Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively simple to replace a damaged glass pane inside the French Door. Cleaning the glass trimming and molding, then removing the trim and then installing a new pane is all that's needed.
French doors are made of multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars. They are also known as mullions. french door glass replacement are available in a variety of configurations and can also include triple-pane glass in order to boost energy efficiency, reduce sound and reduce the glare.
How do you replace a damaged pane of glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles prior to replacing the glass. This will shield you from any broken glass fragments that might fall during the process. Also, work in a garage or other open space and keep children out from the area. 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 knife, scrape off any old caulking or glazing material around the edge of the window sash. Be careful not to scratch the wood molding that holds the window in place, since you'll need it in the future to support the new pane.
If you're working with a steel-casement window The window may be secured with metal glazing points. These points, along with the old putty, will need to be removed before you can take the pane from the frame. A paint scraper or a Chisel can be used, but if you find that the putty is too difficult to pry out, gradually soften it with a heating gun. Keep the heat gun about an inch from the glass and move it backwards and forwards to spread the warmth. Place two sheets of aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to keep them from cracking because of the heat.
After you have removed the old glass, use a damp cloth and clean the inside of the window sash to get rid of any dirt or dust. It is now time to install a new piece of glass.
To cut a piece of glass to size, first determine the width and the height of the opening. To purchase a glass pane that will fit into the door frame, take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores will cut a piece glass for you if you supply the measurement.
Warm up a few tablespoons of putty and then roll it into a 3/4-inch rope. Position the putty against one edge of the exposed rabbet, and rest your putty knife's blade at a 45-degree angle to the frame's rabbet. The knife should be pulled along the edge of the glass in a straight, smooth line to cut a piece of the pane. Repeat with the remaining edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A broken glass pane in a French-styled door is not only an eyesore however, it could also be a safety risk. Replacing a pane of glass in a French door can be done in a few simple steps and is typically less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners are able to perform this task on their own, but professional assistance is available to those who require specialized tools or skills.
Begin by removing the broken sheet of glass, then cleaning up any cracked or shattered fragments from the frame. It is essential to wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid getting shards glass in your eyes or face. Then, clean the glass opening to eliminate any caulking or putty that was used to hold the previous pane in place.
The next step is to remove any molding or trim that holds the glass in place. This can be tricky since it could require some prying to get the molding off. This is why it's best to wear your protective gear and to have someone assist you in the process of prying if you need help. Label the pieces that you are removing so you can put them back in their original position.
Once the molding has been removed after which you can start installing the new pane of glass. Visit a glass shop and take measurements of the glass's opening. It is a good idea to purchase a piece of security glass, as it won't break as easily in the event that your French doors break again.
Once you're ready to set up the new piece of glass make sure that it's aligned properly in the opening. Apply a thin layer of clear silicone caulk to the edge of the glass.
You can change the molding after the caulk dries. If the original nails 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 cutting the molding, you must pre-drill the holes first. You can drill holes using tiny bits from hardware stores that are well-stocked.
How to cut a New Pane Of Glass
Before you purchase a new pane of glass, make sure the frame's spacing and the edges of the window are in a straight line. If you notice any gaps, you may need to adjust the spring clips or metal triangles that hold it to the frame. You also need to make sure that the new pane is adequate 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 preparing a work surface. Scrape the old compound off the frame's sides using a putty knife to reveal the bare wood. If the rabbets are too rough for you to smooth with the putty knife gently sand them and brush on an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorbing moisture from the wood, which will reduce its life span.
Once the frame is clean and prepped, warm a handful of putty by kneading until it's soft and malleable. Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer to the inside corner of the rabbets. This creates an even bed for the glass to rest against. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.
Once the putty has dried, remove any remaining metal glazing points from the grooves in the sash. Before you attempt to remove them, put on goggles with safety features to shield yourself from glass fragments. A heat gun set to an low setting can help you gently warm up and loosen the metal to allow you to bend it out of the frame with pliers.
After the glass and frame are set, test the frame by sliding it into the frame. Adjust the glass as needed before you secure it with spring clips or triangulars made of metal. Check that the gap between the frame and the glass is even across all sides. Test the movement of the window sash to ensure the new pane will not interfere with the closing or opening. If you encounter any issues regarding the installation, consult an expert who specializes in restoration to assist you repair and preserve your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass pane to ensure that it fits properly before putting it up. 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 determine the size of glass you should purchase. It will be easier to install the glass when you are a little smaller than. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. Bring your measurements to an hardware store or home center and have them cut a piece glass for you. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if happen to have a large sheet of stock glass handy.
After the old pane of glass is removed, you must 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 to accomplish this job. If the grooves have a lot of putty that has been hardened you can soften it by using a heating gun. Cover the moldings and windows with aluminum foil in order to shield them from heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets in which the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer over them to prevent the putty from drawing out its natural oils and shortening its life. You should also wipe down the sash in order to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves.
Knead a small amount putty until it is warm and flexible, then press it into the rabbets in which the glass will go. At this point, the neatness is not important. Put the new pane into the rabbets, then move it around and apply consistent pressure with your fingers to make sure that it's placed in the right place.
Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other fixing mechanisms, such as L channels, you can use an hammer and pull them out of the sash grooves. Examine the frame for glass fragments that may have broken free during removal, and then remove them prior to continuing. Finally, put a coat of clear silicone caulk on the bottom of the frame where it connects to the floor to keep pests and water out of the home.