Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a damaged pane of glass on a French door is a relatively simple DIY project. It involves cleaning the pane of glass and removing molding or trim and installing a new window pane.
French doors are made of multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars for functional purposes which are also referred to as Mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and can also include triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency, reduce sound and minimize glare.
How to replace a broken Pane of Glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses before you begin to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass fragments that may fall during the process. Also work in a garage or other open space, and keep children away from the area. To make it easier to access the area, it's best to remove the window frame from its ledge. However you can still change one pane of glass without having to remove the entire frame.
With a putty blade use a putty blade to scrape off any old caulking or glazing material around the edges of the window sash. You don't want to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place. You'll need it to hold the new window.
If you're working with a window made of steel, the window may be held in place with glazing points made of metal. These points, as well as the old putty, need to be removed before you can take the pane from the frame. A paint scraper or a Chisel can be used however if you discover that the putty's too hard to pry out, gradually soften it with a heat gun. The heat gun should be held about 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.
Once the old glass is removed, clean the inside of the window sash using a damp cloth to wash off any dust or dirt. Then you can install a new glass pane.
To cut a glass piece to size first, take measurements of the width and height of the opening. To purchase a new 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 glass for you, if you give them the measurement.
Warm a small amount of putty in your hands before rolling it into a rope that is 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty on the edge of the rabbet and rest the blade of your putty-knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame rabbet. The knife should be pulled across the edge of the glass in a smooth, straight line to cut a portion of the pane. Repeat with the other edges of the glass, and then scrape away the excess putty.
Take off the broken Pane
A glass pane that has been broken in a French door isn't just an eye ailment, it's a safety hazard. It's easy to replace a pane in a French-style door and it's usually cheaper than replacing the whole door panel. Most homeowners can handle this work themselves, however professional assistance is available in the event that the project requires special tools or skills.
Begin by removing the broken pane of glass and cleaning up any cracked or shattered fragments from the frame. Wear safety glasses and gloves to stop glass shards from entering your eyes or onto your face. Then, clean out the glass's opening to remove any caulking or putty you used to hold the previous pane in place.
The next step is to eliminate any trim or molding holding the glass in place. It can be difficult to pull the molding out. Wearing protective equipment and having a person help you with the prying is an excellent idea. It is also a good idea to label the pieces you're pulling off, so that you can put them back in place at the appropriate time.
Installing the glass is easy after the molding has been removed. Visit a glass shop and measure the glass's opening. You should purchase safety glass for your French door, since it won't break easily if it breaks again.
When you are ready to put the glass inside the opening, make sure that it is aligned properly. Then, apply a fine bead of clear silicone caulk over the edge of the glass.
You can replace the molding after the caulk dries. If the original nails did not pull through the molding you can hammer in new wire nails to fill the holes left behind by the old nails. By drilling the holes prior to drilling, you can prevent the nails from splitting through the molding. A well-stocked hardware store has extremely thin bits that you can use to drill the holes.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Check the spacing around the frame of the window and around the edges prior to ordering a replacement pane. It is possible to adjust spring clips or metal triangulars that hold it in place if there are gaps. repair french doors is also important to ensure that the new pane is a suitable size for your opening; if it's too large, you could experience leakage or other problems when it's put in.
The first step is to create the work surface. With a putty knife scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame, leaving the wood. If the rabbets on the frame are too rough to smooth out with a putty blade, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glaze from drawing moisture from the wood, which will reduce its life span.
After the frame has been cleaned and ready and ready to be used, warm a few tablespoons of putty by kneading it until it's soft and malleable. Use the putty knife apply a thin layer of it to the inside corners of the rabbets. This creates an even bed for the glass to rest on. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.
Once the putty has dried take any remaining metal glazing points from the grooves within the sash. Before you attempt to remove them, wear goggles with safety features to shield yourself from glass shattering. The low setting of heat guns can be used to gently heat the metal, allowing it to loosen so that it is possible to remove it using pliers.
When the frame and glass are in place, test it by sliding it into place. Make any necessary adjustments prior to attaching it to the frame using the spring clips or metal triangles. Make sure the gap between the frame and the glass is consistent across all sides. Check the movement of the window sash, and make sure the new pane does not hinder the closing or opening. If you find any problems regarding the installation, consult a professional specializing in restoration to assist you repair and preserve your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before installing the new glass You should fit it by testing to make sure it is snugly fitted. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening by measuring to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to find the size of the glass you need to purchase. It is easier to install the pane if you slightly undersize it. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. You can take your measurements to the hardware store or the home centre and they will cut a piece of glass for you. You can cut the glass yourself, if you have a large piece on hand.
After removing the glass pane and cleaning the window sash grooves. Remove any metal glazing points that were used to support the previous pane. A pull-type paint scraper or a chisel can be used for this task. If the grooves have lots of putty that is hardened, you can gradually soften it with a heat gun. Be careful to cover surrounding windows and molding with aluminum foil to shield them from heat.
It is also possible to use an exterior primer to keep the putty from absorbing its natural oils. It is also recommended to clean the sash to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves.
Place a small amount of it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. At this point, it's not about neatness. Press the new pane in the rabbets and then wiggle it with your fingers.
Fill any holes in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other fastening mechanisms, like L-channels, you can use a hammer to pry them out of the sash grooves. Inspect the frame for glass fragments that may have broken free during removal, and remove them prior to continuing. Finally, put a coat of clear silicone caulk on the bottom of the frame, where it joins the floor to keep water and pests out of your home.