Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a damaged pane of glass on a French door is a simple DIY project. Cleaning the glass trimming and molding, then removing the trim and then putting in the new pane is all that's required.
French doors have multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars. They are also referred to as Mullions. They come in a wide range of configurations, and can be triple-paned to cut down noise and control glare.
How to replace a broken Pane of Glass
Before starting, put on rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken pieces of glass that may fall off during the replacement process. Also work in a garage or an open space and keep children out from the area. It is best to remove the window frame from the sill to allow better accessibility and maneuverability, but you can also replace a pane without taking the entire window out of the frame.
Start by scraping off any old glazing compound or caulking around the edges of the sash with a putty knife. You don't want to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place. You'll need it to support the new pane.
If you're working with a steel casement windows it might be held in position by metal glazing points. It is necessary to remove these as well as the old putty before you can remove the window out of the frame. A paint scraper or a tool like a chisel will work, but if you find that the putty's too hard to pry out, gradually soften it using a heat gun. Hold the heat gun an inch away from the glass, then move it forward and backwards to spread the warmth. 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, apply a damp cloth and wipe the inside of the window sash to get rid of any dust or dirt. It is now time to put in a new piece of glass.
Take measurements of the width and height to determine the dimensions of the glass. To purchase a glass pane that will fit 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 of glass for you, if you give them the measurement.
Warm up a small amount of putty, then roll it into a 3/4-inch wide rope. Place the putty along the edge of the exposed rabbet. Then, rest the blade of your putty-knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame rabbet. The knife should be pulled along the glass's edge in a straight, smooth line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat with the remaining edges of the glass and then scrape away the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A broken glass pane in a French-style door not only an eyesore however, it could also pose a security risk. Replacing glass in a French door is done in a few simple steps and is typically less costly than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can complete the task by themselves, however professional assistance is available to those who require specialized tools or skills.
Begin by removing the broken pane of glass and cleaning up any cracked or shattered fragments from the frame. It is important to wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting shards of glass in your eyes or face. Then, clean the glass pane's opening to get rid of any caulking or putty used to hold the old pane in place.
The next step is to take off any trim or molding that was holding the pane of glass in place. This isn't easy since it could require some effort to pry the molding loose. This is why it's best to wear your protective gear and ask someone to assist you in the process of prying if you need help. It's also a good idea to identify the pieces you're taking off, so that you can put them back in place when you're ready.
Installing the new glass is simple once the molding has been removed. 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 will not shatter as easily if your French doors break again.
Once you're ready to set up the glass piece make sure that it's aligned properly in the opening. Apply a thin layer clear silicone caulk on the edge of the glass.
After the caulk is dry it is possible to replace the molding. If the original nails didn't penetrate the molding, you can hammer in new wire nails to fill in the holes left behind by the old ones. To stop the nails from cutting the molding, you must pre-drill the holes first. You can drill holes using very thin bits from hardware stores that are well stocked.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Before purchasing a new piece of glass, ensure that the frame's spacing and the edges of the window are equal. replace french door repairmywindowsanddoors may have to adjust spring clips or metal triangulars to hold it in place if you find gaps. Also, you should ensure that the new pane you purchase is appropriate for the opening. If it's too large it could cause leaks or other issues.
The first step is preparing the work surface. With a putty knife scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame. This will expose bare wood. If the rabbets are too rough to smooth with a putty knife gently sand them and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glaze from absorbing moisture from the wood, shortening its lifespan.
Once the frame is cleaned and prepared, knead some putty until it becomes soft and malleable. Utilize the putty knife to apply a thin layer to the inside corners of the rabbets. This creates an elongated bed for the glass to rest upon. Repeat the process for the remaining exposed edges.
After the putty is dry take any remaining metal glazing points that are stuck in the grooves of the sash. Before attempting to remove them, wear goggles that are safe to protect yourself from glass fragments. Heating guns with low settings can be used to gently warm the metal, allowing it to loosen so that you can remove it with pliers.
Slide the glass into place to test fit. Make any necessary adjustments prior to attaching it to the frame using spring clips or metal triangles. Make sure the gap between the frame and glass is consistent across all sides. Check the movement of the window sash to make sure the new pane does not interfere with the closing or opening. If you find any problems with the installation, you should consult an expert in restoration to help you restore and maintain your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before you install the new pane of glass It is important to test the fit to ensure it is snugly fitted. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening taking measurements to the outside edges of the L-channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement to determine the size of glass you need. By slightly undersizing the glass, you will make it easier to install and will allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. You can bring your measurements to a hardware store or the home centre and they cut the glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself when you have a large sheet on hand.
After removing the glass pane, clean the window sash grooves. Remove any glazing points used to hold the previous pane. This can be done using a scraper that is a type of pull, or a chipper. If the grooves have lots of putty that is hardened it is possible to gradually soften it with a heat gun. Cover the moldings and windows with aluminum foil in order to keep them safe from heat.
You can also use an exterior primer to keep the putty from absorbing its natural oils. You should also clean the grooves in the sash.
Put a small amount of the mixture into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. At this point, the it's not about neatness. Press the new pane into the rabbets, then move it around and apply even pressure using your fingers to ensure it's seated properly.
Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other mechanisms for fastening such as L-channels, make use of a hammer to pull them out of the sash grooves. Examine the frame for shards of glass that may have shattered during removal, and remove them before proceeding. To keep water and pests from entering the house, apply a clear silicone caulk over the frame's bottom edge where it meets the floor.