Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a damaged pane of glass in a French door is a relatively simple DIY project. Cleaning the glass trimming and molding, then removing the trim and then putting in a new pane is all that's required.
french door repairs repairmywindowsanddoors are made of multiple glass panes, separated by muntin bars for functional purposes, also known as Mullions. They are available in a variety of styles and can include triple-pane glass in order to boost energy efficiency, reduce sound and reduce glare.
How do you replace a damaged pane of glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses before beginning to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass fragments that may fall during the process. Work in a space that is open, such as a garage and keep your children out. For easier access it is recommended to remove the window frame from its sill. However, you can still replace a single pane without removing the entire frame.
With a putty knife use a putty blade to scrape off any caulking or glazing compound around the edges of the window sash. Be careful not to scratch the wood molding that holds the window in place, as you'll need it later to hold the new pane.
If you're working with a steel-casement windows, the window may be held in place with glazing points made of steel. It is necessary to remove these, as well as the old putty before you can take the glass out of the frame. A paint scraper or chisel could work. If the putty is too hard to get rid of, you can use a heat gun to soften it. Keep the heat gun approximately one inch from the glass and move it back and forth to spread 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 you have removed the old glass, use a damp cloth and wipe the inside of the window sash to remove any dirt or dust. Now you can put in a new piece of glass.
Take measurements of the width and height to determine the size of the glass. To purchase a new glass pane that is sized to fit inside the door frame, take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores can cut a piece of glass for you if they have the measurements.
Warm up a few tablespoons of putty, then roll it into a 3/4-inch rope. Position the putty against one side of the rabbet and place the blade of your putty knife at a 45-degree angle with the frame's 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 the process with the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape off the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A broken glass pane in a French door isn't just an eye ailment, it's a safety hazard. It's simple to replace a glass pane on a French-style door and it's typically less expensive than replacing the whole door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete this work themselves, however professional assistance is available if the project requires special tools or skills.
Start by getting rid of any cracked or broken pieces of the frame. Wear safety glasses and gloves to prevent glass shards from getting in your eyes or on your face. 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.
The next step is to eliminate any molding or trim that holds the glass in place. This isn't easy because it may require some prying to break the molding out. This is why it's important to wear a protective suit, and have someone help you with the prying if necessary. Label the items you're removing so that they can be returned to their original positions.
Once the molding has been removed after which you can start installing the new pane of glass. Visit a glass store and measure the glass's opening. It is recommended to purchase security glass for your French door, as it will not shatter easily in the event of a break.
When you are ready to put the glass in the opening, make sure it is aligned properly. Apply a thin layer of clear silicone caulk to the edge of the glass.
You can replace the molding after the caulk is dry. If the original nails did not pull through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. To prevent the nails from splitting the molding, it is recommended to first drill the holes. A well-stocked hardware store has tiny bits that you can use to drill holes.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Before you purchase a new pane of glass, ensure that the frame's dimensions and the edges of the window are in a straight line. If you find any gaps, you might require adjusting the spring clips or metal triangles that hold it to the frame. You should also make sure 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 a work surface. Using a putty knife, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame. This will expose the wood. If the frames' rabbets are too rough to smooth out using a knife, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glass from absorption of moisture from the wood, and will reduce its lifespan.
After the frame has been cleaned and ready to be used then warm a small amount of putty by kneading it until soft and malleable. Use the putty knife apply a thin layer to the inside corner of the rabbets, creating an even bed for the glass to rest against. Repeat the process on the other edges that are exposed on the rabbets.
Remove any remaining metal points from the grooves of the sash when the putty has dried. Before you attempt to remove them, put on goggles that are safe to protect yourself from glass shards. The low setting of heat guns can be used to gently warm the metal and loosen it so that you can remove it by using pliers.
Once the glass and frame are in place, test it by sliding it into place. Make any adjustments needed before attaching it to the frame using spring clips or metal triangles. Check that the distance between the frame and glass is even and uniform across all sides. Also, test the sash's movement to make sure that the new pane will not interfere with closing or opening the window. If you have any issues 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
Test-fit the glass pane to ensure that it is snug before putting it up. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening by measuring it to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to find the size of glass you should purchase. By slightly undersizing the glass, you will make it easier to install and provide room 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. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if happen to have a huge sheet of stock glass handy.
Once the old pane of glass has been removed, you must remove the window sash grooves, and take off any glazing points made of metal which held the previous pane in place. A paint scraper that is a pull type or a chisel will work to accomplish this job. If the grooves are full of hardened putty, gradually soften it with a heat gun. Be sure to cover windows and molding with aluminum foil to shield them from the heat.
You can also 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 where the glass will be placed. Neatness isn't important at this point. Put the new pane into the rabbets, then move it around and apply a consistent pressure using your fingers to ensure it's properly seated.
If there are any holes in the wood frame around the glass, fill the holes with silicone caulk prior to installing the new glass. If the frame has other fastening mechanisms, like L channels, use the hammer to pry them from the sash grooves. Remove any shards that may have become loose during the removal of the frame. Finally, put a coat of clear silicone caulk on the bottom edge of the frame where it meets the floor to keep pests and water out of the home.