French Door Window Pane Replacement
French doors are beautiful however, broken glass could be a danger to your safety. It can also allow heated or cool air to escape your home, thereby increasing the cost of energy.
You don't need to replace the whole door if one pane is broken. With a few simple tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can fix a broken french door window.
Repairing a Cracked or Broken Glass Pane
A pebble from the lawnmower that falls through your window, a drink placed too hard on the glass-topped coffee table, or a beloved vase that is tipped over by a curious cat are all things that can break glass. If the crack is small, a super glue like Loctite Glass Glue or Gorilla Glue can fill in the crack and make the break less apparent. If the crack is greater than an inch wide, however, or if your double-pane windows are losing their seal and are in need of replacement, it's time to replace the glass.
If you'd like to repair the glass by yourself, you can remove the seams of paint from the frame's edges and trim with a utility blade. Then, cut off the molding with the putty tool. If nails are holding the molding in position remove them using a brad nailer.
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 sides using packing tape or masking tape. This will stop the crack from spreading while you repair it.
Clean the glass carefully before applying the epoxy. This will get rid of any dirt or other debris and will help the repair adhesive adhere better to the cracked glass. After you apply the epoxy, allow it to dry for a couple of hours before touching it. You may have to apply several coats of epoxy if the crack is very deep or has been broken into pieces.
Two-part epoxy can dry quickly, so you'll need to have your workspace prepped and ready before you start applying the adhesive. You'll require a container to mix the hardener and resin and an object to stir the adhesive.
It's possible to do some very basic French door window pane replacements on your own, however if you aren't comfortable working on DIY projects or have complicated windows, it's better to hire a professional. A window replacement or glazier company can assist you in selecting a secure, attractive and safe glass pane for your French doors and then install it quickly.
How to Cut a New Glass Piece
French windows are popular with home and business owners looking to add some design to their home. They can be opened completely to let the inside of a building to be seen from the outside. They also offer an uninterrupted view that is not obstructed by walls or other structures. Although they may not be the best choice for kids rooms because of the way they open, they are excellent in areas of the building, where stylish accents are needed.
If you're able do some DIY work, replacing windows is a straightforward task. The most important part of the job is to make sure that the glass is the correct size before you cut it. This involves taking the measurements of the broken glass and ensuring you have enough glass for replacement before you start cutting it. Once you have the right size glass then you can begin the process of taking the old piece off and installing the new one.
It is recommended that you wear safety gloves and glasses to ensure protection during the process. After the glass is removed and the glass is clean, you must make a clean surface for working on, like a large table or a flat piece of plywood. The surface should be cushioned with cardboard or five or six sheets of newspaper to prevent scratches. Next, replace french door glass will need a good cutter (preferably not too old however, not too dull also) and some machine oil for the cutter.
A diamond-tipped glass cutter is the best tool for cutting a piece of tempered glass. The tool cuts the glass instead of cutting through it, which allows you to snap the glass along straight lines. If you are using a glass that is tempered it is required to score the glass two times before you can snap it.
If you are working with a curving piece of glass, you'll need to make a template for the curve before. You can trace the curve on the glass using a cardboard or plastic sheet. Then, you can break pliers in order to take small pieces of the curved section until you have a smooth and even curve.
Installing the Glass Pane
French windows let more light into your home, and give you a fantastic view of the outside. They are energy-efficient and help stop drafts from entering your home. The cost can be quite expensive. Additionally, it may be difficult to find replacement glass for the French window pane. It is a good thing that you can repair a damaged glass pane without the need to purchase an entirely new door. This can save you time, money and frustration.
To replace a French window, remove the trim from the frame of the door. This will give you a clear perspective of the gap in order to determine the amount of replacement glass you need. After the trim is removed, you can start cutting a new glass piece to fit. Make sure to wear safety gloves and goggles to ensure protection from any sharp edges.
Take measurements of the width and height of the gap inside the frame to ensure you have a precise measurement for your glass piece. Subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements, and cut a safety glass piece to that size. Safety glass is thicker and won't break as easily as regular annealed glass. It also provides UV protection and reduces reflection making it a good option for French doors.
Test the new glass pane in the frame before putting it in. Fill any gaps with wood putty or caulk. It is possible to remove the area where the glass pane is in contact with the frame.
You can buy replacement glass at a hardware or glass shop. Install the new glass and then place the trim around the door frame. Paint or sand it as needed.
Whether you need to replace one or all the French windows in your home, you need to do it carefully and in accordance with local building codes and regulations. If you're not confident doing the work yourself, consider hiring a professional glazier or handyman. Be sure to prepare ahead, request multiple quotes and check the background of the company before hiring them.
Refinishing the Frame
When replacing a French door window pane, you may choose to replace the entire frame. This can enhance the appearance of the window, save you money on repairs, and allow you to select a more energy-efficient or aesthetically appealing glass for your french door.
Before starting, clean the frame thoroughly. This will eliminate any dirt or grease that has built up on the frame's surfaces. This will make it easier to paint, and prevent the glass from bleeding through.
It is also recommended to take the time to smooth the surface of the wood before painting. This will smooth out the finish and ensure that the paint adheres well to the wood. After sanding, apply wood filler to cover any holes or gaps in the frame before painting. Finally, you can use 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 damaged or broken window pane. Once you've completed this then you can begin removing the trim from the window frame. If you're using a utility blade it is necessary to cut seams of paint at the joints and along the frame. After you have removed the trim, you can check if the window panes have been installed correctly and make any necessary adjustments.
Once the new pane is in place, you'll have to put the glazing points back inside the frame. The next step is to apply caulk on the frame's edges to seal it, and ensure the new glazing doesn't leak. When the caulk is dry then you can put in your stops and nail the brad nails.
Replacing a French door's window is a job that a lot of homeowners can do on their own. If you're not an experienced DIYer or have limited experience in home improvement then it is recommended to leave the job to the experts. Brennan Enterprises can help you transform your house. Contact us today to find out more. We can help you select the best windows for your home, and offer quality service.