Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively easy to replace a damaged glass pane inside a French door. Cleaning the glass trimming and molding, then removing the trim, then installing a new pane is all that's required.
French doors feature multiple glass panes, separated by functional muntin bars, also known as Mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and can include triple-pane glass in order to boost energy efficiency, cut down on sound and control glare.
How do you replace a damaged glass pane
Before you start, put on gloves made of rubber and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that may fall off during the replacement process. Work in an open area such as a garage and keep your children out. To make it easier to access the area it is recommended to remove your window frame from its sill. However you can still replace the pane, but without removing the entire frame.
With a putty blade, scrape off any old caulking or glazing compound around the edges of the window sash. You don't want damage to the wood molding that holds the window in place. It will be needed to hold the new pane.
If you're working with a steel casement windows, it may be anchored by metal glazing points. These points, as well as the old putty, will have to be removed prior to you can remove the pane from the frame. Paint scraper or chisel will work. If the putty is hard to get rid of, you can make use of a heat gun to soften it. replacement french doors should be held about 1 inch away from the glass and move it around to distribute the heat. Double-up the aluminum foil, then place it on the adjacent panes. This will prevent them from breaking due to the heat.
After removing the old glass, use a damp cloth and clean the inside of the window sash to get rid of any dirt or dust. You can now install a new piece glass.
To cut a piece of glass to size first, determine the width and the height of the opening. To purchase a new glass pane that fits into the door frame, measure these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores will cut a piece for you if they have the measurements.
Warm a handful of putty in your hands before rolling it into a length of 3/4 inch thick. Position the putty on the edge of the exposed rabbet and rest the blade of your putty-knife at a 45 degree angle against the frame rabbet. The knife should be pulled across the edge of the glass in a smooth, straight line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat with the other edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A broken pane of glass in a French door isn't just an eye ailment it's a risk to your safety. Replacing glass in a French door is done in a couple of steps and is typically less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners are able to complete the task by themselves, however professional assistance is available for those who require specific tools or skills.
Start by taking out any cracked or broken pieces of the frame. It is important to wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid getting shards of glass in your eyes or face. Clean the glass's opening to remove any caulking or putty that was used to keep the previous pane in place.
The next step is to remove the molding or trim that is holding the glass in place. It could be difficult to pull the molding off. This is why it's important to wear your protective gear and ask someone to assist you with the prying if necessary. Label the pieces that you're removing so that they can be returned to their original positions.
Installing the glass is easy after the molding is removed. Measure the dimensions of the glass pane opening and then go to an online glass shop to purchase a piece glass that is new for your French door. It is recommended to purchase security glass for your French door, as it will not shatter easily if it breaks again.
When you are ready to place your new piece of glass in the opening, make sure that it is aligned correctly. Then, apply a fine dot of clear silicone caulk over the glass's edge.
After the caulk has dried, you can replace the molding. If the original nails did not pull through the molding, you can hammer in new wire nails to fill in the holes left by the old ones. The holes should be predrilled to stop the nails from splitting through the molding. You can make holes using tiny bits from a hardware store that is well stocked.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Before you purchase a new pane of glass, make sure the frame's dimensions and the edges of the window are even. You may need to adjust spring clips or triangulars to hold it in place if you notice gaps. Also, you should ensure that the new pane you purchase is the right size for the opening. If it's too big there could be leakage and other problems.
The first step is to prepare an area for work. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame using a putty blade reveal the bare wood. If the rabbets of the frame are too rough to smooth out using a putty knife, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glazing from drawing moisture from the wood, which will reduce its life span.
After the frame has been cleaned and prepared, you can knead some putty until it is soft and malleable. Use the putty knife apply a thin layer to the inside of the rabbets. This creates a narrow bed for the glass to rest against. Repeat the process for the other edges of the rabbets.
Remove any remaining metal points from the sash's grooves when the putty has dried. Before you attempt to remove them, wear goggles with safety features to protect yourself from glass fragments. Heat guns on low settings can be used to gently heat the metal, allowing it to loosen so that you can remove it using pliers.
Slide the glass into place to check the fit. Make any adjustments needed before securing it in place with the spring clips or metal triangles. Check that the distance between the frame and the glass is even and uniform across all sides. Also, examine the sash's movement to ensure that the new pane won't interfere with opening or closing the window. Consult a restoration specialist in case you have any issues during the installation. They can help you fix and preserve your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before installing the new glass pane It is important to test the fit to ensure that it is snugly fitted. Find the height and width of the window opening by measuring from the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to find the size of the glass you need to buy. It is easier to install the glass if you slightly undersize it. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contracting of the frame. You can take your measurements to the hardware store or the home centre and they will cut a piece of glass for you. You can cut the glass yourself when you have a large sheet in your possession.
After removing the old glass pane and cleaning the window sash grooves. Remove any metal glazing points that were used to support the previous pane. This can be done using a pull-type paint scraper, or a Chisel. If the grooves are filled of hardened putty, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Cover surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil to protect them from heat.
It is also possible to use an exterior primer to stop the putty from absorbing the natural oils. You should also clean the grooves in the sash.
Press a small amount into the rabbets, in which the glass will be placed. At this point, neatness is not important. Place the new pane into the rabbets, and then move it with your fingers.
If there are holes in the frame of wood around the glass, you can fill them with silicone caulk prior installing the new glass. If the frame has any other fastening mechanisms, like L channels, you can use the hammer to pry them out of the sash grooves. Examine the frame for glass fragments that may have broken free during removal, and remove them before continuing. Then, apply a layer of clear silicone caulk on the bottom of the frame where it meets the floor to keep pests and water out of the home.