10 Unexpected Replacing French Door Glass Tips
Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively easy to replace a damaged glass pane on a French door. Cleaning the glass trimming and molding, then removing the trim, then installing a new pane of glass is all that's required.
French doors feature multiple glass panes, separated by muntin bars that are functional also known as mullions. They come in a wide variety of styles, and can be triple-paned to cut down the noise and reduce the glare.
How do you replace a broken pane of glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles before you begin to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass shards that might fall during the process. Also, work in a garage or other open space and keep children out from the area. For easier access, it's best to remove your window frame from its sill. However you can still replace a single pane without removing the entire frame.
Begin by scraping away any old glazing compound or caulking around the edges of the sash with a putty knife. You don't want to damage the wood molding holding the window in place. You'll need it to hold the new window.
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 need to be removed before you can remove the pane from the frame. A paint scraper or Chisel can be used however if you discover that the putty is too difficult to remove, gradually soften it using a heat gun. Hold the heat gun about 1 inch away from the glass and move it around to distribute the heat. Place two sheets of aluminum foil on the other panes to keep them from cracking because of the heat.
After the old glass has been removed, wipe down the inside of the window sash using an damp cloth to scrub off any dust or dirt. Now you can install a new pane 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 get a new glass that will fit easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you if they have the measurements.
Warm a handful of putty in your hands, then roll it into a rope about 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty along the edge of the rabbet. Then, rest the blade of your putty knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame rabbet. The knife should be pulled across the edge of the glass in a straight, smooth line to cut a piece 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 glass pane in a French-style door not only an eyesore however, it could also pose a security risk. Replacing a glass pane in a French door can be accomplished in a couple of steps and is typically cheaper than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners can perform this task on their own, but professional assistance is available for those who require specialized tools or expertise.
Start by removing any broken or cracked fragments of the frame. It is essential to wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid getting shards glass in your face or eyes. Clean the glass pane opening to get rid of any remaining 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. It may be difficult to pry the molding off. This is why it's a good idea to wear your protective gear, and have someone help you with the prying if necessary. It is also an excellent idea to identify the pieces you're taking off, so you know when to put them back in place when you're ready.
Installing the glass is simple after the molding is removed. Visit a glass store and take measurements of the glass's opening. You should get security glass for your French door, because it will not shatter easily if they break again.
Once you're ready to set up the glass piece ensure that it's placed correctly in the opening. Then, apply a fine bead of clear silicone caulk around the edge of the glass.
You can change the molding after the caulk is dry. If the original nails did not pull through the molding, you can hammer new wire nails into the holes left by the old nails. Pre-drilling the holes will prevent the nails from splitting through the molding. A well-stocked hardware store stocks very thin bits that you can use to drill holes.
How to cut a New Pane Of Glass
Before you purchase a new pane of glass, double-check that the frame's dimensions and the edges of the window are even. If you notice any gaps, you might need to adjust the spring clips or metal triangles that secure it in place. It is also important to make sure that the new pane is adequate size for your opening. If it's too large, you could experience leakage or other issues when it's put in.
The first step is preparing an area for work. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame using a putty blade reveal the bare wood. If the rabbets have become too rough to smooth with a putty knife gently sand them and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glazing from absorbing moisture from the wood, and will reduce its life.
Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, knead some putty until it's soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer of it using the blade of putty to the inside corners of the rabbets to create a narrow bed on which the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.
When the putty is dry and the putty is removed, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the grooves in the sash. Before you attempt to remove them, you should wear goggles with safety features to protect yourself from glass shattering. Heating guns with low settings can be used to gently warm the metal, allowing it to loosen so you can take it off using pliers.
When the frame and glass are ready, test-fit 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 distance between the frame and glass is uniform and even across all sides. Also, test the movement of the sash to make sure that the new pane won't interfere with opening or closing the window. Contact a restoration expert in case you have any issues during the installation. They can help you restore and protect your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before installing the new glass You should fit it by testing to ensure that it fits properly. Measure 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 determine the size of glass you should buy. A little undersizing of the pane will allow it to be installed more easily and allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. Take www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to an hardware store or home center and have them cut a piece of glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have a large sheet on hand.
After removing the glass pane, clean the window sash grooves. Take off any metal glazing points that were used to support the old pane. A paint scraper that is a pull type or a chisel is ideal for this task. If the grooves are filled of putty that has hardened, slowly soften it with a heat gun. Be sure to cover windows and moldings with aluminum foil to shield them from heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets in which the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer on them to stop the putty from drawing out its natural oils and shortening its life. It is also recommended to clean the grooves of the sash.
Knead a tiny amount of putty until it is soft and warm, then press it into the rabbets where the glass will go. It's not important to be neat at this point. Press the new pane into the rabbets. Then, move it around and apply consistent pressure with your fingers to ensure it's seated properly.
If there are holes in the wood frame around the glass, fill them with silicone caulk prior installing the new pane of glass. If the frame has any other fastening mechanisms, such as L-channels, employ a hammer for prying them out from the sash grooves. Get rid of any shards that might have come loose in the removal of the frame. To keep water and pests from entering the house put a clear silicone caulk on the bottom edge of frame at the point where it joins floor.