Glass Doctor® experts are trained and equipped to do all types of window repair and glass replacement. Anytime you have a broken pane or sidelight, call us. We offer in-home consultations, which allow us to identify the problem, get precise measurements and offer an upfront cost estimate.
Fixing Glass Sidelights Around the Entry Door
Here are some of the questions we commonly receive about replacing the sidelight glass on an exterior door.
Q. How is a sidelight put together?
The panels that run parallel on either side of your front door are called sidelights, and the glass inside them can be replaced. Sometimes, the glass panels are 12 inches long and are held in place by two strips of 3/4 inch molding. If one of the panes in your glass sidelight breaks, you can replace the pane without having to replace the entire frame or door.
The actual sidelight is the entire narrow panel flanking both sides of the entry door. The glass panel is called the sidelight surround. The window is sandwiched in between two pieces of molding, one on the interior and the other on the exterior. The surround can run the height of the entire panel or only part of it.
Q. Can I replace only the glass, not the panel?
You can replace only the glass, but the molding will have to be reinstalled as well. Glass sidelights are normally caulked, though older single pane glass may be held in place with putty. The holding agent will need to be removed to get the old glass out and put the new glass in.
Q. Can I replace my single pane sidelights with insulated glass?
We specialize in double pane windows because of their energy efficiency, so we think that’s a great idea. We will need to measure and make sure the sidelight panel and door frame can accommodate the depth of the insulated glass.
Q. What’s causing my sidelight glass to be foggy?
If your glass appears foggy or milky, you likely have double paned windows with a broken seal. Moisture can cause condensation between the panes, making them look foggy. We regularly fix this issue and will return your window’s clarity.
Q. Is this a DIY job?
If you’re going to attempt this job on your own, know that working with glass can be more complicated than you might expect. Always wear protective eye gear, long sleeves and gloves. In addition, you may not have all the specialty tools required to tackle this DIY project.
Call Glass Doctor Today
While you might be able to replace the glass in your front door sidelights on your own, working with a certified professional is the easier, and often less expensive, option. Call Glass Doctor to schedule an in-home consultation today.
———-
Sources:
HGTV: http://photos.hgtv.com/photos/door-sidelights-
Mr. Handyman: https://www.mrhandyman.com/blog/2014/may/front-door-replacement-or-refurbishment-with-painting-refinishing/
