panes and creating a grid or grille pattern called Simulated Divided Lites (SDL). The bars can be placed on either the inside or outside of the window and can be placed in a variety of sizes and spacings to create various styles.

Replacing a pane of glass in a French door isn't an simple task but it is achievable by using a few tools, patience and understanding. The first step is to remove the old glass from the frame. The new pane is cut and inserted in the frame. Finally, the molding can be replaced and caulked to seal the edges of the frame.

Before buying a new pane of glass, it is important to measure the size of the existing pane. Then subtract 1/8" to account for expansion of the glass when it gets heated. This will determine the size at which the new glass pane has to be purchased from the hardware store.

The new glass can be cut to size and inserted into the frame. If the glass is low-e, it should be installed with the low-e coating facing the interior of the house. Reversing the pane could negatively impact its performance.

With a putty-blade use a putty blade to gently pull off the trim that was previously attached to the glass pane, without breaking it. Install the new trim, and then apply a small amount of caulk around the edges. The window pane can be painted to match the door frame.

Professionals can complete the task more quickly and precise. However, it is important to practice before you attempt this project. If you are unsure, contact a local company to repair the double-paned glass on your french doors.

Installing the new Pane of Glass

The most simple method to replace the French door window is to put in a similarly size piece of safety glass. However, if you want to create a more elegant appearance, a decorative window company can create a custom piece of glass that will perfectly fit the opening in your door frame.

Before you install the new pane, make sure it is not only the same size, but also a perfect match in both style and color. If the color is wrong it will be obvious and could affect the appearance of your home. In addition, if the window isn't properly positioned, it may break. To ensure your windows look their best, be sure the new glass is secured with putty or caulking that matches the rest of the window frame.

A typical French door will 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 a design element. This gives the windows the classic grid or grille design which is typically used in historic renovations or when product replica accuracy is required.

To install the new glass pane, carefully remove the window sash from the frame. This is typically done by unscrewing the sash or pin it. Then, carefully remove any remaining glazing points, putty or other fasteners keeping the old pane of glass in place. Wear protective gloves or glasses to avoid cutting yourself with sharp edges or glass shattering.

After removing the window sash, take off any caulk or putty from the frame. This will make it easier to install a glass pane. To ensure that the new glass is cut properly take a measurement of the size and height of the window opening. Subtract 1/8 inch. Ask your local glass company to assist you when you're not sure how to accurately measure a window.

Replacing a double pane of glass for your French door is a simple job if you've got some knowledge of construction and DIY projects. But, if you're not usually a handy DIY type, it's much more efficient and safer to have a professional handle the task for you. A window company can quickly and efficiently repair or replace a broken French door's glass in a matter of minutes.