French Door Window Pane Replacement
French doors are beautiful, but broken glass can pose a safety hazard. In addition, it can let cool and heated air to escape from your home and increase your energy costs.
Fortunately, you don't have to replace the entire door if just one pane of glass is broken. With a few basic tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can fix damaged windows on french doors.
Repairing a Broken or Cracked Glass Pane
A stray piece of grass that flies through your window, a glass of water set too hard on the glass-topped table, or a beloved vase that has been tipped over by your curious cat are all examples of things that could cause glass to break. If the crack is very small, a super glue like Loctite Glass Glue or Gorilla Glue can help fill it in and make the break less apparent. If the crack is more than an inch wide but if you notice that your double-pane windows have lost their seal it's time to replace the glass.
If you want to repair the glass by yourself, you can remove the paint seams from the frame's edges and cut using a utility blade. Then, cut off the molding using the putty tool. If nails are holding the molding in position take them off using the help of a brad nailer.
Once you've removed the molding, lay the cardboard sheets on the work surface to protect the rest of the door and remove any remaining broken glass from the frame. Then, you can apply tape to the crack on both sides using masking or packing tape. This will stop the crack from spreading when you attempt to repair it.
Clean the glass with care prior to applying the epoxy. This gets rid of any dirt or debris and aids in bonding the repair adhesive more effective to the glass. After applying the epoxy, allow it to dry for a couple of hours before touching it. If it is a very deep crack or has broken into pieces, you might need to apply more than one coat of epoxy.
The two-part epoxy will dry quickly and it's crucial to prepare your workspace prior to you begin applying the adhesive. You'll need a container to mix the hardener and resin as well as an instrument to stir the adhesive.
It's possible to perform basic French door window pane replacement on your own, but if aren't comfortable working on DIY projects or have complicated windows, it's better to get an expert. A window replacement or glazier company can help you choose a secure, attractive and safe glass pane for your French doors and install it swiftly.
Cutting a New Piece of Glass
French windows are very popular with business and home owners who want to add a touch of class to their home. These windows fling open completely, allowing the inside of the building to be seen from outside. They also offer views that aren't blocked by walls or structures. These windows aren't suitable for children's rooms because of how they open. However, they are perfect in common areas where a stylish accent is required.
For those with the ability to do a bit of DIY work, replacing a window pane is an easy task. The most important aspect of the job is to make sure the glass is the right size before cutting it. This means taking the dimensions of the broken glass and ensuring that you have enough glass to replacement before you start cutting it. Once you have the right size glass, you can begin the process of removing and replacing the old piece.
Wear protective glasses and gloves to protect yourself during this process. Once the glass is removed and the glass is clean, you must make a clean surface for working on, like an extensive table or flat piece of plywood. The surface should be cushioned with cardboard or four or five sheets of newspaper to avoid scratches. Next, you'll need a sharp, well-made cutter (not too new but not too dull) and a lubricant for the machine for the cutter.
A diamond-tipped glass cutter is the most effective tool to cut a piece of tempered glass. This tool scores rather than cuts the glass, allowing you to snap it along a straight path. If you're using tempered glass, you will need to score it twice before you can snap the piece.
First, you'll need to create a template for the curve if you're working on a glass piece that is curved. You can use cardboard or a plastic sheet to trace the outline of the curve onto the glass. Then you can break pliers in order to take small pieces of the curved portion until you have a smooth and even curve.
Installing the Glass Pane
French windows let more natural light into your home, and also provide stunning views of the outdoors. They are also energy efficient, and help prevent drafts. However, the price can be high. It can also be difficult to locate replacement glass for French window panes. You can, however, replace a damaged glass pane without the need to purchase an entirely new door. This will save you time, money and frustration.
The first step in replacing a French window pane is to remove the frame around the glass that has been damaged from the door frame. This will give you an unobstructed view of the gap and determine how much glass replacement you require. Once the trim has been removed, you can begin cutting new glass pieces to fit. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from any sharp edges.
Determine the height and width of the gap to ensure you have the exact measurement for your new glass. Subtract 1/8 inch from these measurements and cut a piece of safety glass to the size you want. Safety glass is more durable and will not shatter as easily as regular annealed glass. It also provides UV protection and reduces the glare which makes it a great option for French doors.
When you are ready to put in the new glass pane, place it into the frame and try it on to ensure it is properly fitted. Fill any gaps with caulk or wood putty. You may need to sand down the area where the glass pane meets with the frame.
You can purchase replacement glass at glass shops or hardware stores. Once you have the new pane installed, re-install the trim on the door frame, and sand or paint the frame as needed.
If you're planning to replace any or all the French windows in your home, it's important to do so carefully and in compliance with the local building codes and regulations. If you're not confident doing the work yourself, consider hiring an expert handyman or glazier. Be sure to plan ahead, get multiple quotes and look over the company's background before hiring them.
Refinishing the Frame
It is possible to replace a French door window frame when replacing a pane. This can enhance the appearance of the window as well as save the cost of repairs. You can also opt for an energy-efficient or attractive kind of glass for your french doors.
Before you begin, clean the frame thoroughly. This will get rid of any grease or dirt that might have accumulated on the surface. This will allow you to paint and will stop the glass from bleeding.
Repair My Windows And Doors to painting. This will smooth the finish and ensure that new paint sticks to the wood. You can use wood filler after sanding to fill in any gaps or holes before painting. In the end, you can apply a high-quality oil-based primer to allow the new paint to adhere to the surface.
To shield yourself from glass shards that are sharp, you should put on safety goggles and gloves before working on a cracked or broken window pane. Once you have done this, you can begin removing the trim from the window frame. If you're using a utility blade, you'll need to cut seams of paint at the joints and along the frame. After the trim has been removed it will be possible to determine whether the window pane was installed correctly and if any adjustments have to be made.
After the new pane is in place, you will have to put the glazing points back inside the frame. After that, you'll need apply caulk to the edges of the frame to seal it, and make sure that the new glass does not leak. After the caulk has dried it is time to replace your stops and nail again the brad nails.
Replacing the French door's window is a job that a lot of homeowners can complete on their own. However, if you are not a DIY-er or have a limited knowledge of home improvement, it might be better to leave the job to professionals. Brennan Enterprises can help you transform your home. Contact us today to learn more. We can help you select the best windows for your home, and provide high-quality service.