Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively easy to replace a broken glass pane on the French Door. Cleaning the glass by removing the molding and trim, then installing a new pane is all that's required.
French doors are made of multiple glass panes, separated by muntin bars that are functional which are also referred to as mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and may include triple-pane glass to improve energy efficiency, reduce sound and control the glare.
How to replace a damaged Pane of Glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses before you begin to replace the glass. This will shield you from any broken glass fragments that could fall during the process. Work in an open space like a garage, and keep kids away. It is recommended to remove the window frame from the sill for better accessibility and maneuverability However, you can replace a pane, without taking the entire window out of the frame.
With a putty-blade scrape away any old caulking or glazing material around the edge of the window sash. Be careful not to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place, as you'll need it later to hold the new window.
If you are working with a casement window made of steel it might be secured by metal glazing points. These points, along with the old putty, will require removal before you can take the pane from the frame. A paint scraper or chisel could work. If the putty is difficult to remove, you can use a heat gun to soften it. Place the heat gun one inch from the glass, then move it forward and backwards to spread the warmth. Double-up the aluminum foil and then place it on the adjacent panes. This will prevent them from breaking due to the heat.
After you've removed the old glass, take a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the window sash to remove any dirt or dust. Then, you can put in the new glass.
To cut a piece of glass to size, first determine the width and the height of the opening. Take these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to create a new piece that will fit easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you if you supply the measurement.
Warm up a few tablespoons of putty and then roll it into a 3/4-inch thick rope. Position the putty on the edge of the rabbet. Then, rest the blade of your putty knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame rabbet. Pull the knife across the glass's edge in a smooth, straight line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat the procedure with the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape away the excess putty.
Take the broken Pane
A broken pane in a French-style door not just an eye sore however, it could also be a safety risk. Replacing a pane of glass in a French door can be done in a couple of steps and is typically less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete this work themselves, however professional assistance is available if the project requires special skills or tools.
Begin by removing the broken pane of glass and clean any broken or cracked pieces from the frame. It is crucial to wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting shards glass in your face or eyes. Clean the glass pane opening to get rid of any caulking or putty that was used to keep the old pane in place.
The next step is to eliminate any molding or trim that holds the glass in place. This can be tricky, as it will likely require some prying to get the molding loose. This is why it's a good idea to wear a protective suit, and have someone help you in the process of prying if you need help. Label the pieces that you're removing so that they can be returned to their original position.
The installation of the new glass is easy once the molding has been removed. Measure the dimensions of the opening for the glass pane, and then go to an online glass shop to purchase a glass that is new for your French door. It's a good idea to buy a piece made of safety glass since it will not break as easily should your French doors break again.
When you're ready to install the glass piece ensure that it's placed correctly in the opening. Then, you can apply a thin bead of clear silicone caulk around the glass's edge.
You can replace the molding after the caulk is dry. If the original nails did not penetrate the molding, you can hammer in new wire nails to fill the holes left by the previous ones. To avoid the nails splitting the molding, you should first drill the holes. You can make holes using tiny bits from hardware stores that are well-stocked.
How to cut a New Pane Of Glass
Before purchasing a new piece of glass, make sure the frame's dimensions and the edges of the window are in a straight line. You may need to adjust spring clips or metal triangulars that keep it in place if you notice gaps. It is also important to ensure that the new pane is the correct size for the opening. If it's too big, you may experience leaks and other issues.
The first step is to prepare the work surface. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame using a putty blade reveal the bare wood. If the rabbets are too rough to smooth with the putty knife, lightly sand them and brush on an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorption of moisture from the wood and shorten its life.
Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, rub the putty until it is soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer using the blade of putty to the inside corner rabbets to create a narrow bed that the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.
Remove any remaining metal pieces from the sash's grooves after the putty has dried. Wear safety goggles prior to trying to remove the points in order to ensure that you are safe from shards of glass. A heat gun set to an low setting can help you to warm and loosen the steel so you can bend it away from the frame using pliers.
Place the glass in place to check the fit. Adjust the glass as necessary before securing it using spring clips or triangulars made of metal. Check that the gap between the frame and glass is uniform on all sides. Check the movement of the window sash and make sure the new pane does not interfere with the opening or closing. If you find any problems with the installation, consult an expert who specializes in restoration to assist you repair and preserve your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before installing the new glass It is important to test the fit to ensure it fits snugly. Find the height and width of the window opening by measuring from the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement to determine the size of glass you need. It is easier to install the pane if you slightly undersize it. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. You can bring your measurements to the hardware store or the home centre and they cut the glass for you. You can cut the glass yourself if you have a huge sheet on hand.
After removing french door glass replacement and cleaning the window sash grooves. Remove any metal glazing points used to hold the previous pane. This can be done using a scraper that is a type of pull, or a Chisel. If the grooves are filled of hardened putty, slowly soften it by using a heating gun. Be sure to cover the surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil to protect them from the heat.
It is also possible to use an exterior primer to keep the putty from absorbing the natural oils. Also, clean the grooves in the sash.
Knead a small amount putty until it's soft and warm, then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. At this stage, neatness is not important. Press the new pane in the rabbets, and then move it using your fingers.
If there are any holes in the frame of wood around the glass, fill the holes with silicone caulk prior to installing the new pane of glass. If the frame is equipped with other mechanisms for fastening, like L-channels for example, employ a hammer for prying them out from the sash grooves. Check the frame for shards of glass that may have broken free during removal, and remove them before proceeding. To keep pests and water from entering the house put a clear silicone caulk on the bottom edge of frame where it meets floor.