Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a damaged pane of glass on a French door is a relatively simple DIY project. Cleaning the glass by removing the molding and trim, then installing a new pane of glass is all that's required.
French doors feature multiple glass panes that are separated by functional muntin bars, also known as mullions. They are available in a variety of configurations and can include triple-pane glass to improve energy efficiency, decrease noise and reduce the glare.
How to replace a broken pane of glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles before beginning to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass fragments that might fall during the process. Also, work in a garage or other open space and keep children away from the area. It's best to remove the window frame from the sill for better access and maneuverability 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 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 hold the new pane.
If you're working with a window made of steel, the window may be secured by glazing points made of metal. You'll need to take them off, as well as the old putty before you can take the glass out of the frame. Paint scraper or chisel can work. If the putty is hard to remove, you could employ a heat gun in order to soften it. Hold the heat gun about 1 inch away from the glass and move it around to distribute the heat. Double the aluminum foil on the other panes to stop them from cracking because of the heat.
After the old glass has been removed, wipe down the inside of the window sash with a damp cloth to wash off any dust or dirt. It is now time to put in a new piece of glass.
To cut a glass piece to size, first measure the width and height of the opening. To order a new glass pane that fits into the door frame, measure 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 few tablespoons of putty, then roll it into a 3/4-inch thick rope. Set the putty in a position that is against one edge of the rabbet and place the blade of your putty knife at a 45-degree angle with the frame's rabbet. To cut a portion of the pane, pull the knife in a straight and straight line across the glass's edge. Repeat the process for the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape off the excess putty.
Take off the broken Pane
A damaged pane of glass in a French-style door is not only an eyesore, but it can also pose a security risk. Replacing glass in a French door is done in a few simple steps, and is generally cheaper than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can handle this task themselves, though professional assistance is available in the event that the project requires specialized skills or tools.
Begin by removing the broken sheet of glass, then clean any cracked or shattered fragments from the frame. It is important to wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid getting shards glass in your eyes or face. Then, clean out the glass opening to remove any caulking or putty used to keep the previous pane in place.
Next, you need to remove any molding or trim that held the pane of glass in place. This can be a challenge since it could require some prying to get the molding loose. This is why it's important to wear your protective gear, and have someone help you with the prying if necessary. Label the items you're removing so that you can put them back in their original location.
The installation of the new glass is simple after the molding has been removed. Take measurements of the opening in the glass pane and then visit an establishment that sells glass to purchase a piece of new glass for your French door. It's a good idea purchase a piece of security glass, as it won't break as easily should your French doors break again.
When you are ready to place your new piece of glass inside the opening, make sure that it is aligned properly. Then, apply a thin bead of clear silicone caulk around the glass's edge.
You can change 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 breaking the molding, you should pre-drill the holes first. You can make holes using tiny bits from the hardware store that is well stocked.
How to 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. If you see any gaps, you could have to adjust the spring clips or triangles that hold the glass in place. You also need to ensure that the new pane is suitable size for your opening. If it's not large, you could face leakage or other issues when it is installed.
The first step is preparing a work surface. Scrape the old compound off the frame's sides using a putty blade expose the wood. If the rabbets on the frame are too rough to smooth out with a putty blade and you want to smooth them out, lightly sand them and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glaze from absorbing moisture from wood, thereby reducing its lifespan.
After the frame has been cleaned and prepared, you can knead a handfull of putty until it's soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer using the blade of putty to the inside corners of the rabbets to create a narrow bed that the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the remaining exposed edges.
When the putty is dry take any remaining metal glazing points that are stuck in the grooves of the sash. Wear safety goggles before attempting to remove the points in order to keep yourself safe from shards glass. A heat gun on an low setting can help you gently warm and loosen the steel so you can bend it out of the frame with pliers.
Once the glass and frame are set, test the frame by sliding it into its place. Adjust the glass as needed before securing it using spring clips or triangulars made of metal. Check that the gap between the frame and glass is consistent across all sides. Examine the movement of the window sash to ensure the new pane will not hinder the closing or opening. If you encounter any issues regarding the installation, consult an expert who specializes in restoration to help you restore and maintain your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before you install the new glass It is important to test the fit to ensure it fits snugly. Find the width and the 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 glass size you need. A little undersizing of the pane will allow it to be installed more easily and will allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. You can take your measurements to a hardware store or the home centre and they will cut a piece for you. Alternatively, french door lock replacement can cut the glass yourself if happen to have a huge sheet of glass in stock.
After removing the old glass pane and cleaning the window sash grooves. Remove any glazing points used to hold the old pane. A pull-type paint scraper or a chisel is ideal for this task. If the grooves contain a lot of putty that is hardened you can soften it using a heat gun. Be sure to cover the surrounding windows and molding with aluminum foil to shield them from heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets where the glass is placed, then brush an exterior primer over them to stop the putty from absorbing its natural oils and thus reducing its life. It is also recommended to clean the sash to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves.
Knead a small amount putty until it's soft and warm, then press it into the rabbets in which the glass will go. At this stage, cleanliness is not a factor. Place the new pane in the rabbets, then wiggle it around and apply a consistent pressure using your fingers to make sure it's seated properly.
If there are any holes in the frame of wood around the glass, you can fill the holes with silicone caulk prior to installing the new glass pane. If the frame has any other mechanisms for fastening such as L-channels, use a hammer to pry them out from the sash grooves. Inspect the frame for glass shards that may have shattered during removal, and take them out of them prior to continuing. To keep water and pests from entering the house, apply a clear silicone caulk over the bottom edge of frame at the point where it joins floor.