Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively easy to replace a damaged glass pane on the French door. It involves cleaning the glass pane trimming or molding and installing a new window pane.
French doors feature multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars. They are also referred to as Mullions. They are available in a variety of configurations and can also include triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency, reduce sound and minimize glare.
How to 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 may fall during the process. Work in a space that is open, such as garages, and keep kids away. It's best to remove the window frame from the sill to allow greater accessibility and mobility 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 compound that is around the edges of the window sash. You don't want damage to the wood molding that holds the window in place. You will need it to hold the new pane.
If you are working with a steel casement window, it may be held in position by the metal glazing points. You'll need to take them off, 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 difficult to get rid of, you can use a heat gun to soften it. Keep the heat gun about an inch from the glass, and move it forwards and backwards to spread the warmth. Place two sheets of aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to prevent them from cracking due to the heat.
Once the old glass is removed, wipe down the inside of the window sash using a damp cloth to clean off any dirt or dust. It is now time to install a new piece glass.
To cut french door replacement of glass to size first, determine the width and the height of the existing opening. To purchase a glass pane that fits into the door frame, take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores will cut a piece for you if they have the measurements.
Warm a small amount of putty in your hands, then roll it into a rope about 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty on the edge of the rabbet. Place the blade of your knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame rabbet. Move the knife across the glass's edge in a smooth, straight line to cut a portion of the pane. Repeat with the other edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A damaged pane of glass in a French-style door is not just an eye sore however, it could also be a safety risk. Replacing a pane of glass in a French door can be done in a couple of steps, and is generally cheaper than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can do this on their own, but professional assistance is available for those who require specialized tools or skills.
Begin by getting rid of any cracked or broken fragments of the frame. Wear safety goggles and gloves to stop glass shards from getting into your eyes or face. Then, clean out the glass opening to remove any caulking or putty that was used to keep the previous pane in place.
The next step is to take off any trim or molding holding the glass in place. This can be tricky since it could require some prying to break the molding out. This is why it's important to wear your protective gear and to have someone assist you with the prying, if needed. It is also a good idea to identify the pieces you're taking off, so you can put them back in place at the right time.
The installation of the new glass is easy after the molding has been removed. Visit a glass store and take measurements of the opening of the glass. It is a good idea to get a piece 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. Then, apply a fine dot of clear silicone caulk over the glass's edge.
After the caulk is dry it is possible to replace the molding. 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 avoid the nails cutting the molding, you must drill the holes prior to drilling them. A well-stocked hardware store has tiny bits that can be used to drill holes.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Before purchasing a new piece of glass, double-check that the frame's spacing and the edges of the window are in a straight line. If you notice any gaps, you may require adjusting the spring clips or triangles that secure it to the frame. You also need to make sure that the new pane is adequate size for your opening. If it's not large, you could face leaks or other issues after it is installed.
The first step is to make a work surface. Utilizing a putty blade, 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 using a knife, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glass from absorbing moisture from the wood, and will reduce its life.
After the frame has been cleaned and prepped and ready to be used, warm a few tablespoons of putty by kneading it until soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer with the blade of putty to the inside of the corner rabbets in order to create a narrow bed on which the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges of the rabbets.
Once the putty has dried take any remaining metal glazing points from the grooves in the sash. Before you attempt to remove them, wear a pair of safety goggles to shield yourself from glass shards. A heat gun set to the lowest setting can help you gently warm and loosen the metal to allow you to bend it away from the frame using pliers.
When the frame and glass are in place, test it by sliding it into place. Adjust the glass as required before securing it with spring clips or triangulars made of metal. Check that the distance between the frame and the glass is even and uniform on all sides, and check the sash's movement to ensure that the new glass will not hinder closing or opening the window. Consult a restoration specialist should you encounter any issues during the installation. They can assist you to restore and protect your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass to ensure that it fits snugly before putting it up. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening in relation to the outside edges of the L-channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement to determine the size of glass you require. It will be easier to install the glass by reducing it slightly. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contracting of the frame. You can take your measurements to a hardware store or home centre and they will cut a piece of glass for you. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if happen to have a huge sheet of stock glass handy.
After the old pane of glass is removed, you should clean the window sash grooves and remove any glazing points made of steel which held the previous pane in place. This can be done using a scraper that is a type of pull, or a Chisel. If the grooves contain a lot of putty that is hardened it is possible to gradually soften it by using a heating gun. Be careful to cover surrounding windows and molding with aluminum foil to protect them from the heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets in which the glass is placed, then brush an exterior primer on them to prevent the putty from drawing out its natural oils and thus reducing its life. It is also recommended to clean the sash to remove dust and dirt from the grooves.
Knead a small amount putty until it's warm and flexible Then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. At this point, it's not about neatness. Place the new pane into the rabbets and then wiggle it with your fingers.
If there are holes in the wood frame around the glass, fill the holes with silicone caulk prior to installing the new pane of glass. If the frame is equipped with other fastening mechanisms, like L channels, use the hammer to pry them out of the sash grooves. Get rid of any shards that might have become loose in the removal of the frame. To keep water and pests from entering the house put a clear silicone caulk on the frame's bottom edge where it meets the floor.