With the explosion in the cost of materials and the shortage of labour, it is time more than ever to reclaim some maintenance or renovation work on your home. Become a pro and take action with tasks anyone can do.
Posted at 12:00 p.m.
Project
To breathe new life into the exterior of the house, there are different possibilities. Did you know that it was possible to change the decorative window of your door? It’s simple and requires few tools.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Changing the look of the door and replacing the fixtures rejuvenates the facade.
In the first place
To ensure that the size of the new window is correct, take measurements from the top of the outline of the outer frame to the bottom and from right to left.
Beware of the weight of the window. It can weigh between 40 and 50 lbs.
When dismantling, keep the screws. These screws are not fully threaded and are used to tighten the gaskets without crushing them.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The pro glazier Joël, of Novatech, applies adhesive tape to facilitate the task.
The tape should be strong enough to support the window frame, but not so tacky that it will strip the paint from the door (depending on the model).
The suction cup adds ease of execution, but is optional. If you don’t have this tool, it will probably be easier to work with two people.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The suction cup is a handy tool, but not absolutely necessary.
The useful life of a door is about 20 years. If your door is curved, twisted or warped, plan a complete replacement instead.
The decorative window exists in several models. The one chosen for the transformation is the Nobel. The PVC contour profile can also be changed. It adds a plus to the transformation.
The tools
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Here is what you need for the task.
- Drill with bit
- Lever scraper
- Tape
- Gloves
- Suction cup (optional)
How to do it
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Replacement of the decorative window of the exterior door according to the steps to follow
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Replacement of the decorative window of the exterior door according to the steps to follow
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Replacement of the decorative window of the exterior door according to the steps to follow
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Replacement of the decorative window of the exterior door according to the steps to follow
-
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Replacement of the decorative window of the exterior door according to the steps to follow
-
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Replacement of the decorative window of the exterior door according to the steps to follow
-
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Replacement of the decorative window of the exterior door according to the steps to follow
-
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Replacement of the decorative window of the exterior door according to the steps to follow
1/8
1. From the outside, apply a piece of masking tape to all four sides of the PVC outline frame. The tape is used to hold the window. He becomes a very useful facilitator.
2. On the interior side, with the help of the lever scraper, first remove the PVC profile strip to gain access to the assembly screws. Then, unscrew all the screws except for the central bottom and top screw as a support.
3. Unscrew the bottom screw, then unscrew the last top screw and prepare for the glass to move from its frame. It is possible that the frame is slightly glued against the door. Use your pry scraper to gently pry it off.
Pro tip: The top screw is the last to remove, as gravity will cause the glass to come loose.
4. Peel off the adhesive tape, remove the outer PVC frame and pull the glass out. Although the tempered window glass is strong, it remains fragile in the edges and edges. Lay the glass on a piece of cardboard or a mat. Note that the edges of the glass can be sharp, as can the inside of the door’s steel. So wear gloves.
5. Reposition the new casing on the outside with pieces of tape.
6. Run a dry cloth inside the frame to remove any dirt. Insert the new window on the outer frame and not on the edge of the door hole. The window has a direction of installation. Locate the manufacturer’s label: it indicates the interior side of the window. The space of approximately 1/4 inch between the edge of the glass and the hole in the door acts as an expansion joint. Do not fill this game with air.
7. Reposition the inner contour frame and retighten the cap screws. Start with the top center screw and the bottom screw. Then do the four corners and finally all the other screws. Tighten them well in order to sufficiently compress the gasket.
8. Replace the finishing profile that hides the screws. To make it easier, place the corners first, then apply pressure towards the center.
A little further
Change the door handle
You can change the door handle. Check the model well so that it fits well in the existing holes.
paint the door
You can also paint the door. The steps are simple, but you have to be careful not to leave any visible brush strokes or smudges.
First, a good cleaning with a powerful degreaser is essential. Then, to create a grip, lightly sand with 000 steel wool. You can then paint with exterior paint. For the door, the spray paint creates a beautiful finish.
A master electrician can change exterior light fixtures or you can even create your own address plaque.