French Door Window Pane Replacement
French doors are gorgeous but broken glass can pose a safety hazard. Additionally, it could let cool and heated air to escape your home, which can increase the cost of energy.
Fortunately, you don't need to replace the entire door when only one pane of glass is damaged. It is possible to fix the window pane of a French door with some basic tools and elbow grease.
How to fix a broken or cracked Pane of Glass
A pebble from the lawnmower that falls through your window, a drink set too hard on the glass-topped coffee table, or a beloved vase tipped over by a curious cat are all examples of things that could crack glass. Super glue, such as Loctite Glass Glue and Gorilla Glue, can be used to fill in small cracks. This makes the crack less obvious. If the crack is larger than an inch or your double-paned windows have lost their seals, it's best 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 knife. Then, pry off the molding using the putty tools. If there are nails that are holding the molding in place you can make use of a brad nailer to remove them.
After you've removed your molding, lay out cardboard sheets on your work surface to shield the rest of the door and remove any remaining broken glass from the frame. Next, tape the crack on both sides with masking tape or packing tape. This will stop the crack from spreading as you repair it.
Before applying the epoxy to the cracked glass, carefully clean it. This will eliminate any debris or dirt and help the repair adhesive adhere more effectively to the cracked glass. After applying the epoxy, allow it to dry for a couple of hours before you apply it. If it's a deep crack or is broken into pieces, you may require more than one coat of epoxy.
Two-part epoxy is fast drying, so you'll need to have your workspace prepared and ready prior to applying the adhesive. You'll require an container to mix the resin and hardener and a stick to stir the adhesive.
It's possible to perform basic French door window pane replacements on the own, however if you aren't confident with DIY projects or have complex windows, it's recommended to get a professional. A glazier or window replacement company can help you choose an attractive, safe glass pane for your French doors and install it swiftly.
Cutting a New Piece of Glass
French windows are extremely popular with home and business owners who wish to add a touch of elegance to their home. These windows can be completely opened to allow the inside of a building to be seen from outside. They also offer a view without being blocked by walls or structures. While these windows may not be ideal for kids rooms because of the way they open however, they're great in areas of the building where elegant accents are required.
If you are 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 size is right. It is essential to measure the broken glass, and make sure you have enough glass to replace it before you begin cutting. Once you have the correct size glass then you can begin the process of removing the old piece and putting in the new one.
Wear protective glasses and gloves to guard yourself during this process. After the old glass is removed, you'll have to create a clean work surface which could include a large flat table or a section of plywood. To avoid scratches, the surface must be covered with cardboard or four to five sheets of newspaper. The next step is to get a high-quality cutter (preferably not too brand new however, not too dull also) and some machine oil for the cutter.
A diamond-tipped glass cutter is the ideal tool to cut a piece of glass that has been tempered. This tool scores the glass, rather than cutting through it, which allows you to snap the piece along an unbroken line. If you're using tempered glass, you will need to score it twice before you snap the piece.
If you are working with a curved piece of glass, you will need to make a template for the curve prior to. You can use cardboard or a plastic sheet to trace the outline of the curve onto the glass. Then you can break pliers with care to take small pieces of the curved area until you have a straight and even curve.
Installing the Glass Pane
French windows let more light into your home, and they give you a fantastic view of the outside. They are energy-efficient and help stop drafts from entering your home. The price can be quite expensive. Additionally, it could be difficult to find replacement glass for the French window pane. You can repair a broken glass pane without having to purchase an entirely new door. This will save time, money and frustration.
To replace a French window, you must remove the trim from the frame of the door. This will allow you to have a clear view of the gap and determine how much replacement glass you need. After you have removed the trim, you can begin cutting a new piece of glass to fit. Be sure to wear safety gloves and goggles to provide protection from any sharp edges.
Determine the height and width of the gap to ensure you have the exact measurement for your new glass. Subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements, and cut the safety glass piece to the same size. Safety glass is more dense than regular annealed, and won't shatter as easily. It also offers some UV protection and reduces the glare making it a good option for French doors.
Test-fit the glass pane in the frame before putting it in. If there are gaps you can fill them in with wood putty or caulk. It is possible to sand the area where the new glass pane joins the frame to smooth it out.
You can buy replacement glass from a hardware or glass shop. Install the new pane and then place the trim around the door frame. Sand or paint it as necessary.
It is essential to replace your French windows with care and in accordance with local building codes. Consider hiring a handyman or glazier in case you aren't confident doing the work yourself. Plan ahead, get multiple quotes and look up the history of the company prior to deciding to choose them to work for you.
Refinishing the Frame
You may decide to replace a French door's window frame after replacing the pane. This can improve the look of the window, save your money on repairs and allow you to select the most energy efficient or visually appealing glass for your french door.
If you do plan to restore the frame, be sure that you thoroughly clean it prior to starting. This will get rid of any dirt, grime or grease that has built up on the surfaces. This makes it easier to paint and prevent bleed-through from the new glass.
Sand the wood surface before painting. This will smooth the finish and ensure that the new paint adheres to the wood. You can use wood filler after sanding to fill in any gaps or holes prior to painting. Additionally, you can use an oil-based primer that is of the highest quality to allow the new paint to adhere to the surface.
To shield yourself from sharp glass shards to protect yourself, wear gloves and safety goggles prior to working on a damaged or broken window pane. After you have done so then you can begin to remove the old trim. If you are using a utility knife then you'll need to cut paint seams across the frame as well as at the joints of the trim. Once the trim is removed it will be possible to determine whether the window pane was properly installed and if any adjustments need to be made.
Once the new pane has been put in place, you will have to insert the glazing points back into the frame. Then, you'll need to apply caulk around the edges of the frame to seal it, and ensure that the new glazing isn't leaking. Once the caulk has dried, you can replace the stops and then nail the brad nails back into place.
Many homeowners can repair the French door pane on their own. But if replacement french door 're not a DIY-er or have little experience in home improvement, it might be best to delegate the job to experts. Contact Brennan Enterprises today to learn more about how our team can assist you in making changes to your home. We can help you select the right windows for your home, and provide high-quality service.