Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a broken piece of glass in a French door is a simple DIY project. Cleaning the glass trimming and molding, then removing the trim and then putting in a new pane is all that's needed.
French doors feature multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars. They are also known as Mullions. They come in a broad range of configurations and can be triple-paned in order to reduce the noise and reduce the glare.
How to replace a damaged Pane of Glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles before beginning to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass shards that might fall during the process. Work in an open area, such as a garage and keep your children out. It's best to remove the window frame from the sill for better access and maneuverability However, you can replace a pane, without taking the entire window out of the frame.
With a putty-blade, scrape off any old caulking or glazing material around the edges 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 pane.
If you're working with a steel casement windows, it may be secured by the metal glazing points. You'll need to remove these, as well as the old putty before you can get the pane out of the frame. Paint scraper or chisel can work. If the putty is difficult to remove, you could employ a heat gun in order to soften it. Hold the heat gun an inch from the glass, and move it forward and backwards to spread the warmth. Double-up the aluminum foil, then place it on the glass adjacent to it. This will prevent them from breaking due to heat.
Once the old glass has been removed, wipe down the inside of the window sash using a damp cloth to clean off any dirt or dust. Then you can install a new pane of glass.
To cut a piece of glass to size, first measure the width and height of the existing opening. Note these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to order a new pane that will fit easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you when they have the measurements.
Warm up a handful of putty and roll it into a 3/4-inch thick rope. Position the putty on the edge of the rabbet. Then, rest the blade of your knife at a 45 degree angle against the frame rabbet. Move the knife along the glass's edge in a straight, smooth line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat french door glass replacement with the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape off the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A broken pane in a French-styled door is not just an eye-sore however, it could also be a safety risk. Replacing glass in a French door is done in a couple of 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 task requires special skills or tools.
Begin by getting rid of any cracked or broken pieces of the frame. It is essential to wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting shards glass in your face or eyes. Then, clean the glass pane's opening to get rid of any remaining caulking or putty that was used to hold the old pane in place.
Next, you need to take off any molding or trim that held the glass in place. This can be tricky because it may require some effort to pry the molding off. This is why it's a good idea to wear a protective suit, and to have someone assist you with the prying if necessary. Label the items you are removing so you can return them to their original location.
Once the molding has been removed after which you can start installing the new glass pane. Go to a glass store and measure the opening of the glass. It is a good idea to buy a piece made of safety glass, since it won't break as easily should your French doors break again.
When you are ready to install your new piece of glass in the opening, make sure that it is aligned correctly. Then, you can apply a thin bead of clear silicone caulk over the glass's edge.
You can replace the molding after the caulk dries. If the nails that were originally used didn't push through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes left by the old nails. To prevent the nails from breaking the molding, you must drill the holes prior to drilling them. A well-stocked hardware store carries very thin bits that you can use to drill holes.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window and around the edges prior to ordering an additional pane. If you find any gaps, you may need to adjust the spring clips or the metal triangles that hold the glass in place. You should also make sure that the new pane you purchase is the right size for the opening. If it's too big, you may experience leakage and other problems.
The first step is to make the work surface. Utilizing a putty blade, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame, leaving bare wood. If the rabbets are too rough for you to smooth with the putty knife then lightly sand them, and then apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorbing moisture from wood, thereby reducing its lifespan.
Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, knead the putty until it is soft and malleable. Utilize the putty knife to apply a thin layer to the inside corner of the rabbets. This creates a narrow bed for the glass to rest against. Repeat the process on the other edges of the rabbets.
Remove any remaining metal points that remain in the grooves of the sash after the putty has dried. Wear safety goggles before attempting to remove the points in order to ensure that you are safe from shards of glass. Heat guns on low settings can be used to gently heat the metal and loosen it up so that you can remove it using pliers.
Place the glass in place to test fit. Make any adjustments needed before securing it in place with the spring clips or metal triangles. Make sure that the gap between the frame and glass is even on all sides. Examine the movement of the window sash, and make sure that the new glass does not interfere with the closing or opening. Consult a restoration specialist in case you have any issues during the installation. They can help you repair and maintain your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass to ensure that it is snug before putting it up. Measure the width and height of the window's opening, in relation to the outside edges of the L-channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement in order to determine the size of glass you require. By slightly undersizing the glass, you will allow it to be installed more easily and will allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. Take your measurements to a hardware store or home center and have them cut a piece glass for you. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if happen to have a large sheet of stock glass handy.
After the old pane glass is removed, clean the window sash grooves and remove any metal glazing points that held the old pane in place. A pull-type paint scraper or a chisel can be used for this task. If the grooves have an abundance of putty that is hardened you can soften it using a heat gun. Be careful to cover surrounding windows and molding with aluminum foil to protect them from the heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets where the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer over them to help prevent the putty from absorbing its natural oils and shortening its life. It is also recommended to clean the sash to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves.
Press a small amount into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. At this point, it's not about neatness. Place the new pane in the rabbets. Then, move it around and apply a consistent pressure with your fingers to make sure it's seated properly.
If there are holes in the frame of wood around the glass, you can fill the holes with silicone caulk prior to installing the new glass pane. If the frame has any other fastening mechanisms, like L channels, make use of an hammer and pull them out of the sash grooves. Get rid of any shards that might have escaped in the removal of the frame. To keep pests and water from entering your home Apply a clear silicone caulk on the frame's bottom edge at the point where it joins floor.