Glass Replacement For French Doors
French doors allow you to take advantage of natural light without compromising privacy. You can also use them to make a statement, by opening to a large deck or balcony.
As with other kinds of windows and doors, french door glass can get damaged and require replacement. Fortunately, replacing a pane of glass in the french door is relatively easy to do.
How to Replace a Broken Pane of Glass
The good news is that you don't have to replace all the glass panes of your french door if one of them breaks. By following a simple guide to replace just the broken glass pane you can save money while preserving the function of your french door.
Remove the damaged glass pane from the frame. Put on a pair of safety gloves and carefully remove the damaged glass from the frame. Be replacing glass in french door not to break other glass panes. After you've removed the glass put it in a bag made of paper to protect it from any damage. You'll require the exact dimensions of the hole made by the broken glass in order to order the correct replacement.
Once you have the measurements, you can buy glass at an hardware store or a glass shop. Make sure you purchase safety glass when purchasing the glass. This will stop shattering in the event that it is hit. It is also recommended to purchase glass with a tinted, or frosted finish to hide any scratches that may develop in time.
The next step is to install the glass pane. To do this, you will require a small amount of caulk to the inside of the frame around where the glass is going to be installed. Apply the caulk using the help of a caulking gun, so that it is an even, smooth coat. Be cautious not to apply too much, since you don't want the caulk to run out the sides of the frame.
After the caulking is applied and the caulking is applied, you can then place the new glass pane inside the opening of your french door. Be careful not to break any of the other glass panes during the process, and be sure that the new one is properly positioned and secured in the frame. Use the glazier's paste to encase the new window, and make sure it is firmly and securely fixed in place.
If you don't have the time to complete the task yourself, there are companies that specialize in french door glass replacement. These firms will provide you with an option that is secure and will fit perfectly. They can also help you in choosing the best kind of glass to meet your needs. This includes clear, tinted or frosted glass. These services can also save you money by saving you the cost of replacing the entire french door.
Take off the broken Pane
Many homeowners believe that they must replace the entire french door in case an individual glass pane breaks. It's actually much cheaper and easier to replace just one glass pane. Anyone with the right tools could finish this task.
Start by putting safety goggles on and gloves to shield yourself from any broken glass fragments. Take the old window out and clean up any shards that have fallen on the floor or in the trim of the french door. Measure the size of the window opening to ensure that you have the correct measurements for the new pane.
Once you have your measurements, go to a local hardware store or a company that sells glass for doors and purchase a piece. Then carefully cut the glass to the appropriate size for your french door. Tempered glass is more durable and ideal for doors than regular as it doesn't break into jagged fragments.
You will then need to determine whether your French door has glazing strips, which are made of metal strips that are used to secure the glass in position. If so, the glazing points are generally fixed to the frame or jamb of the door. If there are no glazing points, then you'll need to replace the stops holding the glass in place. This can be done by inserting 1-inch brads using a nail-punch into the holes in the door and sinking them using the Hammer. If you don't install the stops in a timely manner the glass could become loose and fall out of the frame.
After you've removed the stops, you will have to take off any molding that is on the door's frame on all four sides. To do this, place the tip of a putty knife behind one of the molding pieces, and then pry it out. If nails are that hold the trim in place, use a hacksaw to cut them off.
If you aren't comfortable doing the job on your own, there are services that will replace a pane at your home. They'll take into consideration the condensation that occurs between the panes of glass and offer you a a custom fit solution that's sure to work. They provide insurance and a guarantee of complete satisfaction.
How to cut a new Pane Of Glass
French doors are very popular in a variety of homes. They have a stylish style, and include glass panes that let sunlight to pass through. Unfortunately, these windows may break or crack, and if they do, it's vital to make the necessary steps to replace them as swiftly as possible. In many cases, it's best to hire a reputable company to replace the glass. Choosing to work with experts will ensure that the task is done correctly, minimizing risks and ensuring that the replacement pane is in compliance with all requirements.
To repair a damaged French door, remove the molding or trim that is that is holding the broken pane. This can be done by using putty knife or a razor blade. During this process it is recommended you wear safety glasses and gloves. After the molding has been removed, it's necessary to clean the area around the glass and remove any broken or debris pieces that are still in the area. After the area has been cleaned, it's time to measure and make the necessary preparations for a new piece of glass.
It is essential to measure the damaged pane precisely to ensure the right size of replacement window. This will allow you to select the right size to order from an hardware store or glass manufacturer. Once the measurements have been taken, you must subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow for expansion and contraction of the glass when it heats up or cools down.
It's now time to prepare the window for installation. It is recommended to employ a level to ensure the new window is correctly placed in the frame. If the window is double pane, it's essential to make sure that the spacer is positioned between the two panes to ensure that the insulation is maintained.
When installing the window, it's essential to put a drop of glazing compound around the edges of the glass pane. This will help hold it in place and stop the frame from warping or sagging. It's also recommended to install glazing points and a lead came (if applicable) to secure the window in place. It's also a good idea to run a thin layer of caulk around the frame to stop air or water from leaking into the trim and damaging it or glass in the future.
Install the Pane of Glass
The French door will be functional and attractive if the glass pane that has broken is replaced correctly. Although the process is fairly simple, homeowners who have no experience in home improvement projects might want to consider professional assistance to ensure safety and proper measurements.
Take the trim or molding from the French door around the broken pane. Place the pieces of trim on an even surface to stop them from falling off or breaking and mark each one using the use of a marker or paint so they are easy to identify when you're ready to put them back in place. When you are removing the molding, be cautious, especially when you've nailed it in place. You can use a hacksaw to cutting the nails holding the trim in place or you can pull it off with an utility blade and a putty tool.
After the old pane of glass is removed, sweep and vacuum the area to ensure there are no remaining bits of glass that have broken or other debris. You'll also need to get rid of any broken glass or debris that remains. You can then begin preparing the new glass. Then, measure the width and height and cut a new piece of safety glass to these dimensions. Safety glass is crucial because it won't shatter as normal glass does if it cracks.
Install the new glass pane in the frame. Add glazing points and stops to allow the glass to stay in place. Fill the nail holes with wood filler, then paint the trim to match the doors.
It's not difficult for the majority of homeowners to replace a damaged glass pane in their French door but they should be aware of every aspect to ensure that the job is done safely and in a correct manner. Contact the local doorglass company for fast and efficient service if you are not confident that you're able to accomplish this task. They'll be able to help you fix or replace your French door glass quickly and efficiently so you can move on with your day.