Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a damaged pane of glass on a French door is a simple DIY project. Cleaning french door replacement repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk trimming and molding, then removing the trim, then installing the new pane is all that's required.
French doors feature multiple glass panes, which are separated by muntin bars. They are also referred to as Mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and can also include triple-pane glass to improve energy efficiency, cut down on sound and minimize the glare.
How do you replace a damaged pane of glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses before beginning to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass fragments that might fall during the process. Work in a space that is open like garages and keep children away. For easier access, it's best to remove the window frame from its sill. However you can still replace one pane of glass without having to remove the entire frame.
Begin by scraping away any old glazing compound or caulking around the edges of the sash using a putty knife. Be careful not to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place because you'll require it later to support the new pane.
If you're working with a casement window made of steel it might be secured by metal glazing points. These points, as well as the old putty will have to be removed prior to you can remove the window from the frame. A paint scraper or chisel should work, but if you find that the putty is difficult to pry out, gradually soften it with a heating gun. Hold the heat gun about 1 inch away from the glass and move it around to distribute the heat. Put doubled sheets of aluminum foil on the other panes to keep them from cracking because of the heat.
After removing the old glass, use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the window sash to remove any dirt or dust. Now you can install a new piece of glass.
Measure the width and height to determine the dimension of the glass. Note these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to order a new pane that fits easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you, if you give them the measurement.
Putty that is warm in your hands before rolling it into a length of 3/4 inch thick. 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. The knife should be pulled across the glass's edge in a smooth, straight line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat the process for the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape off the excess putty.
Take the broken Pane
A broken pane in a French-style door not only an eyesore, but it can also pose a security risk. Replacing a pane of glass in a French door can be done in a few simple steps and is typically cheaper than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can do this on their own, however professional assistance is available to those who require special tools or expertise.
Begin by getting rid of any cracked or broken fragments of the frame. It is crucial to wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid getting shards glass in your face or eyes. Then, clean the glass pane's opening to remove any residual putty or caulking that was used to keep the old pane in place.
The next step is to remove any trim or molding holding the glass in place. This can be a challenge since it could require some prying to break the molding loose. This is why it's important to wear your protective gear and to have someone assist you with the prying, if needed. It is also an excellent idea to identify the pieces you're taking off, so you can return them to their place at the appropriate time.
After the molding has been removed after which you can start installing the new pane of glass. Measure the dimensions of the glass pane opening and then visit a glass shop to purchase a piece glass to replace your French door. You should purchase safety glass for your French door, because it won't break easily in the event of a break.
When you are ready to install the glass in the opening, make sure that it is aligned properly. Then, apply a fine dot of clear silicone caulk around the edge of the glass.
After the caulk has dried it is possible to replace the molding. If the original nails didn't penetrate the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. To prevent the nails from cutting the molding, you should drill the holes prior to drilling them. A well-stocked hardware store carries extremely thin bits that you can use to drill holes.
How to Cut a New Pane Of Glass
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window and around the edges before ordering an additional pane. If you find any gaps, you could need to adjust the spring clips or triangles that secure it in place. You also need to make sure that the new pane is a appropriate size for the opening; if it's too large, you could face leakage or other issues when it's installed.
The first step is to prepare a work surface. Scrape the old compound off the frame's sides using a putty knife to expose the wood. If the rabbets are too rough for you to smooth with the putty knife then lightly sand them, and then apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorbing moisture from the wood and reduce its lifespan.
Once the frame is cleaned and prepared, knead the putty until it becomes soft and malleable. Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer of it to the inside corners of the rabbets, forming a narrow bed for the glass to rest against. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.
Remove any remaining metal points that remain in the sash's grooves after the putty has dried. Before you attempt to remove them, you should wear a pair of safety goggles to protect yourself from glass fragments. A heat gun on a low setting can help you to warm up and loosen the metal to allow you to bend it away from the frame using pliers.
Slide the glass into place to test fit. Make any adjustments needed before attaching it to the frame using spring clips or metal triangles. Check that the distance between the frame and the glass is even and uniform across all sides. You can also check the sash's movement to ensure that the new pane will not interfere with opening or closing the window. If you have any issues with the installation, consult a professional specializing in restoration to help you restore and maintain your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass to ensure that it fits snugly before putting it up. Measure the height and width of the window opening by measuring it to 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 allow it to be installed more easily and provide room for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. You can bring your measurements to the hardware store or home centre and they cut the glass for you. You can cut the glass yourself, if you have a large sheet available.
After removing the glass pane clean the window sash grooves. Remove any glazing points used to hold the old pane. A paint scraper that is a pull type or a chisel will work to accomplish this task. If the grooves have lots of putty that has been hardened, you can gradually soften it by using a heating gun. Cover the windows and moldings around them with aluminum foil to keep them safe from heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets where the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer over them to stop the putty from absorbing its natural oils and thus reducing its lifespan. You should also clean the grooves of the sash.
Knead a small amount putty until it's warm and flexible, then press it into the rabbets where the glass will go. At this point, cleanliness is not a factor. Put the new pane into the rabbets, then move it around and apply a consistent pressure with your fingers to ensure that it's placed in the right place.
If there are holes in the wood frame around the glass, you can fill them with silicone caulk before installing the new glass. If the frame has other fastening mechanisms, like L-channels, you can use a hammer to pry them out from the sash grooves. Get rid of any shards that might have become loose when removing the frame. To prevent pests and water from entering the house, apply a clear silicone caulk to the frame's bottom edge where it meets the floor.