Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a broken pane of glass on a French door is a simple DIY project. It involves cleaning the glass pane trimming or molding, and putting in a new window pane.
French doors feature multiple glass panes, which are separated by muntin bars. These are also called Mullions. They come in a broad variety of styles and are able to be triple-paned to cut down the noise and reduce glare.
How to Replace a Broken Pane of Glass
Before beginning the replacement process, wear a pair of rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any fragments of broken glass that might fall off during the replacement 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 is recommended to remove your window frame from its ledge. However, you can still replace one pane of glass without having to remove the entire frame.
Start by scraping off any old glazing compound or caulking around the edges of the sash with a putty knife. Be careful not to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place, because you'll require it later to hold the new pane.
If you're working with a casement window made of steel it could be anchored by the metal glazing points. It is necessary to remove these along with the old putty before you can get the window out of the frame. Paint scraper or chisel can work. If french door lock replacement is too hard to remove, you can make use of a heat gun to soften it. Keep the heat gun approximately 1 inch away from the glass and move it around to distribute the heat. Double-up the aluminum foil and place it on the adjacent panes. This will stop them from breaking due to heat.
Once the old glass has been removed, clean the inside of the window sash with a damp cloth to clean off any dust or dirt. Now you can install the new glass.
To cut a glass piece to size first, determine the width and the height of the existing opening. To purchase a glass pane that fits into the door frame, measure these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores can cut a piece of glass for you if they have the measurements.
Warm up a small amount of putty, then roll it into a 3/4-inch rope. Set the putty in a position that is against one edge of the exposed rabbet, and rest the blade of your putty knife at a 45-degree angle with the frame's rabbet. To cut a section from the pane, push the knife in a smooth and straight line along the edge of glass. Repeat with the remaining edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.
Take the broken Pane
A broken pane in a French-styled door is not just an eye-sore but can also be a safety risk. Replacing a pane of glass in a French door can be accomplished in a few easy steps, and is generally less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can do this task themselves, though professional assistance is available if the task requires special skills or tools.
Start by taking out any cracked or broken pieces of the frame. It is crucial to wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid getting shards of glass on your face or in your eyes. Then, clean the glass pane's opening to get rid of any caulking or putty that was used to keep the old pane in place.
The next step is to remove any molding or trim that holds the glass in place. This can be a challenge because it may require some effort to pry the molding out. Wearing protective equipment and having someone help you with the prying is a good idea. Label the pieces you're removing so that you can put them back in their original positions.
Once the molding is removed after which you can start installing the new glass pane. Find the measurements of the opening in the glass pane, and then go to an establishment that sells glass to purchase a piece of new glass for your French door. You should purchase security glass for your French door, because it will not break easily in the event of a break.
When you're ready to install the new piece of glass, make sure it's aligned correctly 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 original nails did not penetrate the molding you can hammer in new wire nails to fill in the holes left behind by the old nails. Pre-drilling the holes will ensure that the nails don't split through the molding. A well-stocked hardware store carries extremely thin bits that can be used to drill the holes.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window and the edges before you order a replacement pane. You may have to adjust spring clips or triangulars to hold it in place if you find gaps. It is also important to ensure that the new pane is a adequate size for your opening. If it's not large, you may experience leaks or other issues after it's put in.
The first step is to prepare an area for work. Utilizing a putty blade, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame to expose bare wood. If the rabbets have become too rough to smooth with a putty knife gently sand them and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorbing moisture from wood, shortening its lifespan.
Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, knead a handfull of putty until it is soft and malleable. Utilize the putty knife to apply a thin layer of it to the inside corner of the rabbets. This creates a narrow bed for the glass to rest upon. Repeat the process on the other exposed edges of the rabbets.
When the putty is dry take any remaining metal glazing points from the grooves in the sash. Before attempting to remove them, you should wear goggles that are safe to protect yourself from glass shards. A heat gun on an low setting will help you warm up and loosen the metal to allow you to bend it out of the frame using pliers.
Slide the glass into place to check the fit. Make any adjustments needed before attaching it to the frame using spring clips or metal triangles. Check that the gap between the frame and the glass is consistent on all sides. Check the movement of the window sash to ensure the new pane will not hinder the closing or opening. If you find any problems with the installation, you should consult an expert who specializes in restoration, who can help you restore and maintain your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before you install the new pane of glass You should fit it by testing to ensure it fits snugly. Find the height and width of the window opening by measuring from the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to determine the size of glass you should order. It will be much easier to install the pane when you are a little smaller than. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contracting of the wood frame. Bring your measurements to an hardware store or home center, and let them cut a piece of glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have a large sheet in your possession.
Once the old pane of glass is removed, you should remove the window sash grooves and remove any glazing points made of steel that held the old pane in place. This can be done using an e-type paint scraper or a chipper. If the grooves are stuffed full of hardened putty, slowly soften it with a heat gun. Be sure to cover windows and molding with aluminum foil to protect them from heat.
You can also apply an exterior primer to stop the putty from absorbing its natural oils. You should also clean the grooves in the sash.
Place a small amount of it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. The appearance of the glass isn't crucial at this stage. Press the new pane into the rabbets, then move it around and apply consistent pressure using your fingers to ensure it's properly seated.
Fill any holes in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, you can install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other fixing mechanisms, such as L channels, use a hammer and pry them out of the sash grooves. Inspect the frame for glass shards that may have broken free during removal, and take them out of them before continuing. To keep pests and water from entering the house put a clear silicone caulk over the bottom edge of frame where it meets the floor.