Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a broken pane of glass in a French door is a relatively simple DIY project. It involves cleaning the pane of glass, removing trim or molding, and putting in an entirely new window pane.
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 configurations and can also include triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency, decrease noise and control the glare.
How to replace a damaged Pane of Glass
Before starting you begin, put on a pair of rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that might fall off during the replacement process. Work in an open area like garages, and keep kids away. To make it easier to access the area it is recommended to remove your window frame from its sill. However, you can still replace a single pane without removing the entire frame.
With a putty-blade scrape away any old caulking or glazing compound around the edge of the window sash. You don't want to damage the wood molding holding the window in place. You'll need it to support the new pane.
If you are working with a steel casement window, it may be anchored by the metal glazing points. These points, as well as the old putty, will require removal before you can remove the pane from the frame. A paint scraper or chisel should work however if you discover that the putty is difficult to remove, gradually soften it using a heat gun. Hold the heat gun an inch from the glass, then move it backwards and forwards to spread the warmth. Double the aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to prevent them from cracking due to the heat.
After you have removed the old glass, take a damp cloth and wipe the inside of the window sash to remove any dust or dirt. Now you can install a new piece glass.
To cut a piece of glass to size, first determine the width and the height of the existing opening. Take these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to get a new glass that fits easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you if you supply the measurement.
Putty that is warm in your hands, then roll it into a rope that is 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty on one side of the rabbet, and then rest the blade of your putty tool at a 45-degree angle against the frame's rabbet. Move the knife along the edge of the glass in a smooth, straight line to cut a portion of the pane. Repeat with the other edges of the glass, and then scrape away the excess putty.
Take the broken Pane
A broken glass pane in a French-style door is not only an eyesore, but it can also pose a risk to safety. It's easy to replace a glass pane on a French-style door, and it's typically less expensive than replacing the whole door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete the job themselves, but professional assistance is available if the task requires special tools or skills.
Begin by removing the broken sheet of glass, and taking care to clean any broken or cracked pieces from the frame. It is crucial to wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting shards glass in your eyes or face. Clean repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to remove any residual putty or caulking that was used to hold the old pane in place.
The next step is to remove any molding or trim that was holding the pane of glass in place. This can be a challenge, as it will likely require some prying 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 necessary. Label the pieces that you're removing so that they can be returned to their original location.
Once the molding is removed, you can begin installing the new pane of glass. Visit a glass shop and measure the glass's opening. It is recommended to purchase the safety glass for your French door, since it will not shatter easily in the event of a break.
When you're ready to install the glass piece ensure that it's placed properly in the opening. Apply a thin layer clear silicone caulk to the edge of the glass.
After the caulk is dry after drying, you can put in a new molding. If the original nails did not penetrate the molding, you can hammer in new wire nails to fill in the holes left behind by the old ones. To avoid the nails breaking the molding, you must drill the holes prior to drilling them. You can make holes using tiny bits from hardware stores that are well-stocked.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Before you purchase a new pane of glass, make sure the frame's dimensions and the edges of the window are even. You may need to adjust spring clips or the metal triangulars to hold it in place if there are gaps. It is also important to ensure that the new pane is the right size for the opening. If it's too big it could cause leaks or other issues.
The first step is to create an area for work. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame using a putty knife to reveal the bare wood. If the rabbets on the frame are too rough to smooth with a putty blade 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 wood, which will reduce its life span.
Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, knead some putty until it is soft and malleable. Use the putty knife apply a thin layer of it to the inside corner of the rabbets. This creates an even bed for the glass to rest against. Repeat the process for the other edges of the rabbets.
Remove any remaining metal points from the grooves of the sash after the putty has dried. Wear safety glasses prior to 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, allowing it to loosen so that you can remove it by using pliers.
After the glass and frame are in place, test it by sliding it into its place. Adjust the glass as required before securing it with spring clips or metal triangulars. Make sure that the gap between the frame and the glass is consistent on all sides. Test the movement of the window sash, and make sure that the new glass does not interfere with the closing or opening. Consult a restoration specialist should you encounter any issues during the installation. They can assist you to fix and preserve your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before you install the new glass, you should test-fit it to ensure it is snugly fitted. Find the height and width of the window opening by measuring from the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to find the size of glass you should purchase. By slightly undersizing the glass, you 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 will cut a piece for you. You can also cut the glass yourself if you have a large piece available.
After removing the glass pane and cleaning the window sash grooves. Take off any metal glazing points that were used to support the previous pane. A pull-type paint scraper or a chisel is ideal to accomplish this job. If the grooves are filled of putty that has hardened, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Cover surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil in order to protect them from heat.
It is also possible to use an exterior primer to prevent the putty from absorbing its natural oils. It is also recommended to clean the sash to remove dust and dirt from the grooves.
Knead a tiny amount of putty until it is soft and warm and then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. At this point, neatness is not important. Press the new pane into the rabbets. Then, move it around and apply consistent pressure with your fingers to ensure that it's placed in the right place.
Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, you can install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other fixing mechanisms, such as L channels, use the hammer to pry them out of the sash grooves. Inspect the frame for shards of glass that might have broken during removal, and take them out of them before continuing. To keep pests and water from entering the house, apply a clear silicone caulk on the frame's bottom edge at the point where it joins floor.