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Replacing French Door Glass

It is relatively easy to replace a damaged glass pane in a French Door. It involves cleaning the glass pane, removing trim or molding and installing the new window pane.

French doors have multiple glass panes, separated by functional muntin bars, also known as Mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and may include triple-pane glass in order to boost energy efficiency, reduce sound and minimize glare.

How to replace a damaged Pane of Glass

Before you start the replacement process, wear rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that may fall off during the replacement process. Work in an open space such as a garage, and keep kids away. It’s best to remove the window frame from the sill to allow better accessibility and maneuverability however, you can replace a pane, without taking the entire window out of the frame.

With a putty knife use a putty blade to scrape off any old caulking or glazing compound around the edge of the window sash. Be careful not to scratch the wood molding that holds the window in place, as you’ll need it later to hold the new window.

If you’re working with a steel-casement windows, the window may be secured with metal glazing points. You’ll need to remove these along with the old putty, before you can get the pane out of the frame. A paint scraper or a Chisel can be used however, if you find that the putty’s too hard to pry out, gradually soften it with a heating gun. Keep french door repair from the glass and move it around to spread the heat. Double-up the aluminum foil, then place it on the panes that are next to it. This will stop them from breaking due to heat.

Once the old glass has been removed, clean the inside of the window sash using an damp cloth to scrub off any dust or dirt. Now you can put in a new piece of glass.

Measure the width and height to determine the dimension of the glass. Take these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to create a new piece that is able to fit into the door frame. Many hardware stores can cut a piece for you if they have the measurements.

Warm up a small amount of putty and roll it into a 3/4-inch wide rope. Place the putty on one side of the rabbet, and then rest your putty knife’s blade at a 45-degree angle to the frame’s rabbet. The knife should be pulled across the glass’s edge in a straight, smooth line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat the process with the remaining edges of the glass and then scrape away the excess putty.

Take off the broken Pane

A broken glass pane in a French-styled door is not just an eye sore, but it can also be a safety risk. It’s easy to replace a glass pane on a French-style door and it’s generally less expensive than replacing the whole door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete the job themselves, but professional assistance is available if the project requires special skills or tools.

Begin by removing the broken pane of glass and clean any cracked or shattered fragments from the frame. Wear safety glasses and gloves to keep glass shards from entering your eyes or onto your face. Then, clean out the glass opening to eliminate any caulking or putty you used to hold the previous pane in place.

The next step is to eliminate any trim or molding holding the glass in place. This can be a challenge, as it will likely require some effort to pry the molding out. Wearing protective equipment and having a person help you in the process of prying is a good idea. It is also recommended to mark the pieces you’re taking off, so you know when to put them back in place at the appropriate time.

The installation of the new glass is easy once the molding has been removed. Find the measurements of the opening for the glass pane, and then go to an online glass shop to purchase a glass to replace your French door. It’s a good idea to get a piece of safety glass, since it won’t shatter as easily if your French doors break again.

When you are ready to place your new piece of glass inside the opening, make sure that it is aligned properly. Then, apply a thin dot of clear silicone caulk over the glass’s edge.

After the caulk has dried it is possible to replace the molding. If the original nails didn’t penetrate the molding, you can hammer in new wire nails to fill in the holes left behind by the previous ones. To avoid the nails splitting the molding, you should drill the holes prior to drilling them. You can drill holes using very thin bits from the hardware store that is well stocked.

How to 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. You may have to adjust spring clips or triangulars to hold it in place if you find gaps. You also need to ensure that the new pane is a suitable size for your opening; if it’s too large, you could face leaks or other issues after it’s installed.

The first step is to prepare the work surface. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame using a putty blade reveal the bare 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 prevent the new glass from absorption of moisture from the wood, and will reduce its lifespan.

After the frame has been cleaned and prepared, rub a handfull of putty until it becomes soft and malleable. Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer of it to the inside of the rabbets, forming a narrow bed for the glass to rest upon. Repeat the process for the other edges of the rabbets.

Remove any remaining metal points from the sash’s grooves when the putty has dried. Before you attempt to remove them, put on goggles with safety features to protect yourself from glass shattering. A heat gun on an low setting will help you warm and loosen the steel so that you can stretch it out of the frame using pliers.

After the glass and frame are in place, test it by sliding it into the frame. Make any necessary adjustments prior to attaching it to the frame using spring clips or metal triangles. Check that the gap between the frame and the glass is uniform across all sides. Test the movement of the window sash, and ensure the new pane will not interfere with the closing or opening. If you find any problems 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 glass pane to ensure it fits snugly before putting it in place. Find the height and width of the window opening by measuring it to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to find the size of glass you should purchase. 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 a hardware store or the home centre and they will cut a piece of glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself, when 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 which held the previous pane in place. This can be done using an e-type paint scraper or a chisel. If the grooves are filled of putty that has hardened, slowly soften it with a heat gun. Cover the windows and moldings around them with aluminum foil in order to keep them safe from heat.

Scrape and sand the rabbets on which the glass is placed, then brush an exterior primer on them to prevent the putty from absorbing its natural oils and reducing its lifespan. It is also recommended to clean the grooves in the sash.

Place a small amount of it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. It’s not important to be neat at this stage. Press the new pane into the rabbets. Then, move it around and apply consistent pressure using your fingers to make sure that it’s placed in the right place.

Fill any holes in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, 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. Get rid of any shards that might have become loose when removing the frame. To keep pests and water from entering your home put a clear silicone caulk on the frame’s bottom edge where it meets floor.