The Best Replacing French Door Glass It's What Gurus Do 3 Things
Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively easy to replace a damaged glass pane inside a French Door. Cleaning the glass by removing the molding and trim, then installing a new pane of glass is all that's required.
French doors have multiple glass panes separated by muntin bars for functional purposes, also known as Mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and can include triple-pane glass to improve energy efficiency, cut down on sound and reduce glare.
How to Replace a Broken Pane of Glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles prior to replacing the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass shards that may fall during the process. Also, work in a garage or another 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 knife scrape away any caulking or glazing material around the edge of the window sash. You don't want to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place. You'll need it to hold the new pane.
If you're working with a window made of steel the window could be secured with metal glazing points. These points, as well as the old putty will require removal before you can remove the pane from the frame. Paint scraper or chisel can work. If the putty is hard to remove, you could make use of a heat gun to soften it. The heat gun should be held about an inch from the glass and move it back and forth to distribute the heat. Double-up the aluminum foil and place it on the adjacent panes. This will stop them from breaking due to the heat.
Once the old glass is removed, wipe down the inside of the window sash with a damp cloth to wash off any dirt or dust. Then you can install the new glass.
To cut a glass piece to size first, take measurements of the width and height of the existing opening. To purchase a glass pane that will fit 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 provide the measurement.
Warm a handful of putty in your hands, then roll it into a length of 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty on one side of the rabbet and place the blade of your putty knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame's rabbet. To cut a piece of the pane, move the knife in a straight and straight line along the glass's edge. Repeat the process 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 pose a security risk. It's easy to replace a glass pane on a French-style door and it's usually cheaper than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can complete the task by themselves, however professional assistance is available to those who require specific tools or know-how.
Begin by removing the broken sheet of glass, then cleaning up any cracked or shattered fragments from the frame. It is crucial to wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting shards glass in your face or eyes. Then, clean the glass pane opening to get rid of any remaining caulking or putty used to hold the old pane in place.
The next step is to take off the molding or trim that is holding the glass in place. This isn't easy, as it will likely require some prying to break the molding off. This is why it's important to wear a protective suit, and ask someone to assist you with the prying if necessary. Label the pieces that you're removing so that you can put them back in their original positions.
The installation of the new glass is easy once the molding has been removed. Visit a glass store and measure the glass's opening. It is a good idea to buy a piece made of safety glass since it will not shatter as easily if your French doors break again.
When you're ready to put in the new piece of glass ensure that it's placed correctly in the opening. Apply a thin layer of clear silicone caulk to the edge of the glass.
french door repairs near me can change the molding once the caulk has dried. If the original nails didn't penetrate the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes left by the old nails. The holes should be predrilled to ensure that the nails don't split through the molding. A well-stocked hardware store stocks extremely thin bits that you can use to drill the holes.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Make sure you check the spacing between the frame of the window and around the edges before ordering a replacement pane. If you see any gaps, you may need to adjust the spring clips or triangles that hold the glass in place. It is also important to ensure that the new pane is a appropriate size for the opening. If it's not large, you could face leaks or other issues after it is installed.
The first step is to prepare the work surface. Utilizing a putty blade, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame, leaving the wood. If the rabbets are too rough for you to smooth with a putty knife then lightly sand them, and then apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glass from absorption of moisture from the wood, and will reduce its lifespan.
Once the frame is cleaned and prepared, you can knead the putty until it becomes soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer with the putty blade to the inside of the corner rabbets in order to create a narrow bed against which the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the remaining exposed edges.
Once the putty has dried and the putty is removed, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the grooves within the sash. Before you attempt to remove them, put on a pair of safety goggles to protect yourself from glass fragments. Heating guns with low settings can be used to gently warm the metal, allowing it to loosen so you can take it off by using pliers.
After the glass and frame are in place, test it by sliding it into its place. Make any adjustments needed before securing it in place with the spring clips or metal triangles. Make sure that the gap between the frame and glass is uniform and even on all sides, and test the movement of the sash to ensure that the new pane will not interfere with closing or opening the window. If you find any problems with the installation, consult a professional specializing in restoration to assist you repair and preserve your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass to ensure that it is snug before putting it up. Measure the width and height of the window opening taking measurements to the outside edges of the L-channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to find the size of glass you need to 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 frame. You can take your measurements to the hardware store or the home centre and they will cut a piece of glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself in the event that you have a large piece in your possession.
After removing the glass pane, clean the window sash grooves. Remove any glazing points that were used to support the previous pane. A paint scraper that is a pull type or a chisel can be used to accomplish this task. If the grooves are stuffed full of putty that has hardened, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Be careful to cover surrounding windows and molding with aluminum foil to shield them from the heat.
It is also possible to use an exterior primer to keep the putty from absorbing the natural oils. You should also clean the sash to remove dust and dirt from the grooves.
Knead a small amount of putty until it is warm and flexible, then press it into the rabbets in which the glass will go. It's not important to be neat at this stage. Put the new pane into the rabbets, then wiggle it around and apply a consistent pressure using your fingers to ensure it's seated properly.
Fill any holes in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other fastening mechanisms, like L-channels for example, employ a hammer for prying them out from the sash grooves. Inspect the frame for glass shards that might have broken during removal, and remove them before proceeding. To prevent pests and water from entering the house put a clear silicone caulk over the bottom edge of frame at the point where it joins floor.