Reglazing with low-e

[silcoxjh]

Here's a question for the DIY people, which I assume is most everyone on this forum! :D
I went to a local furniture auction last week and was just keeping an eye out for building materials. I came across two matching pairs of french doors that looked great, but I figured they had just single-pane glass installed. Is it possible, or practical, to reinstall new low-e glass in old frames? For doors or windows alike.
Thanks for any input!

[ChainsawGrandpa]

Generally speaking, yes, you can do that. The door should still be
1 3/4" thick. The problem will be the mullions (grids) if you have
them, or the profile (glazing seats, casing, lip, etc.). The doors are
assembled with cope & profile shaper knives. The knives were
most always typical but, they were cut to accept single pane glass.

If there is enough room on the lip of the detail (also called the profile,
or the part that holds the glass) you can just use a router to cut away
the liner of the detail, or mullions, and then add a bolection moulding
to the inside of the window frames. If that doesn't work you will need
to use a router to clean away all detail of the profile, and add bolection
moulding to the inside and outside with the glass sandwiched between.

This is an over simplification, and I can't say for sure what you will
need to do with your particular doors, but yes, you should be able
to modify them.

_Rick

[silcoxjh]

Thanks Rick. Most of that makes sense to me. I would have to take a look at a section of one to fully familiarize myself with it. Where would I obtain the new glass sheets? I searched online, but was really unable to come up with anything aside from the manufacturer sites. The real reason I ask is that I am fully on board with salvaging everything I can to reduce my costs, but I don't want to sacrifice the efficiency of the log home with leaky windows. Is the process you described very time consuming, or am I better off trying to find returns or scrach & dent on newer windows.
-Jay

[ChainsawGrandpa]

Generally (my history) you're farther ahead to get
returns, or odd lots.

I found a nice new (never installed) wood Freedom
(formerly French) door and matching window. Free,
just come and get it out of the way. They were for
a remodel and then the plans changed and the door
and window were not used. The door was given away
by the time I arrived, but I did get the window and
it's the right size for what I need. I also found a large
new window (never installed). It was about 6' x 9'.
Wood frame and beautiful! Couldn't take it...too big
for my Ranger and I didn't own the big Volvo truck at
the time. As I have training in case and millwork I can
build my own doors and windows. I can also build them
better than what is generally available. I'm still better
off to get overstocks and returns.

If you would like to build your own windows, you can get
surplus glass at many places; retailers, testing labs, IMEX,
Craig'slist, yardsales. You can cut to size, but have it seamed.
Just best to spend a few dollars and save your hands. I was
thinking of using real mullions (muntons, grids) and inserting
small panes of triple strength glass. I considered (this isn't
tested yet!) making a square 5/8" x 5/8" bead of silicone RTV,
or silicone hi- temp. casting adhesive. Attach the bead to the
glass when it dried, and use a syring to evacuate the air space.
Other ideas for insulating the frame (R-11.6) but right now I'm
too busy to experiment.

Surplus windows, new or, installed and then removed save a
lot of time and money.

-Rick

[silcoxjh]

Thanks for the info Rick! My wife and I are really looking forward to taking the class. We will have plenty of time to find those low prices and freebies as well. And on a side note, I will NOT have anything but Freedom doors installed! :wink:
-Jay