Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively simple to replace a broken glass pane in the French door. Cleaning the glass by removing the molding and trim and then putting in a new pane of glass is all that's needed.
French doors feature multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars for functional purposes also known as Mullions. They are available in a variety of styles and may include triple-pane glass to improve energy efficiency, reduce sound and control the glare.
How do you replace a damaged pane of glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses prior to replacing the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass fragments that could fall during the process. Work in a space that is open, such as a garage, and keep kids away. For better access it is recommended to remove the window frame from its ledge. However, you can still replace the pane, but without removing the entire frame.
With a putty blade scrape away any old caulking or glazing compound that is around the edge of the window sash. Be careful not to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place, since you'll need it in the future to hold the new window.
If you're working with a steel casement window it could be held in position by the 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 employ a heat gun in order to soften it. Keep the heat gun approximately an inch from the glass and move it around to spread the heat. Double the aluminum foil on the other panes to prevent them from cracking due to the heat.
After you have removed the old glass, apply a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the window sash to get rid of any dust or dirt. Then, you can put in a new pane of glass.
Measure the width and height to determine the dimensions of the glass. To purchase a new glass pane that fits into the door frame, you need to take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores will cut a piece glass for you if you provide the measurement.
Warm a small amount of putty in your hands, then roll it into a rope about 3/4 inch thick. Position the putty on the edge of the rabbet and rest the blade of your knife at a 45 degree angle against the frame rabbet. To cut a section from the pane, move the knife in a smooth and straight line along the edge of glass. Repeat with the other edges of the glass, and then scrape away the excess putty.
Take the broken Pane
A broken pane in a French-style door not only an eyesore but can also be a safety risk. Replacing a glass pane in a French door can be accomplished in a few easy steps and is typically less costly than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can do this work themselves, however professional assistance is available if the project requires special skills or tools.
Begin by removing the broken piece of glass and cleaning up any broken or cracked pieces from the frame. It is important to wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting shards of glass on your face or in your eyes. Then, clean the glass pane's opening to get rid of any remaining putty or caulking that was used to hold the old pane in place.
The next step is to take off any trim or molding holding the glass in place. This isn't easy since it could require some effort to pry the molding out. Wearing protective equipment and having a person help you in the process of prying is an ideal idea. It is also a good idea to mark the pieces you're taking off, so that you can return them to their place when you're ready.
Installing the new glass is easy once the molding has been removed. Visit a glass store and take measurements of the opening of the glass. It is recommended to purchase safety glass for your French door, as it will not shatter easily in the event of a break.
When you're ready to install the new piece of glass make sure that it's aligned correctly in the opening. Then, you can apply a thin dot of clear silicone caulk over the glass's edge.
You can change the molding after the caulk dries. If the nails that were used originally did not pull through the molding you can hammer in new wire nails to fill the holes left by the old nails. The holes should be predrilled to prevent the nails from splitting through the molding. A well-stocked hardware store has very thin bits that you can use to drill the holes.
How to cut a new Pane Of Glass
Before you purchase a new pane of glass, double-check that the frame's spacing and the edges of the window are in a straight line. If you see any gaps, you might require adjusting the spring clips or the metal triangles that hold it to the frame. Also, you must make sure that the new pane is a adequate size for your opening. If it's too large, you could face leakage or other problems when it is installed.
The first step is to prepare the work surface. With a putty knife scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame to expose bare wood. If the rabbets are too rough for you to smooth with a putty knife gently sand them and then apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glazing from absorbing moisture from the wood and shorten its life.
Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, rub a handfull of putty until it becomes soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer of it using the putty blade on the inside of the corner rabbets in order to create a narrow bed that the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other edges of the rabbets.
After the putty is dry, remove any remaining metal glazing points that are stuck in the grooves of the sash. Before attempting to remove them, you should wear goggles that are safe to protect yourself from glass fragments. The low setting of heat guns can be used to gently warm the metal and loosen it up so that it is possible to remove it with pliers.
After the glass and frame are in place, test it by sliding it into its place. Make any necessary adjustments prior to fixing it with spring clips or metal triangles. Make sure the gap between the frame and glass is consistent on all sides. Examine the movement of the window sash, and make sure the new pane does not hinder the closing or opening. If you have any issues regarding the installation, consult an expert in restoration to help you restore and maintain your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before you install the new glass It is important to test the fit to make sure it fits snugly. Take measurements of the width and height of the window's opening, in relation to the edges outside of the L-channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to find the size of glass you should purchase. A little undersizing of the pane will make it easier to install and provide room for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. Bring your measurements to a hardware store or home center, and let them cut a piece of glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself if happen to have a large sheet of stock glass.
After the old pane glass has been removed, you must remove the window sash grooves and take off any glazing points made of metal that held the previous pane in place. This can be done with a scraper that is a type of pull, or a Chisel. If the grooves contain an abundance of hardened putty in them, you can gradually soften it by using a heating gun. Cover surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil in order to protect them from heat.
You can also use an exterior primer to prevent the putty from absorbing the natural oils. You should also clean the grooves of the sash.
Knead french door repairs repairmywindowsanddoors of putty until it's warm and flexible Then press it into the rabbets in which the glass will go. At this point, it's not about neatness. Press the new pane in the rabbets and then move it by using your fingers.
Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other fastening mechanisms, like L-channels for example, 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. Finally, put a coat of clear silicone caulk on the bottom edge of the frame, where it joins the floor to keep water and pests out of the home.