French Door Glass Repair Is Easier Than You Think
French doors can be a stunning addition to any home. Their beautiful design lets fresh air and sunlight through. If one of these glass inserts fails it is imperative to repair it quickly to maintain the functionality and appearance of the door.
It is possible to replace the glass pane that has broken in a French door in your home.
How to replace a damaged Windows Pane
A window pane that has broken on your french door is not only unsightly, but also a safety danger. It can also expose you and your family to flying shards of glass when opening and closing the door and increases the risk that it may break again. It is good to know that replacing a glass pane is a lot less difficult and expensive than you think. With a few basic tools and materials available at any hardware store, you can do the task in just a couple of hours without needing to pay for a costly professional service or replace the entire frame of your door.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin to shield yourself from glass shards. Put duct tape in an "X" shape over the area of the door which will be removed to catch any glass that is loose. Cover the rest of your door with cardboard or a towel in order to prevent more glass from falling as you work.
Remove any molding around the broken window. If it's stuck, use a pry bar or pliers to remove the piece without damaging the molding. After the pieces of broken glass are removed, scrape the old glazing putty off using a putty knife and discard it.
Then, knead the putty until warm and malleable. Apply it to the rabbets that are exposed. You can leave the putty a little messy at this point, as you'll be covering it in the future.
When the putty is dry then carefully insert your new window pane in the frame. If the window pane is too big, trim the edges using the help of a putty knife.
Then, apply a thin layer of latex caulk on the outside edge of the trim, so that it is bonded to the wood. Let the caulk dry before applying another coat that matches the trim color of your door. After the caulk and paint have dried remove any excess paint from the edges of the trim with a putty knife.
Identifying the Panes of Glass
Many homes have French doors, which incorporate multiple glass panes that allow sunlight and views to enter the house. The multiple windows create an elegant and timeless design, which is both elegant as well as functional. However, like any other window the glass in French doors may break or become damaged. This is the reason it's essential to repair them quickly, so that the door is secure and secure.
A broken window in a French door lets air escape and could be a safety hazard for kids and pets. The replacement of the window pane is usually a straightforward process, but it does require some work and care to ensure it's done right.
The first step is to remove the old caulking and putty around the old window pane. It can take a while however it is essential to ensure that all old putty is gone and that there are no bumps in the new window. This is particularly important if are using low-e energy-efficient or glass that has been tempered. These types of glass are more difficult to work with.
After the caulking and putty has been removed, it is necessary to cut the new window pane to size. This is typically done by measuring the window opening and then subtracting 1/8 inch from each side. This will ensure that the new glass is a snug fit and won't shatter when it is broken again.
Before the glass piece is cut, it's an ideal idea to dry fit it into the window opening. This will ensure that the glass fits properly and that your frame is ready to install it.
It's a good idea in the event that you're not confident in doing this yourself to have someone else do it. This will ensure the process is completed correctly and the results are perfect. Additionally, it will help to increase the energy efficiency of your home as well as reduce drafts. It will also increase the security of your home by stopping any attempts to break in.
Glass Cutting
You'll need a few tools to cut the glass for your new window. A glass cutter is essential however a metal ruler or straightedge can also be used. Before you begin cutting, clean the surface of the glass and the blade of your cutter with the help of a rag that is that has been soaked in cleaning solvent to make sure it's clean and free of dirt. You could also dab a bit of oil on the wheel of your cutter to lessen friction and create a better score line.
Once you've got a stable and clean work area, place your glass piece on it. Make a mark for the cutline using a pencil, and then place the straightedge or another reference point on the glass. The straightedge should be strong enough that the wheel of the glass cutter doesn't accidently run across it, but not too thick to stop you from slicing the window with the knife. When you're ready to cut the glass, put on your safety goggles and gloves (just in case there are shards flying) and place the cutter on the glass. The cutter's head features a small, rounded wheel that scores the glass. The metal ball that is weighted at the other end taps the glass so that it breaks along the score line.
As replace french door hold the glass securely in place, apply downward pressure to the glass cutter blade as you move across the surface. Continue to do this on both sides of the glass until it snaps off at the scored line. The sound is similar to the sound of cutting paper. If you aren't sure of your ability You may want to practice cutting a piece of glass prior to making an attempt to cut a French door glass.
When you are ordering replacements make note of the dimensions of the old window panes and the opening size of the frame to ensure you order the right ones. If you're ordering a double-pane, for example, buy glass that is 1/8 inch smaller and thinner than the measurements to allow you some room when installing it.
Fixing the Frame
French doors are common in Staten Island homes. Their multi-paned design is stunning and adds a touch of class to any home. It is crucial to repair them quickly in order to keep them looking great and operating properly. Broken glass can let air in, reduce energy efficiency or pose a security threat. Professional services can help choose the right glass and ensure an impeccable installation that will ensure long-lasting performance.
Replacing a window in a French door is more difficult than replacing a pane in a regular window, as the frame has several panes, separated by wooden frames or beads. The glass has to be cut precisely to fit. It is recommended to contact a local company for professional assistance in this situation.
Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes from broken glass and other pieces of scrap. Remove the broken glass and put it in a plastic bag for disposal. Remove any rough patches from the frame and then lightly sand it to prepare it to be a replacement glass pane. Use a piece of particle board to mark the measurements for your glass and then carefully cut it using a glass cutter. Make sure to grease your glass cutter with oil prior to cutting in order to avoid chipping and to ensure a cleaner, more precise cut.
After you've cut the glass, apply epoxy to the frame around the crack and stick it back into the frame. Make sure you use a high-quality epoxy is available at your local hardware store. Mixing instructions can differ between brands and you should adhere to the instructions on the packaging.
Be careful not to scratch the glass while hammering the wooden bids in place. Fill any nail holes in the frame with wood filler and then sand it smooth after drying. Finally, paint the stops to match the frame of the door. It's easy to replace the glass on your French door with just a little effort and time. Upgrade to insulated glass for greater energy efficiency and to avoid drafts.