Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively simple to replace a broken glass pane in a French door. Cleaning the glass by removing the molding and trim and then installing a 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 are available in a variety configurations and can include triple-pane glass to improve energy efficiency, reduce sound and reduce the glare.
How to replace a broken Pane of Glass
Before starting, put on gloves made of rubber and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken pieces of glass that might fall off during the replacement process. Work in an open area, such as garages and keep children away. To make it easier to access the area it is best to take your window frame from its ledge. However, you can still replace one pane of glass without having to remove the entire frame.
Begin 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 holding the window in place. It will be needed to hold the new pane.
If you're working with a window made of steel The window may be held in place with glazing points made of steel. These points, as well as the old putty, will have to be removed prior to you can take the pane from the frame. Paint scraper or chisel will work. If the putty is difficult to remove, you can make use of a heat gun to soften it. Keep the heat gun approximately one inch from the glass and move it back and forth to spread the heat. Put doubled sheets of aluminum foil on the other panes to prevent them from cracking because of the heat.
Once the old glass is removed, clean the inside of the window sash with an damp cloth to scrub off any dirt or dust. Then, you can put in the new glass.
To cut a piece of glass to size first, take measurements of the width and height of the opening. To purchase a new glass pane that fits into the door frame, take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. My Web Site can cut a piece for you when they have the measurements.
Warm a handful of putty in your hands before rolling it into a length of 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty on one side of the rabbet, and then rest the blade of your putty tool at a 45-degree angle with the frame's rabbet. To cut a piece of the pane, push the knife in a smooth and straight line along the glass's edge. Repeat with the remaining edges of the glass and then scrape off the excess putty.
Take the broken Pane
A broken glass pane in a French door isn't just an eye ailment it's also a danger to safety. Replacing a glass pane in a French door can be done in a few easy steps and is typically less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners can perform this task on their own, however professional assistance is available to those who require special tools or skills.
Begin by removing the broken pane of glass and taking care to clean 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. Clean the glass pane opening to remove any residual putty or caulking that was used to keep the old pane in place.
The next step is to take off any molding or trim that was holding the pane of glass in place. It may be difficult to pry the molding out. This is why it's best to wear your protective gear, and ask someone to assist you with the prying if necessary. Label the pieces you are removing so you can put them back in their original location.
Once the molding is removed after which you can start installing the new glass pane. Visit a glass shop and take measurements of the glass's opening. You should purchase security glass for your French door, because it will not shatter easily if it breaks again.
When you are ready to install your glass piece inside the opening, make sure that it is placed correctly. Apply a thin layer clear silicone caulk on the edge of the glass.
You can replace the molding after the caulk is dry. If the original nails didn't pull through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. By drilling the holes prior to drilling, you can prevent the nails from splitting through the molding. You can drill the holes using very thin bits from hardware stores that are well-stocked.
How to Cut a New Pane Of Glass
Make sure you check the spacing between the frame of the window as well as the edges prior to ordering a replacement pane. It is possible to adjust spring clips or metal triangulars to hold it in place if you find gaps. You also need to ensure that the new pane is a appropriate size for the opening; if it's too large, you may experience leakage or other issues when it's installed.
The first step is to prepare an area for work. Using a putty knife, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame, leaving the wood. If the rabbets of the frame are too rough to smooth out using a knife and you want to smooth them out, lightly sand them and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorbing moisture from the wood, and will reduce its life.
Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, knead a handfull of putty until it's soft and malleable. Use the putty knife apply a thin layer of it to the inside corners of the rabbets, forming a narrow bed for the glass to rest on. Repeat the process for the remaining exposed edges.
Once the putty has dried, remove any remaining metal glazing points from the grooves within the sash. Before you attempt to remove them, wear goggles with safety features to protect yourself from glass fragments. A heat gun set to a low setting will help you warm and loosen the metal so you can bend it away from the frame using pliers.
After the glass and frame are set, test the frame by sliding it into the frame. Make any necessary adjustments before attaching it to the frame using the spring clips or metal triangles. Check that the gap between the frame and the glass is consistent across all sides. Examine the movement of the window sash and ensure the new pane will not hinder the closing or opening. Contact a restoration expert should you encounter any issues during the installation. They can assist you to fix and preserve your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass pane to ensure that it fits properly before installing it. Find the width and the height of the window opening measuring to the edges outside of the L-channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to determine the size of glass you need to buy. Slightly undersizing the pane will make it easier to install and provide room for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. Take your measurements to a hardware store or a home center and let them cut a piece glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have a huge sheet in your possession.
After removing the old glass pane clean the window sash grooves. Take off any metal glazing points that were used to support the old pane. This can be done with a pull-type paint scraper, or a chisel. If the grooves are full of hardened putty, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Cover surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil in order to shield them from heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets where the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer on them to prevent the putty from absorbing its natural oils and reducing its lifespan. Also, clean the grooves in the sash.
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. Press the new pane in the rabbets and then move it using your fingers.
Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, you can install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other mechanisms for fastening, like L-channels, you can make use of a hammer to pull them out of the sash grooves. Inspect the frame for glass fragments that might have broken during removal, and then remove them before continuing. Then, apply a layer of clear silicone caulk over the bottom edge of the frame, where it joins the floor to keep water and pests out of your home.