French Door Window Pane Replacement
French doors may be beautiful, but broken glass can pose a security risk. Additionally, it could let heated and cooled air to escape from your home and increase your energy costs.
It is not necessary to replace the whole door if just one pane is damaged. With just they said and a little elbow grease, you can repair 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 down too hard on the glass-topped table, or a favorite vase that is tipped over by a curious cat are all examples of things that could crack glass. If the crack is small, a super glue like Loctite Glass Glue or Gorilla Glue can help fill it in and make the crack less obvious. If the crack is more than an inch wide but if you notice that your double-pane windows are losing their seal it's time to replace the glass.
If you'd like to repair the glass by yourself, you can remove the paint seams from the frame's edges, and then trim using a utility blade. Then, remove the molding using a putty tool. If nails are holding the molding in place, remove them with 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, cover the fracture on both sides with masking tape or packing tape. This will prevent the crack from spreading as you repair it.
Clean the glass thoroughly prior to applying the epoxy. This will eliminate any dirt or debris, and will help the repair adhesive stick better to the cracked glass. Let the epoxy dry for a couple of hours after you have applied it. You may have to apply multiple coats of epoxy if the crack is very deep or has been shattered into pieces.
The two-part epoxy is fast drying, so it's important to prepare your work area before you begin applying the adhesive. You'll need to have a container for mixing the resin and hardener, and an object to stir the adhesive.
It's possible to complete very basic French door window pane replacement on your own, but if aren't confident with DIY projects or have more complex windows, it's recommended to get a professional. A glazier or window replacement company can help you choose a safe, attractive new glass pane for your French doors and install it swiftly.
How to Cut a New Glass Piece
French windows are popular among business and home owners who want to add some style to their building. They can be fully opened to allow the inside of a structure to be seen from outside. They also offer views that are not blocked by walls or structures. These windows are not ideal for rooms with children due to the way they open. However they're great in common areas where a fashionable accent is required.
If you're able to do some DIY work, replacing windows can be a straightforward project. Before you begin cutting the glass, it's important to ensure that the dimensions are correct. This means taking the dimensions of the broken glass and ensuring you have enough glass for replacement before you start cutting it. Once you have the correct size glass you can begin the process of getting rid of the old piece and replacing it with the new one.
It is recommended that you wear safety gloves and glasses to ensure protection during this process. After the old glass has been removed then you need to create a clean surface to working on, like an extensive table or flat section of plywood. To prevent scratches, the surface must be padded using cardboard or up to five sheets of newspaper. You'll also require a sharp, well-made cutter (not too old, but not too dull) and a lubricant for the machine for the cutter.
A diamond-tipped glass cutter is the best tool for cutting pieces of glass that has been tempered. This tool scores the glass, rather than cutting through it, which allows you to snap the piece along a straight line. If you're using glass that has been tempered it is required to score the glass two times before snapping it.
First, you'll need to make a template of the curve if you are working on a glass piece that is curved. You can trace the curve on the glass using cardboard or plastic sheet. Then, you can use breaking pliers to carefully take small pieces of the curved section until you have a smooth and even curve.
Installing the Glass Pane
French windows let more natural light into your home and offer a great view of the outside. They are also energy efficient and they help to prevent drafts. However, the price can be expensive. Additionally, it may be difficult to find replacement glass for a French window pane. You can, however, replace a broken glass pane without the need to purchase an entirely new door. This will save you money, time and frustration.
To replace a French window, remove the trim from the door frame. This will allow you to have an unobstructed view of the gap and determine how much replacement glass you need. Once you've removed the trim, you can start cutting a new piece of glass to fit. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from sharp edges.
Measure the height and the width of the gap to ensure that you have the correct measurements for the glass you are planning to purchase. Then, subtract 1/8 inch from these measurements and cut a piece safety glass to the size you want. Safety glass is thicker than regular annealed, and won't shatter as easily. It also provides UV control and reduces reflection, making it an ideal choice for French doors.
When you are prepared to install the glass pane you just purchased, place it into the frame and test-fit it to ensure it is properly fitted. Fill any gaps with wood putty or caulk. You may need to sand down the area where the glass pane is in contact with the frame.
You can purchase replacement glass from a hardware store or glass shops. After you have the new pane installed, put the trim on the door frame and sand or paint the frame if needed.
Whether you need to replace one or all the French window panes in your home, it's important to do it with care and in compliance with the local building codes and regulations. If you don't feel comfortable doing the work yourself, consider hiring an expert handyman or glazier. Plan ahead, get several quotes and research the history of the company prior to deciding to employ them.
Refinishing the Frame
You may decide to replace a French door window frame after replacing a pane. This can enhance the appearance of the window, and save you money on repairs and allow you to select the most energy efficient or visually pleasing glass type for your french door.
If you do plan to finish the frame, make sure that you thoroughly clean it prior to starting. This will eliminate any dirt or grease that has built up on the frame's surfaces. This will allow you to paint, and also prevent the glass from bleeding.
Sand the wood's surface prior to painting. This will smooth the finish and ensure that the new paint is well adhered to the wood. Wood filler can be used after sanding to fill in any gaps or holes before painting. In the end, you can apply an oil-based primer of high-quality to help the new paint adhere to the surface.
To safeguard yourself from glass shards that are sharp it is recommended to wear gloves and safety goggles prior to working on a damaged or broken window pane. After you have done so, you can start removing the old trim. If you are using a utility knife then you'll need to cut the seams of paint across the frame and at the joints of the trim. Once the trim is removed it will be possible to check whether the window was installed correctly and if any adjustments are required to be made.
Once the new pane has been put in place, you will need to install the glazing points back inside the frame. The next step is to apply caulk to the frame's edges to seal it, and make sure that the new glass does not leak. Once the caulk has dried, you can replace the stops and then nail the brad nails in place.
Many homeowners can replace a French door pane on their own. If, however, you're not a DIY-er or have limited experience with home improvements, it may be best to delegate the job to professionals. Brennan Enterprises can help you transform your house. Contact us today to learn more. We will help you choose the ideal windows for your home and provide fast, quality service.