Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a broken piece of glass on a French door is a relatively simple DIY project. It involves cleaning the glass pane and removing molding or trim and installing an entirely new window pane.
French doors are made of multiple glass panes, which are separated by muntin bars. These are also called mullions. Repair My Windows And Doors are available in a variety of configurations and can also include triple-pane glass in order to boost energy efficiency, cut down on sound and minimize 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 an open space, and keep children away from the area. To make it easier to access the area it is best to take your window frame from its sill. 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 using a putty knife. You don't want to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place. You'll need it to support the new pane.
If you're working with a steel-casement windows the window could be held in place with glazing points made of metal. These points, as well as the old putty, will need to be removed before you can take the pane from the frame. Paint scraper or chisel can work. If the putty is difficult to get rid of, you can use a heat gun to soften it. Place the heat gun one inch away from the glass and move it forward and backwards to spread the warmth. Double the aluminum foil on the other panes to keep them from cracking due to the heat.
After the old glass has been removed, clean the inside of the window sash using a damp cloth to wash off any dirt or dust. Now you can install a new piece of glass.
To cut a piece of glass to size first, determine the width and the height of the opening. Record these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from all sides to order a new pane that fits easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece for you if they have the measurements.
Warm up a handful of putty and then roll it into a 3/4-inch thick rope. Set the putty in a position that is against one side of the rabbet, and rest the blade of your putty knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame's rabbet. To cut a portion of the pane, move 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 away the excess putty.
Take off the broken Pane
A broken glass pane in the frame of a French door isn't just an eye sore, it's a safety hazard. It's easy to replace a pane in a French-style door and it's generally less expensive than replacing the whole door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete this work themselves, however professional assistance is available in the event that the project requires special tools or skills.
Begin by removing the broken sheet of glass and cleaning up any broken or cracked pieces from 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 opening to get rid of any remaining caulking or putty that was used to hold the old pane in place.
The next step is to remove any molding or trim that held the glass in place. It can be a challenge to get the molding out. This is why it's important to wear a protective suit, and to have someone assist you with the prying, if needed. Label the pieces you're removing so that they can be returned to their original location.
Installing the glass is simple after the molding has been removed. Go to a glass store and take measurements of the glass's opening. It's a good idea purchase a piece of security glass, as it won't break as easily in the event that your French doors break again.
When you're ready to put in the glass piece ensure that it's placed correctly in the opening. Apply a thin layer of clear silicone caulk to the edges of the glass.
You can replace the molding once the caulk has dried. If the nails that were used originally didn't penetrate the molding you can hammer in new wire nails to fill the holes left behind by the previous ones. To prevent the nails from breaking the molding, you should 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
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window and around the edges before you order an additional pane. You may need to adjust spring clips or the metal triangulars that hold it in place if you find gaps. It is also important to ensure that the new pane is the right size for the opening. If it's too big there could be leaks and other issues.
The first step is preparing an area for work. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame using a putty knife to expose the wood. If the frames' rabbets are too rough to smooth using a knife and you want to smooth them out, lightly sand them and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glazing from absorbing moisture from the wood, which will reduce its life span.
After the frame has been cleaned and prepared, you can knead some putty until it becomes soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer of it using the blade of putty to the inside corner rabbets to create a narrow bed that the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.
Remove any remaining metal points from the grooves of the sash after the putty has dried. Wear safety goggles before attempting to remove the points in order to protect yourself from shards of glass. Heating guns with low settings can be used to gently heat the metal and loosen it so that it is possible to remove it using pliers.
After the glass and frame are set, test the frame by sliding it into place. Make any necessary adjustments prior to fixing it with the spring clips or metal triangles. Make sure that the gap between the frame and the glass is uniform and even across all sides. Also, test the sash's movement to ensure that the new glass won't interfere with opening or closing the window. If you encounter any issues regarding the installation, consult an expert in restoration to help you restore and maintain your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before installing the new glass, you should test-fit it to ensure that it fits snugly. Measure the height and width of the window opening by measuring from the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement to determine the glass size you require. Slightly undersizing the pane will make it easier to install and allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. You can bring your measurements to the hardware store or the home centre and they cut the glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself if you happen to have a huge sheet of stock glass.
After the old pane glass has been removed, you must remove the window sash grooves and take off any glazing points made of metal that held the old pane in place. This can be done using an e-type paint scraper or a chipper. If the grooves have lots of putty that has been hardened, you can gradually soften it using a heat gun. Be sure to cover the surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil to shield them from the heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets on which the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer on them to help prevent the putty from absorbing its natural oils and 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 is warm and flexible Then press it into the rabbets where the glass will go. At this stage, it's not about neatness. Press the new pane in the rabbets and then wiggle it by using your fingers.
If there are holes in the frame of wood around the glass, you can fill the holes with silicone caulk prior to installing the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other fastening mechanisms, like L channels, use an hammer and pull them from the sash grooves. Get rid of any shards that might have come loose in the removal of the frame. To keep pests and water from entering the house, apply a clear silicone caulk to the bottom edge of frame where it meets the floor.