French Door Window Pane Replacement
French doors are beautiful however, broken glass could be a danger to your safety. In addition, it can allow heated and cooled air to escape your home, which can increase your energy bills.
Fortunately, you don't need to replace the entire door if only one glass pane is broken. It's possible to repair the window pane of a French door with some basic tools and elbow grease.
Repairing a Broken or Cracked Glass Pane
A pebble from the lawnmower that flies across your window, a glass of water set down too hard on the glass-topped table, or a beloved vase that has been tipped over by your curious cat are all things that can crack glass. If the crack is very small, a super glue like Loctite Glass Glue or Gorilla Glue can help fill it in and make the break less obvious. If the crack is greater than an inch wide however, or if your double-pane windows are losing their seal it's time to replace the glass.
If you want to try to repair the cracked glass by yourself, first strip any paint seams along the edges of the frame. Then, trim the frame using an utility knife. Then, remove the molding with a putty knife. If french doors glass replacement 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. Tape the crack on both sides using packing tape or masking tape. This will prevent the crack from spreading while 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 efficiently to the glass. Let the epoxy dry for a couple of hours after you have applied it. If it's a deep crack or is broken into pieces, you might require more than one coat of epoxy.
The two-part epoxy dries fast so it's essential to prepare your workspace before you begin applying the adhesive. You'll need a container to mix the hardener and resin and an object to stir the adhesive.
You can attempt some basic window replacements for your French doors, however it's better to call an expert if you're not comfortable with DIY or if your windows are more complicated. A window replacement or glazier company can assist you in choosing a secure, attractive and safe glass pane for your French doors and install it quickly.
How to Cut a New Glass Piece
French windows are popular with business and home owners who want to add a touch of design to their home. They can be completely opened to let the inside of a structure to be seen from outside. They also offer an uninterrupted view that is not obstructed by walls or other structures. While these windows may not be suitable for children' rooms due to the way they fling open however, they're great in areas of the building where stylish accents are required.
For those with the ability to do a little bit of DIY work replacing a window can be an easy project. Before you begin cutting the glass, it's important to ensure that the size is correct. It is crucial to take measurements of the broken glass and make sure you have enough glass to replace it before you start cutting. Once you have the correct size glass, you can begin the process of getting rid of and replacing the damaged piece.
It is recommended that you wear safety gloves and glasses to ensure protection during the process. Once the old glass has been removed, you will need to create a clean surface to working on, for example a large table or a flat section of plywood. The surface should be cushioned with cardboard or five or six sheets of newspaper to prevent scratches. Next, you will need a good cutter (preferably not too old however, not too dull neither) and some machine oil for the cutter.
The best method of cutting a piece of glass is with a diamond-tipped cutter. This tool marks the glass instead of cutting through it, allowing you to snap the glass in a straight line. If you're using glass that is tempered, you will need to score it twice before you snap the piece.
It is necessary to create a template for the curve if you're working on a glass piece that is curved. You can make use of a plastic sheet or cardboard to trace the outline of the curve on the glass. You can then break pliers and gently take small sections of the curve until you get a smooth, even curve.
Installing the Glass Pane
French windows let more light into your home and provide a stunning view of the outdoors. 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. Fortunately, you can replace a broken glass pane without the need to purchase the door. This will save time, money and frustration.
To replace a French window, you must remove the trim from the door frame. This will give you a clear view of the gap and determine how much replacement glass you will need. After you have removed the trim, you can start cutting the new piece of glass to fit. Make sure to wear safety gloves and goggles for protection from any sharp edges.
Determine the height and width of the gap to ensure that you have the exact measurements for your new glass. Then, subtract 1/8 inch from these measurements and cut a piece of safety glass to the same size. Safety glass is thicker than regular annealed, and won't shatter as easily. It also provides some UV control and decreases reflection which makes it a great option for French doors.
Test-fit the new glass pane into the frame before installing it. If there are any gaps, you can fill them using wood putty or caulk. You may have to smooth the area where the glass pane joins with the frame.
You can buy replacement glass from a hardware store or glass shop. Once you have the new pane installed, put the trim on the door frame, and paint or sand the frame as needed.
It's important that you replace your French windows with care and in accordance with local building codes. Consider hiring a handyman or glazier if aren't confident doing the job yourself. Just make sure to plan ahead, get multiple quotes and review the company's background before hiring them.
Refinishing the Frame
You may decide to replace a French door's window frame after replacing the pane. This can enhance the appearance of the window, and save you 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 grease or dirt that may have built up on the surface. This will make it easier to paint and help prevent bleed-through from the new glass.
Sand the wood surface before painting. This will smoothen the finish and ensure that new paint sticks to the wood. After sanding, apply wood filler to cover any gaps or holes in the frame before painting. Additionally, you can use a high-quality oil-based primer to aid the paint to stick to the surface.
To safeguard yourself from glass shards that are sharp, you should put on safety glasses and gloves prior to working on a damaged or broken window pane. Once you've done this then you can begin to remove the old trim. If you're using a utility blade it is necessary to cut paint seams at the joints and along the frame. Once the trim is removed, you will be able to check whether the window was installed correctly and if any adjustments need to be made.
Once the new pane has been put installed, you will need to install the glazing points back into the frame. Then, you'll need to apply caulk to the edges of the frame to seal it and ensure that the new glazing does not leak. When the caulk is dry then you can put in your stops and nail the brad nails.
Many homeowners can replace a French door pane on their own. But if you're not a skilled DIYer or have a limited knowledge of home improvements, it may be best to leave the task to professionals. Contact Brennan Enterprises today to learn more about how our team can help you transform your home. We can help you choose the right windows for your home and provide quality service.