Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a damaged pane of glass on a French door is a simple DIY project. Cleaning the glass, removing trim and molding and then installing a new pane of glass is all that's required.
French doors feature multiple glass panes separated by muntin bars for functional purposes, also known as Mullions. They are available in a variety of configurations and may include triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency, cut down on sound and minimize glare.
How to replace a damaged Pane of Glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses before beginning to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass shards that might fall during the process. Also, work in a garage or an open space and keep children out from the area. It is best to remove the window frame from the sill to allow greater accessibility and mobility, but you can also replace a pane without taking the entire window out of the frame.
Start by scraping off any old glazing compound or caulking around the edges of the sash using a putty knife. Be careful not to scratch the wood molding that holds the window in place, because you'll require it later to hold the new pane.
If you are working with a steel casement window, it may be anchored by metal glazing points. You'll need to remove these along with the old putty, before you can get the window out of the frame. Paint scraper or chisel can work. If the putty is too hard to get rid of, you can employ a heat gun in order to soften it. Hold the heat gun about one inch from the glass and move it back and forth to spread the heat. Place two sheets of aluminum foil on the other panes to stop them from cracking due to the heat.
Once the old glass is removed, clean the inside of the window sash using a damp cloth to wash off any dust or dirt. Then you can install the new glass.
Take measurements of the width and height to determine the size of the glass. To purchase a glass pane that fits into the door frame, take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you in the event that they have the measurements.
Warm up a small amount of putty and then roll it into a 3/4-inch thick rope. Set the putty in a position that is against one side of the rabbet, and rest your putty knife's blade at a 45-degree angle against the frame's rabbet. Move the knife along the glass's edge in a smooth, straight line to cut a portion of the pane. Repeat with the other edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.
Take off the broken Pane
A broken pane in a French-style door not just an eye-sore, but it can also pose a risk to safety. It's simple to replace a glass pane on the French style of door and is usually cheaper than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can do the job themselves, but professional assistance is available in the event that the project requires special skills or tools.
Start by taking out any cracked or broken fragments of the frame. Wear safety goggles and gloves to keep glass shards from getting into your eyes or face. Then, clean out the glass opening to remove any caulking or putty used to hold the previous pane in place.
The next step is to remove any trim or molding holding the glass in place. It could be difficult to pull the molding out. This is why it's important to wear your protective gear and to have someone assist you in the process of prying if you need help. It's also an excellent idea to mark the pieces you're taking off, so you know when to put them back in place when you're ready.
After the molding has been removed, you can begin installing the new glass pane. Visit a glass store and take measurements of the opening of the glass. You should get safety glass for your French door, since it won't break easily if they break again.
When you're ready to put in the glass piece make sure that it's aligned correctly in the opening. Then, apply a thin dot of clear silicone caulk around the edge of the glass.
After the caulk is dry, you can replace the molding. If the nails that were used originally did not penetrate the molding, you can put in new wire nails to fill in the holes left by the old ones. To stop the nails from splitting the molding, you should first drill the holes. You can make holes using very thin bits from a hardware store that is well stocked.
How to cut a New Pane Of Glass
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window as well as the edges before ordering a replacement pane. You may need to adjust spring clips or metal triangulars that keep it in place if you find gaps. It is also important to make sure that the new pane is a appropriate size for the opening; if it's too large, you could face leakage or other issues when it's put in.
The first step is preparing a work surface. Using a putty knife, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame, leaving the wood. If the rabbets on the frame are too rough to smooth using a putty knife and you want to smooth them out, lightly sand them and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glaze from absorption of moisture from the wood and shorten its life.
After the frame has been cleaned and ready to be used, warm a handful of putty by kneading it until soft and malleable. Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer to the inside corners of the rabbets. This creates an elongated bed for the glass to rest upon. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.
After the putty is dry and the putty is removed, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the grooves within the sash. Wear safety goggles before attempting to remove the points in order to keep yourself safe from shards glass. A heat gun set to an low setting will help you warm up and loosen the steel to allow you to bend it out of the frame using pliers.
Once the glass and frame are set, test the frame by sliding it into the frame. Adjust the glass as needed before securing it using spring clips or metal triangulars. Make sure that the gap between the frame and the glass is uniform across all sides. Test the movement of the window sash to ensure the new pane will not hinder the opening or closing. If you have any issues with the installation, you should consult an expert in restoration to help you repair and preserve your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass to ensure it fits properly before putting it in place. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening by measuring it to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement to determine the glass size you need. A little undersizing of the pane will allow it to be installed more easily and allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. You can bring your measurements to a hardware store or home centre and they will cut a piece of glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself when you have a huge sheet on hand.
Once west-bromwich french door repairs of glass is removed, remove the window sash grooves and take off any glazing points made of metal that held the previous pane in place. A pull-type paint scraper or a chisel can be used to accomplish this job. If the grooves have an abundance of hardened putty in them it is possible to gradually soften it with a heat gun. Be sure to cover the surrounding windows and molding with aluminum foil to protect them from heat.
You can also apply an exterior primer to keep the putty from absorbing the natural oils. Also, clean the grooves in the sash.
Knead a tiny amount of putty until it is warm and flexible and then press it into the rabbets in which the glass will go. The appearance of the glass isn't crucial at this point. Place the new pane into the rabbets and then wiggle it using your fingers.
Fill any holes in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, install the new glass. If the frame has other mechanisms for fastening, like L-channels, you can make use of a hammer to pull them out of the sash grooves. Take out any shards of wood that might have come loose in the removal of the frame. To prevent pests and water from entering your home, apply a clear silicone caulk to the frame's bottom edge where it meets floor.