Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a broken piece of glass on a French door is a relatively simple DIY project. Cleaning the glass trimming and molding, then removing the trim and then putting in a new pane of glass is all that's required.
French doors have multiple glass panes, which are separated by muntin bars. They are also known as Mullions. They are available in a variety of styles and can also include triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency, decrease noise and control glare.
How to Replace a Broken Pane of Glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles before beginning to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass shards that might fall during the process. Work in an open area like garages and keep children away. It is recommended to remove the window frame from the sill for greater accessibility and mobility However, you can replace a pane without taking the entire window out of the frame.
Begin by scraping away any old glazing compound or caulking around the edge of the sash using a putty knife. Be careful not to damage 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 window made of steel the window could be secured with metal glazing points. It is necessary to remove these, as well as the old putty before you can remove the window out of the frame. A paint scraper or chisel should work however if you discover that the putty is difficult to get out, slowly soften it with a heating gun. Keep the heat gun approximately 1 inch away from the glass and move it back and forth to distribute the heat. Double the aluminum foil on the other panes to prevent them from cracking due to the heat.
Once the old glass is removed, clean the inside of the window sash with a damp cloth to wash off any dirt or dust. You can now install a new piece of glass.
Take measurements of the width and height to determine the size of the glass. Take these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to get a new glass that will fit easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores can cut a piece for you if they have the measurements.
Warm a small amount of putty in your hands and 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 to the frame's rabbet. To cut a section from the pane, push the knife in a straight and straight line along the edge of glass. Repeat the process with the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape off the excess putty.
Take the broken Pane
A broken pane of glass in a French door isn't just a source of irritation for the eye it's also a danger to safety. Replacing glass in a French door is done in a couple of steps and is typically less costly than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners are able to complete the task on their own, but professional assistance is available for those who require special tools or skills.
Begin by getting rid of any cracked or broken fragments of the frame. Wear safety glasses and gloves to keep glass shards from getting in your eyes or face. Then, clean out the glass's opening to remove any caulking or putty that was used to hold the previous pane in place.
The next step is to remove any trim or molding that was holding the pane of glass in place. It could be difficult to pull the molding out. Wearing protective gear and having someone assist you in prying is an excellent idea. replacing french door glass that you're removing so that you can return them to their original positions.
The installation of the new glass is simple once the molding has been removed. Go to a glass store and measure the opening of the glass. It is a good idea to purchase a piece of security glass, since it won't break as easily should your French doors break again.
When you are ready to put your glass piece in the opening, make sure it is aligned correctly. Then, apply a fine bead of clear silicone caulk around the glass's edge.
After the caulk is dry, you can replace the molding. If the nails that were originally used didn't penetrate the molding, you can hammer new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. To prevent the nails from breaking the molding, you must drill the holes prior to drilling them. A well-stocked hardware store carries very thin bits that can be used to drill holes.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Before ordering a new pane of glass, make sure the spacing around the frame and the edges of the window are in a straight line. If you see any gaps, you may need to adjust the spring clips or triangles that secure the glass in place. Also, you should ensure that your new pane is the right size for the opening. If it's too large it could cause leakage and other problems.
The first step is preparing an area for work. Using a putty knife, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame to expose bare wood. If the rabbets of the frame are too rough to smooth out using a knife, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glaze from absorbing moisture from the wood, thereby reducing its lifespan.
After the frame has been cleaned and prepared, rub some putty until it is soft and malleable. Use the putty knife apply a thin layer of it to the inside corners of the rabbets, creating an elongated bed for the glass to rest against. Repeat the process for the other edges of the rabbets.
When the putty is dry take any remaining metal glazing points from the grooves within the sash. Wear safety glasses prior to attempting to remove the points to ensure that you are safe from shards of glass. Heating guns with low settings can be used to gently heat the metal and loosen it so you can take it off by using pliers.
When the frame and glass are in place, test it by sliding it into the frame. Adjust the glass as necessary before you secure it with spring clips or triangulars made of metal. Make sure the gap between the frame and glass is uniform across all sides. Examine the movement of the window sash, and ensure the new pane will not interfere with the opening or closing. Speak with a restoration specialist in case you have any issues during the installation. They can help you repair and maintain your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before installing the new glass pane, you should test-fit it to make sure it fits properly. Find the height and width of the window opening by measuring to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to find the size of the glass you need to order. A little undersizing of the pane will allow it to be installed more easily and allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. Take your measurements to an hardware store or home center, and let them cut a piece glass for you. You can cut the glass yourself, in the event that you have a large piece available.
After removing the old glass pane and cleaning the window sash grooves. Take off any metal glazing points that held the old pane. A paint scraper that is a pull type or a chisel is ideal to accomplish this job. If the grooves contain lots of hardened putty in them you can soften it using a heat gun. Be sure to cover the surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil to shield them from heat.
You can also apply an exterior primer to stop the putty from absorbing its natural oils. Also, clean the grooves in the sash.
Knead a small amount of putty until it's soft and warm Then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. Neatness isn't important at this stage. Put the new pane into the rabbets, then move it around and apply even pressure using your fingers to make sure it's seated properly.
Fill any holes in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, install the new glass. If the frame has other fastening mechanisms, like L-channels for example, use a hammer to pry them out from the sash grooves. Check the frame for shards of glass that may have shattered during removal, and take them out of them prior to continuing. Then, apply a layer of clear silicone caulk on the bottom edge of the frame where it meets the floor to keep pests and water out of the house.