Subsequent change glass door

Hello everyone,

we wanted to install a used plastic glass door that we purchased on the balcony of our holiday home as soon as possible. See picture.

The only thing that bothers us is the central bar, because we have quite a nice view from the apartment.

The question now is whether it is possible to have a glazier remove the glass and central bar and replace it with a continuous pane of glass. And if so, whether this is economically reasonable compared to buying a new door. Maybe there is a rough estimate of what such a thing could cost.

The second question is, because the interior of the apartment is quite small, it would be our wish to install the door opening outwards. The security seems somewhat greater with an inward-opening door, but we could install additional security inside. Are there any other points that strongly speak against this? Info: 1m above the door on the outside it is covered.

We would be very pleased to receive feedback. Thank you in advance.

The question now is whether it is possible to have a glazier remove the glass and middle bar and replace it with a continuous glass pane.

Good question. I would assume that the bar serves to stabilize the door and therefore it is at least not sensible to remove it. You can take out a pane and check how the bar looks. Then it might be possible to say whether it is technically feasible. New pane and modification by glazier/window maker: For simple glass, I would guess around +/- 1,000€.

The security seems somewhat better with the door opening inward, but we could add additional security inside.

What did you have in mind? For a balcony of a holiday home = at least upper floor? I wouldn’t worry too much about the door’s security. The glass is more likely the weak point – burglary via a balcony is one of the less common types of break-ins.

Hello Nordanney,

sorry for the slightly delayed response.
Thank you very much for your feedback.
The frame around the outside is built so solidly that I have no concerns regarding the necessity for the statics. There are a lot of these doors without the middle bar. But your estimate of 1000 euros is certainly quite something to replace it. Phew. I will probably just get an offer from the glazier / window maker.

Regarding safety, it is reassuring what you write. Exactly 2nd floor. I always thought the balcony was a favorite because you can easily climb up there if you don’t have two left feet and go a bit into the mountains. I guess a professional burglar already has that as a basis. And it is definitely easier to break windows/doors than the front door with double locking and security lock cylinder. But you sound like you know the numbers.

Thanks again for your help.
If anyone else has any thoughts on this, feel free.

Best regards

But you sound like you know the numbers.

You can look them up online at the police and authorities. These are no secrets.

Phew. I’ll probably just get a quote from the glazier / window fitter.

Yep, only there will you get certainty. It was an estimate based on a pane replacement I did for a window half a year ago. Slightly larger than your door – €650 as the cheapest offer. But that’s just the pure replacement, without the extensive processing of the frame.

A suitable door is probably cheaper. Only an offer helps here further.