Reusing Old Door Glass in Double-Glazed Units – What’s Possible?

At Somerset Reclamation, we’ve had quite a few customers ask if the original decorative glass in an old door can be reused in a modern double-glazed unit. In some cases, yes — but there are a few important checks needed first.


We don’t do the glass encapsulating ourselves, but we can help with the rest: removing the old glass, preparing the door, and refitting everything once the new unit is ready.



What Is Glass Encapsulation?



It’s a process where an original piece of glass — usually decorative, leaded, or stained — is sealed inside a new double-glazed unit. This keeps the character of the old glass but adds better insulation and safety.



What Needs to Be Checked?



Not every door or piece of glass is suitable. Before going ahead, it’s important to look at:


  • Glass thickness – Can it be encapsulated safely?
  • Condition – Any cracks, damage, or loose leadwork may cause issues.
  • Weight – The new unit will be heavier, which could stress the hinges or frame.
  • Door strength – Some old doors aren’t built for the extra weight or thickness.
  • Cost – It’s not a cheap job, especially for fragile or detailed glass.




What We Can Do



While we don’t carry out the glazing itself, we can:


  • Carefully remove the old glass
  • Carry out any joinery or strengthening needed on the door
  • Refit the encapsulated unit once it’s ready



We also know who to speak to locally about the actual encapsulation. If you’re thinking of going down this route, we’re happy to take a look and let you know what’s possible.


Pop by with the door (or send us a photo and measurements) and we’ll go from there.

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