How to Fix a Broken French Door Window French door windows add a classic touch to any house. These beautiful doors can be damaged or even faulty over time. You can solve many of these issues yourself by performing a few maintenance. Learn the secrets behind French door window repair and freshen up your windows! Security precautions are essential before undertaking any DIY home repairs. How to fix a damaged glass pane There are a variety of methods to fix damaged windows. If the crack is just starting, a little clear nail polish can provide a temporary, but ugly job of holding it in place. This will prevent it from getting worse and save you money on a replacement. Alternately, you can use clear super glue like Loctite Glass Glue or Gorilla Glue to fill in and strengthen the crack. It will be slightly stronger than nail polish and will stand up better to temperatures or shocks from moisture. Put on thick gloves prior to beginning work. Also, wear eye protection. You should also work on flat surfaces to reduce the chance of falling shards of glass. If the window is situated in a high place such as an area on a higher floor, it's better to take the sash off to work from there rather than trying to work directly on the glass that has been broken. Use a utility blade to pry off the hardened glazing compound around the window pane that is broken. The compound should fall off in large chunks and will not be difficult to remove. Next, take a measurement of the opening of a new glass pane and get it cut. If you are installing it in the frame of a wooden structure, you should remove 1/16 inch from the measurement to account for the expansion and contraction of wood. If you're replacing a single pane of glass in an existing double-pane window, this step won't be required. If the crack is at the bottom or in the middle of the window frame, you will need to order shatter resistant glass to prevent it from breaking into dangerous pieces. Install the new window in the window frame after you've got it. If the new window is a different shape than the previous one it will be necessary to adjust the sash in order to fit it. The frame should be marked where you want the new pane to go. Then with a utility knife reduce it to the desired size. Smooth any rough edges with a putty knife. Replacing a damaged or broken window A bad storm, a child's ball or the accidental ram of your lawnmowers can all cause damage to windows and require swift action. Although replacing damaged windows is typically a task best left to professionals however, you can do some simple repairs yourself to keep the area secure while you work to find an effective solution. Before beginning any work on repairs, make sure you clear the area and protect yourself from any shards of broken glass. Wear protective gloves and eyewear to protect yourself from the splinters. Cordon off and separate the area with the help of a piece of cardboard or partition. Children should be warned to stay away from this area. If the window is just damaged, you can use high-quality tapes to keep it in place and stop further damage. For deep cracks, use three or more layers of strong-hold tape to ensure that the repair is held. The most effective type of tape for this purpose is transparent, as it lets you see the crack from the outside without blocking your view. Use a putty knife to remove any old putty and glazing compound that may remain after the window is closed. You may need to heat the frame or use a chisel to remove the hardened areas of putty. Once you've removed the old slurry, saturate the remaining surface with the linseed oil. This will help to preserve the putty and allow you to finish it without worry that it will swell or deteriorate over time. Apply a base coat of putty once the surface has dried. This isn't intended to be a thick layer however, rather an area that acts as a cushion for the new pane of glass you'll insert. A thin layer of putty will also prevent water and drafts from leaking around the perimeter of the window. After the putty dries, you can paint or stain it to match the surrounding wood. Use a material that is resistant to water, like Accoya, to ensure that the finish will last for as long as you want to. You can also cover the opening with a piece of plywood as a temporary fix. If the plywood is not covered, you can fix it to the house by using tapcons or screws (concrete screws] or glue it to ensure that it seals tightly against the elements while you search for a more permanent solution. How to Replace a Broken Hinge French doors are a stunning addition to any home. However with time, they are susceptible to wear and wear and tear. There are many ways homeowners can utilize to fix their windows and restore their original splendor. If you have glass that has broken or a faulty hinge, this guide will teach you how to repair French door window problems as an expert. It is crucial to remember that when you repair French door windows the entire window has to be restored. So, you might have to replace the entire frame if the glass is damaged beyond repair. In such instances it is recommended to seek out an expert who is experienced in handling this kind of work. A professional can repair the frames, replace broken glass, and even restore the original look of the window. A professional can also guide you on how to maintain French windows in order to prolong their lifespan. This includes regular cleaning, lubrication of hinges, and a check of the weatherstripping to make sure it's functioning properly. Moisture between the glass panes is another common problem that can affect French Doors. This is usually caused by the accumulation of condensation or a weak seal. This can cause the formation of a milky residue on the glass's inside and then water to accumulate in the sills and frames. To prevent this from occurring, you should regularly clean the glass and frame with mild soap to get rid of any dirt or grime. Examine for leaks in the seal and re-caulk as necessary. Installing window film or blinds will also protect the glass from UV radiation and improve the durability of the glass. Depending on the material that your French door is made from the method for repairing hinges that are damaged will differ. For instance, wood frames may require wood filler and some may be built with mortice locks that requires repair separately. Aluminium frames can also be secured with screws, but they will require replacement in the event that they break. Replacing a Broken Frame It is important for a homeowner to know how to fix a damaged frame. This is a common entry point for burglars, and should be repaired immediately to avoid further damage. Most homeowners can handle this task on their own. However, if you don't have the expertise or the time to complete the job yourself, it's best to hire a professional. Remove the glass pane that has broken from the frame. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering. Make use of a utility knife to cut seams of paint and remove any loose glass. Paint the window in a color that matches the trim. Replace any nail holes visible and caulk the trim. Place the new pane with care into the frame, and caulk all around it to prevent moisture from leaking into the trim and brickwork. Use a level after the shims have been installed to verify that the frame is level. If it's not, you can insert more shims until the frame is plumb. You can also apply expanding foam insulation if the gap between frame and wall is large. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/french-door-repairs-london/ will improve energy efficiency. Apply damp proofing strips to the underside of frames and jambs to stop moisture from damaging your house. This can be done using commercial products like Accoya. It is a water resistant timber that does not swell or shrink with time. This process can be made easier and faster with the help of a kit. These kits are available at a variety of DIY stores. They are easy to install and come with detailed instructions. Repair and strengthen your French windows/doors as soon you can, especially if the doors/windows are older. This will ensure the safety of your family members as well as your property. With these tips, you can strengthen your frames and make them virtually unbreakable. You can then enjoy the timeless beauty of your French doors and their heritage for many years to come.