French Door Window Pane Replacement
French doors are gorgeous, but broken glass can cause a safety risk. In addition, it could let cool and heated air to escape from your home and increase your energy costs.
Fortunately, you don't need to replace the entire door when only one glass pane is damaged. It's possible to repair the window pane of a French door with a few basic tools and elbow grease.
How to repair a broken or Cracked Pane of Glass
Glass can be cracked by the impact of a pebble by your lawnmowers, drinks that are placed too hard on a glass-topped table or a vase that was crushed by an curious cat. Super glue, such as Loctite Glass Glue and Gorilla Glue can be used to fill small cracks. This makes the break less visible. If the crack is greater than a quarter of an inch wide however, or if your double-pane windows are losing their seal it's time to replace the glass.
If you'd like to repair the glass yourself, take the paint seams from the frame's edges and cut using a utility knife. Then, remove the molding using the putty tool. If there are nails that are holding the molding in place then use a brad nailer to take them out.
After removing the molding, place 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 ends using packing tape or masking tape. This will prevent the crack from spreading while you try to repair it.
Before applying the epoxy to the damaged glass, carefully clean it. This removes any dirt or debris that assists in ensuring that the repair adhesive bonds more efficiently to the glass. After you apply the epoxy, allow it to dry for a few hours before you touch it. If it's a deep crack or is broken into pieces, you may require more than one coat of epoxy.
Two-part epoxy can dry quickly and you'll need to prepare your workspace and ready prior to applying the adhesive. You'll need to have a container to mix the resin and the hardener and an object to stir the adhesive.
It's possible to complete very basic french door window pane replacements on the own, but if aren't confident with DIY projects or have complex windows, it's best to call in an expert. A glazier or window replacement company can assist you in selecting an attractive, safe glass pane for your French doors and install it swiftly.
Cutting a New Piece of Glass
French windows are very popular with business and home owners who want to add a touch of style to their buildings. They can be fully opened to let the inside of a structure to be seen from the outside. They also offer views that are not blocked by structures or walls. These windows are not ideal for children's rooms because of their opening. However they're great in common areas where a stylish accent is needed.
For those who have the ability to do a little amount of DIY work, replacing a window pane is an easy task. The most important aspect of the job is making sure that the glass is of the right size before cutting it. It is essential to measure the broken glass, and ensure that 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.
It is recommended to wear safety gloves and glasses for protection during this process. Once the old glass has been removed then you need to prepare a clean area for working on, such as an enormous table or flat section of plywood. The surface should be cushioned with cardboard or five or four sheets of newspaper to avoid scratches. Then, you'll need a high-quality cutter (preferably not too new but not dull also) and some machine oil for the cutter.
The most efficient method to cut glass is with a diamond-tipped cutter. This tool scores the glass, rather than cutting through it, which allows you to snap the glass along straight lines. If you're using tempered glass you'll need to score it twice before you are able to snap the piece.
You will need to first create a template for the curve if you're working on a curved glass piece. You can use a plastic sheet or cardboard to trace the outline of the curve on the glass. Then, you can use breaking pliers to carefully remove small pieces of the curve until you get a smooth, even curve.
Installing the Glass Pane
French windows let more light into your home and give you a fantastic view of the outdoors. They are also energy efficient and they help to prevent drafts. The cost of these windows can be expensive. It can also be difficult to find replacement glass for French window panes. Fortunately, you can replace a damaged glass pane without needing 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 let you see the gap and determine how much glass you need. After the trim is removed, you can begin cutting the glass piece to fit. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from sharp edges.
Take measurements of the height and width of the gap to ensure you have the exact measurement for your new glass. Subtract 1/8 inch from these measurements and cut a piece of safety glass to that size. Safety glass is thicker and won't break as easily as regular annealed glass. It is also UV-resistant and reduces glare. This makes it an ideal option for French doors.
Test-fit the new glass pane inside the frame before putting it in. Fill any gaps with wood putty or caulk. You may have to sand the area where the glass pane meets the frame to smooth it out.
You can purchase replacement glass from a hardware or glass shop. Install the new glass, then reinstall the trim around the door frame. Sand or paint it as necessary.
It's important that you replace your French windows carefully and in accordance with local building codes. If you don't feel comfortable doing the work yourself, consider hiring a professional glazier or handyman. Make sure tower-hamlets french door lock repairs plan ahead, get multiple quotes and review the background of the company before hiring them.
Refinishing the Frame
It is possible to replace a French door window frame when replacing the pane. This can enhance the appearance of the window as well as save you money in repairs. You can also opt for a more energy efficient or attractive kind of glass for your french doors.
If you do plan to restore the frame, be sure to thoroughly clean it prior to beginning. This will get rid of any dirt or grease that may have built up on the frame's surface. This will allow you to paint, and also prevent the glass from bleeding through.
Sand the wood surface prior to painting. This will smooth the finish and ensure that new paint sticks to the wood. You can use wood filler after sanding to fill any holes or gaps prior to painting. You can also apply an oil-based primer that is of high-quality to aid in adhering the paint to the surface.
To protect yourself from sharp glass shards it is recommended to wear safety goggles and gloves before working on a damaged or broken window pane. Once you've done this, you can start removing the old trim. If you're using a utility knife then you'll need to cut paint seams at the joints and along the frame. After removing the trim, you can verify that the window panes were put in correctly and make any adjustments.
Once the new pane has been put 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 has dried you can put in the stops and put the brad nails back in the frame.
Replacing the French door's window is a project that many homeowners can do on their own. If you're not an expert DIYer or have no knowledge of home improvement projects, it is best to leave the job to the experts. Contact Brennan Enterprises today to learn more about how we can help you transform your home. We can help you select the right windows for your home, and provide quality service.