Replacing French Door Glass
It is fairly simple to replace a damaged glass pane in a French Door. It involves cleaning the pane of glass trimming or molding and installing a new window pane.
French doors are made of multiple glass panes, which are separated by muntin bars. They are also referred to as mullions. They are available in a variety of styles and can include triple-pane glass to improve energy efficiency, cut down on sound and reduce the glare.
How to replace a broken Pane of Glass
Before beginning you begin, put on a pair of rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any shards of broken glass that might fall off during the replacement process. Work in an open area such as garages, and keep kids away. For easier access it is recommended to remove the window frame from its sill. However you can still replace the pane, but without removing the entire frame.
Begin by scraping away any old glazing compound or caulking around the edge of the sash using a putty knife. You don't want damage to the wood molding holding the window in place. You'll need it to hold the new pane.
If you are working with a casement window made of steel it could be secured by the metal glazing points. These points, as well as the old putty, will have to be removed prior to you can remove the window 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. Hold the heat gun an inch from the glass and move it backwards and forwards to spread the warmth. Place two sheets of aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to keep them from cracking due to the heat.
After you've removed the old glass, use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the window sash to get rid of any dirt or dust. You can now put in a new piece of glass.
To cut a glass piece to size, first measure the width and height of the existing opening. To order a new glass pane that will fit into the door frame, measure these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores will cut a piece glass for you, if you give them the measurement.
Warm a handful of putty in your hands and roll it into a rope that is 3/4 inch thick. 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. To cut a portion of the pane, pull the knife in a straight and straight line across the glass's edge. Repeat the process with the remaining edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A broken glass pane in a French-styled door is not just an eye sore but can also pose a security risk. It's easy to replace a glass pane on the French style of door and is generally less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can complete the task on their own, however professional assistance is available for those who require specialized tools or know-how.
Start by getting rid of any cracked or broken fragments of the frame. It is essential to wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid getting shards of glass in your face or eyes. Then, clean the glass pane's opening to remove any residual caulking or putty used to hold the old pane in place.
The next step is to take off the molding or trim that is holding the glass in place. This can be tricky because it may require some effort to pry the molding out. Wearing protective equipment and having someone help you in prying is an ideal idea. Label the items you're removing so that they can be returned to their original location.
Installing the new glass is easy after the molding has been removed. Measure the dimensions of the glass pane opening, and then go to an establishment that sells glass to purchase a new glass for your French door. It is a good idea to purchase a piece of security glass, since it won't shatter as easily if your French doors break again.
When you're ready to install the new piece of glass, make sure it's aligned properly in the opening. Apply a thin layer of clear silicone caulk to the edges of the glass.
Once the caulk has dried after drying, you can put in a new molding. If the nails that were used originally did not penetrate the molding, you can hammer in new wire nails to fill in the holes left by the previous ones. To prevent the nails from splitting the molding, it is recommended to pre-drill the holes first. You can drill holes using tiny bits from the hardware store that is well stocked.
How to cut a New Pane Of Glass
Make sure you check the spacing between the frame of the window and around the edges prior to ordering a replacement pane. You may have to adjust spring clips or metal triangulars that hold it in place if you find gaps. You also need to ensure that the new pane is appropriate size for the opening. If it's too large, you could experience leaks or other issues after it is installed.
The first step is preparing a work surface. With a putty knife scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame, leaving bare wood. If the rabbets of the frame are too rough to smooth using a knife, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glazing from absorbing moisture from wood, thereby reducing its lifespan.
Once the frame is cleaned and prepared, knead the putty until it is soft and malleable. Use the putty knife apply a thin layer to the inside corners of the rabbets, forming an even bed for the glass to rest upon. Repeat the process for the other edges of the rabbets.
Remove any remaining metal points that remain in the sash's grooves when the putty has dried. Wear safety goggles prior to trying to remove the points in order to protect yourself from shards of glass. Heat guns on low settings can be used to gently heat the metal and loosen it up so that it is possible to remove it with pliers.
After the glass and frame are set, test the frame by sliding it into place. Make any necessary adjustments prior to securing it in place with the spring clips or metal triangles. Check that the gap between the frame and glass is uniform across all sides. Test the movement of the window sash to ensure the new pane will not interfere with the closing or opening. Speak with a restoration specialist should you encounter any issues during the installation. They can assist you to fix and preserve your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass pane to ensure that it fits snugly before putting it in place. Take measurements of the width and height 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. By slightly undersizing the glass, you will make it easier to install and provide room for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. You can bring your measurements to the hardware store or home centre and they will cut a piece for you. You can also cut the glass yourself, in the event that you have a large sheet available.
After removing the old glass pane, clean the window sash grooves. Remove any glazing points used to hold the old pane. A paint scraper that is a pull type or a chisel will work for this task. If the grooves have an abundance of putty that has been hardened, you can gradually soften it with a heat gun. Cover surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil in order to keep them safe from heat.
You can also use an exterior primer to stop the putty from absorbing its natural oils. It is also recommended to clean the grooves of the sash.
Knead a small amount of 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 replace french door into the rabbets, then move it around and apply consistent pressure with your fingers to ensure it's properly seated.
Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then install the new glass. If the frame has any other fastening mechanisms, like L-channels, you can make use of a hammer to pull them out of the sash grooves. Check the frame for glass shards that might have broken during removal, and take them out of them before proceeding. To keep water and pests from entering your home, apply a clear silicone caulk to the frame's bottom edge where it meets the floor.