French Door Window Pane Replacement
French doors are gorgeous however, broken glass could be a danger to your safety. It can also allow heated or cooled air to escape your home, thereby increasing the cost of energy.
Fortunately, you don't have to replace the entire door if just one pane of glass is broken. It's possible to repair the window pane of a French door using a few tools and elbow grease.
Repairing a Cracked or Broken Glass Pane
Glass can crack due to the impact of a pebble by your lawnmowers, drinking a drink that has been placed too hard on a glass-topped table or a vase that was knocked over by an inquisitive cat. 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 more than an inch wide, though, or if double-pane windows have lost their seal and are in need of replacement, it's time to replace the glass.
If you're looking to fix the broken glass by yourself, first strip any seams of paint along the edges of the frame and trim the frame using a utility knife and then remove the molding with a putty blade. If nails hold the molding in position remove them using the help of a brad nailer.
After you have removed the molding, put cardboard sheets on the work surface to shield the rest of the door. Remove any broken glass that remains from the frame. Then, you can tape the fracture on both sides with masking or packing tape. This will keep the crack from spreading when you work to repair it.
Clean the glass with care prior to applying the epoxy. This eliminates any debris or dirt and assists in ensuring that the repair adhesive bonds more effective to the glass. After you apply the epoxy, let it dry for a couple of hours before you touch it. You may have to apply multiple coats of epoxy if the crack is extremely deep or has been shattered into pieces.
The two-part epoxy dries fast, so it's important to prepare your workspace prior to you begin applying the adhesive. You'll require a container for mixing the resin and the hardener and an object to stir the adhesive.
You can attempt some basic window replacements on your French doors, but it's better to call an expert if you're not comfortable with DIY or if your windows are more intricate. A glazier can help you choose a glass pane that is safe and attractive for your French doors. They can also put it in place it quickly.
How to Cut a New Glass Piece
French windows are popular among business and home owners who want to add a little design to their home. These windows fling open completely, allowing the inside of the building to be seen from outside, and they also provide a view that isn't obstructed by walls or structures. Although these windows might not be the best choice for kids rooms due to the way they fling open however, they're great in areas of the building where elegant accents are needed.
If you have the ability to do a little bit of DIY work, replacing a window pane can be an easy project. Before you begin cutting the glass, it is essential to ensure that the dimensions are correct. It is essential to take measurements of the broken glass and make sure you have enough glass to replace it prior to cutting. Once you have the correct size glass, you can begin the process of taking out and replacing the old piece.
Wear safety glasses and gloves to safeguard yourself during this process. Once the old glass has been removed then you need to prepare a clean area for working on, like an extensive table or flat piece of plywood. The surface should be padded with cardboard or five or six sheets of newspaper to avoid scratches. The next step is to get an excellent cutter (preferably not too new but not dull neither) and some machine oil for the cutter.
french doors glass replacement -tipped glass cutter is the best tool to use for cutting pieces of glass that is tempered. The tool cuts the glass instead of cutting through it, allowing you to snap the piece along a straight line. If you're using glass that is tempered you'll need to score it twice before you snap the piece.
If you are working with a curving piece of glass, you will need to create a template for the curve first. You can make use of cardboard or a plastic sheet to trace the outline of the curve on the glass. Then, you can use breaking pliers and gently remove small pieces of the curve until you have an even, smooth curve.
Installing the Glass Pane
French windows allow more natural light into your home, and also provide an amazing view of the outdoors. They are energy efficient and to prevent drafts. The cost of these windows can be high. It is also difficult to locate replacement glass for French window panes. You can replace a broken pane of glass without having to purchase a new door. This could save you time, money and frustration.
To replace a French window, take the trim from the frame of the door. This will allow you to have an accurate perspective of the gap in order to determine the amount of replacement glass you will need. Once the trim has been removed, you can begin cutting the glass piece to fit. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from any sharp edges.
Take measurements of the height and width of the gap to ensure you have the exact measurements for your new glass. Subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements and cut the safety glass piece to the appropriate size. Safety glass is thicker and will not shatter as easily as regular annealed glass. It also resists UV and reduces the glare. This makes it a great choice for French doors.
When you are ready to install the new glass pane, put it in the frame and then test it to ensure that it is properly fitted. If there are any gaps, you can fill them in with wood putty or caulk. You may need to sand the area where the new glass pane meets the frame to smooth it out.
You can buy replacement glass at an hardware store or glass shops. Install the new glass and then put the trim around the door frame. Paint or sand it if needed.
It is essential to replace your French windows with care and according to local building codes. If you don't feel comfortable doing the work yourself, consider hiring an expert handyman or glazier. Make a plan, request multiple quotes and look up the history of the company before you hire them.
Refinishing the Frame
When replacing a french door window pane, you could choose to replace the entire frame. This can enhance the appearance of the window, save your money on repairs and allow you to choose a more energy-efficient or aesthetically appealing glass for your french door.
Before you begin, clean the frame thoroughly. This will eliminate any dirt or grease that might have accumulated on the surface. This will make it easier to paint and help keep the paint from leaking through to the new glass.
It is also recommended to make sure to sand the surface of the wood prior to painting. This will make the finish smoother and make sure that the new paint adheres well to the wood. After sanding, use wood filler to fill any gaps or holes in the frame prior to painting. Finally, you can use an oil-based primer of high-quality to help the new paint stick to the surface.
Before you begin working on a broken or cracked window, it is crucial to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from jagged shards of glass. Once you've completed this then you can begin removing the trim that was previously attached to the window frame. If you are using a utility knife, you will need to cut seams of paint across the frame and at the joints of the trim. After the trim is removed, you will be able to see whether the window pane was installed correctly and if any adjustments are required to be made.
After the new pane is in place, you'll need to install the glazing points back into the frame. Then you will need to apply caulk to the edges of the frame to seal it and make sure that the new glass does not leak. After the caulk is dry, you can replace the stops and nail the brad nails in their original positions.
Many homeowners can replace the French door pane on their own. But if you're not a skilled DIYer or have a limited knowledge of home renovations, it may be better to leave the task to professionals. Brennan Enterprises can help you transform your home. Contact us today to find out more. We can assist you in finding the perfect windows for your home and provide fast, quality service.