French Door Window Pane Replacement
French doors may be beautiful, but broken glass can pose a security risk. In addition, it could allow heated and cooled air to escape your home and increase your energy costs.
Fortunately, you don't need to replace the entire door if just one glass pane is broken. It is possible to fix a french door window pane with a few basic tools and elbow grease.
Repairing a Broken or Cracked Glass Pane
Glass can crack due to a pebble that is thrown by your lawnmowers, drinking a drink that has been placed too hard on a glass-topped table or a vase that was damaged by an oblivious cat. If the crack is very small, a super glue like Loctite Glass Glue or Gorilla Glue can fill in the crack and make the break less obvious. If the crack is more than an inch wide, however, or if double-pane windows have lost their seal and are in need of replacement, it's time to replace the glass.
If you wish to repair the glass by yourself, you can remove the seams of paint from the frame's edges and cut with a utility blade. Then, pry off the molding with a putty tool. If you have nails that are holding the molding in place you can use a brad nailer to take them out.
After removing the molding, place cardboard sheets on the work surface to protect the remainder of the door. Remove any broken glass from the frame. Tape the crack on both ends using packing tape or masking tape. This will prevent the crack from spreading while you work to repair it.
Clean the glass carefully before applying the epoxy. This gets rid of any dirt or debris that assists in ensuring that the repair adhesive bonds more effective to the glass. After applying the epoxy, allow it to dry for a couple of hours before you touch it. If the crack is very deep crack or is broken into pieces, you may need to apply more than one coat of epoxy.
The two-part epoxy is fast drying, so it's important to prepare your workspace prior to you begin applying the adhesive. You'll need a container to mix the hardener and resin, and you'll also need an instrument to stir the adhesive.
It's possible to do some basic french door window pane replacement on your own, but if aren't comfortable working on DIY projects or have more complex windows, it's recommended to hire a professional. A glazier can assist you choose a glass pane that is secure and attractive for your French doors. They can also put it in place it quickly.
Cutting a New Piece of Glass
French windows are popular with business and home owners who want to add some design to their home. These windows open completely, allowing the interior of the building to be seen from outside. They also provide views that aren't blocked by structures or walls. These windows aren't suitable for rooms with children due to their opening. However they're great in common areas where a fashionable accent is required.
If you're able do some DIY work, replacing windows is a straightforward task. The most important part of the task is to make sure the glass is the right size before you cut it. This involves taking the measurements of the broken glass and ensuring you have enough glass for replacement before you begin cutting it. Once you have the right size glass, you can begin the process of getting rid of the old piece and replacing it with the new one.
It is recommended to wear safety gloves and glasses to ensure protection during this process. After the old glass is removed, you'll need to prepare a clean surface for work which could include an enormous flat table or a piece of wood. The surface should be padded with cardboard or five or four sheets of newspaper to avoid scratches. Then, you'll need an excellent cutter (preferably not too old however, not too dull also) and some machine oil for the cutter.
The most efficient method to cut a piece of glass is using a diamond-tipped cutter. This tool scores, not cuts the glass, allowing you to snap it in a straight line. If you're using tempered glass it is required to score the glass twice before you can snap it.
If you are working with a curved piece of glass, you'll need to make an outline of the curve prior to. You can trace the curve on the glass using cardboard or plastic sheet. Then you can break pliers with care to take small pieces of the curved area until you have an even and smooth curve.
Installing the Glass Pane
French windows allow 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 could be costly. It can also be difficult to find replacement glass for French window panes. Fortunately, you can replace a damaged glass pane without having to buy the door. This will save you money, time and frustration.
To replace a French window, take the trim from the frame of the door. This will allow you to have an unobstructed perspective of the gap in order to determine the amount of glass replacement you require. Once the trim has been removed, you can begin cutting the glass piece to fit. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from sharp edges.
Measure the height and width of the gap inside the frame to ensure that you have a precise measurement for your glass piece. Subtract 1/8 inch from these measurements and cut a piece safety glass to the same size. Safety glass is more durable and will not shatter as easily as regular annealed glass. It also provides some UV protection and reduces glare making it a good option for French doors.
When you are prepared to install the glass pane you just purchased, place it into the frame and try it on to ensure that it is properly fitted. If there are gaps, you can fill them in with caulk or wood putty. You may need to remove the area where the glass pane is in contact with the frame.
You can purchase replacement glass at the hardware store or in a glass shop. Install the new pane and then put the trim around the door frame. Sand or paint it if needed.
If you're looking to replace one or all of the French window panes in your home, it's important to do it carefully and in compliance with the local building codes and regulations. Consider hiring a handyman or glazier if you aren't comfortable doing the job yourself. Make sure you plan ahead, get multiple quotes and review 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 improve the appearance of the window and save the cost of repairs. You can also opt for a more energy efficient or aesthetically pleasing style of glass for your french doors.
Before french doors glass replacement begin, wash the frame thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, grime or grease that has built up on the surfaces. This will allow you to paint, and also prevent the glass from bleeding through.
Sand the wood surface before painting. This will smooth the finish and ensure that the new paint sticks to the wood. You can use wood filler after sanding to fill in any holes or gaps before painting. You can also use an oil-based primer of high quality to help the paint adhere to the surface.
Before you begin working on a cracked or broken window, it is important to put on gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from jagged glass shards. Once you've done this, you can start removing the old trim. If you're using a utility blade it is necessary to cut paint seams at the joints and along the frame. After you have removed the trim, you can check if the window panes were put in correctly and make any adjustments.
Install the glazing points inside the frame once the new pane has been installed. The next step is to apply caulk around the frame's edges in order to seal it and make sure that the new glass does not leak. After the caulk is dry you can put in the stops and nail the brad nails back into the frame.
Replacing a French door window pane is a job that a lot of homeowners can do on their own. But if you're not a DIY-er or have limited experience with home improvement, it might be best to delegate the job to professionals. Brennan Enterprises can help you transform your home. Contact us today to learn more. We can help you choose the best windows for your home, and provide top-quality service.