French Door Glass Repair Is Easier Than You Think
French doors can be a stunning addition to any home. Their beautiful design and numerous panes of glass allow fresh air and sunlight to filter through. If one of these glass inserts is broken urgent repair is required to ensure the functionality and appearance of the door.
It is possible to repair a broken pane of glass in the French door of your home.
How to Replace a Broken Windows Pane
A window pane that has broken on your french door is not only unsightly, but also a safety risk. You and your family are exposed to glass shards flying around when you open and close the door. It's much simpler and cheaper to replace a pane of glass than you might think. You can replace a pane of glass in just a few minutes using just a few tools and materials that are available at any hardware store. This will save you money on hiring a professional or replacing the door frame.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin to shield yourself from glass shattering. Put duct tape in an "X" shape over the door area that is to be taken off to catch any glass that is loose. Cover the remainder of your door with cardboard or a towel to prevent any glass from falling while you work.
Remove any molding around the broken window. If the window is glue-bound, use a pliers bar or pliers to remove the piece, without breaking the molding. After the pieces of broken glass are removed then scrape the old glazing putty off with a putty knife and throw it away.
Then knead a handful of putty until it's warm and malleable. Press it into the exposed rabbets to fill them up completely. You may leave the putty a little messy at this point, as you'll be covering it in the future.
When the putty dries then carefully insert your new window pane in the frame. If the new glass is too large, trim the side edges with a putty knife.
Then apply a thin coat of caulk made from latex to the outside edge of the trim to ensure that it is sealed to the wood. Let the caulk dry before applying a second coat to match the trim color of your door. After the caulk and paint have dried, remove any excess from the edges of the trim using a putty knife.
Identifying the Glass Panes
Many homes are equipped with French doors, which have multiple glass panes that let views and sunlight to enter the house. The multiple windows create an elegant and timeless design that is elegant and practical. However, as with any window the glass in French doors can become damaged. This is the reason it's essential to have them repaired promptly to ensure that the door is safe and secure.
A damaged window can allow air to escape, which is dangerous for pets and children. It's generally a simple task to replace the window, but it requires a bit of focus on detail and effort to ensure that the job is done correctly.
The first step is to take away the old putty and caulking from the area around the old window pane. This can take some time, but it's necessary to make sure that all the old putty is removed and that there are no bumps in the new window. This is particularly crucial when you are using low-e energy efficient glass or tempered, which is more difficult to work with than regular annealed glass.
After the old putty as well as caulking are gone the new window must be cut to the proper size. This is typically done by measuring the opening of the window and subtracting 1/8 inch from each side. This will ensure that the new glass is snug and won't shatter if it is damaged again.
Before the glass piece is cut, it's a good idea to dry fit it in the window opening. This will help to make sure that it fits properly and that the frame is prepared to be put in.
If you're not comfortable doing this task on your own, it's an ideal idea to engage a professional to do it for you. This will ensure that the process is done correctly and the results are perfect. It will also help improve the energy efficiency of your house and decrease drafts. Lastly, it will also assist in increasing the security of your home by ensuring any attempts to break-in are unsuccessful.
Cutting the Panes of Glass
You'll require a few tools to cut glass for your new window. A glass cutter is essential tool, but you can also use a metal ruler or straight edge. To ensure that the glass's surface and the blade are clean, apply a rag soaked with cleaning solvent prior to cutting. You could also dab a bit of oil on the wheel of your cutter to help reduce friction and help create a more effective score line.
Once you have a clean and stable workspace, lay the glass piece on top of it. Put a straightedge, or another reference point on the glass and mark the cutline. Make sure the straightedge is thick enough that the wheel of your glass cutter won't ride over it by accident, but not too thick that it blocks you from scoring the glass using the knife. When you're ready to cut take off your safety glasses and gloves (just in case there are shreds flying) and put the cutter over the glass. The cutter's head has a small sharp wheel that marks the glass. The weighted metal ball at the other end presses it down until it breaks along the score line.
Holding the glass firmly in place and firmly 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 window until the glass is able to snap off neatly at the scored line. The sound should be similar to cutting paper. If you're uncertain about your level of skill it could be beneficial to practice with a scrap of glass before attempting to cut an actual pane of French door glass.
If you're ordering replacements, take note of the dimensions of the window panes you have previously installed and the opening size of the frame to ensure that you get the right ones. If you're purchasing a double-pane for instance, make sure you buy glass that is 1/8 inch shorter and skinnier than the measurements, to give you some room when installing it.
Fixing the Frame
French doors are a common design feature in homes throughout Staten Island, and the multi-paned design makes them beautiful additions to any home. Repairs that are quick are essential to ensure that they function correctly and aesthetic, as broken glass can allow air in, decrease energy efficiency, or even become a security risk. Professional services can assist in deciding on the right glass, and guarantee an impeccable installation to ensure long-lasting performance.
Replacing a window pane on a French door is more challenging than doing so in a standard window since the frame is composed of multiple panes that are separated by wooden beads or frames. It also requires a high degree of precision since the entire glass needs to be cut to fit. In this instance, it's best to seek out professional help from a local firm.
Wear safety gloves and goggles to protect your eyes from broken glass and other scraps. Remove the broken glass and place it in a bag for disposal. Remove french door glass replacement from the frame, and then lightly sand it to prepare it for a replacement glass pane. Make a note of the dimensions of your new glass on a piece particle board, then carefully cut using a glass cutter. Be sure to coat the cutter with oil prior to cutting to prevent breaking the glass and getting a cleaner cut.
Once you've cut the glass, apply epoxy to the frame around the crack, then stick it back into place. Make sure you apply a good epoxy which will be available at your local hardware store. Follow the mixing directions on the label carefully, as these will vary slightly from brand to brand.
Hammer the wooden bids back into place, taking care not to break the glass during the process. Fill any nail holes in the frame with wood filler and sand it smooth when it is dry. Paint the stops to match the frame of your door. It's easy to replace the glass on your French door with just a little effort and time. You can also upgrade to insulated glass for better the efficiency of your energy and stop drafts.