A An Overview Of Replacing French Door Glass From Start To Finish
Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively simple to replace a damaged glass pane in a French Door. Cleaning the glass trimming and molding, then removing the trim and then installing a new pane is all that's needed.
French doors are made of multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars. They are also referred to as mullions. They are available in a variety of styles and may include triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency, reduce sound and control glare.
How to replace a damaged Pane of Glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses prior to replacing the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass fragments that might fall during the process. Work in an open area like garages, and keep kids away. For easier access it is recommended to remove the window frame from its sill. However, you can still replace the pane, but without removing the entire frame.
Start by scraping off any old glazing compound or caulking around the edges of the sash with a putty knife. Be careful not to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place because you'll require it later to support the new pane.
If you're working with a window made of steel the window could be secured with glazing points made of steel. You'll need to remove these, as well as the old putty, before you can take the glass out of the frame. A paint scraper or a tool like a chisel will work however, if you find that the putty's too hard to remove, gradually soften it with a heating gun. Place the heat gun one inch away from the glass and move it forwards and backwards to spread the warmth. Put doubled sheets of aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to keep them from cracking because of the heat.
After removing the old glass, use a damp cloth and wipe the inside of the window sash to remove any dust or dirt. Then you can install the new glass.
Take measurements of the width and height to determine the dimensions of the glass. To purchase a glass pane that fits into the door frame, you need to take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores can cut a piece of glass for you if they have the measurements.
Warm up a few tablespoons of putty and roll it into a 3/4-inch wide rope. Set the putty in a position that is against one edge of the rabbet, and then rest your putty knife's blade at a 45-degree angle to the frame's rabbet. To cut a piece of the pane, move the knife in a straight and straight line along the edge of glass. Repeat the process for the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape away website .
Take off the broken Pane
A broken glass pane in the French door isn't just a source of irritation for the eye it's a risk to your safety. It's simple to replace a pane of glass in a French-style door and it's typically less expensive than replacing the whole door panel. Most homeowners can do the job themselves, but professional assistance is available if the project requires special skills or tools.
Start by getting rid of any cracked or broken fragments of the frame. Wear safety goggles and gloves to prevent glass shards from entering your eyes or face. Clean the glass opening to remove any caulking or putty used to hold the previous pane in place.
The next step is to take off the molding or trim that is holding the glass in place. This can be a challenge, as it will likely require some effort to pry the molding loose. This is why it's best to wear a protective suit, and to have someone assist you in the process of prying if you need help. It's also an excellent idea to label the pieces you're pulling off, so that you can return them to their place at the appropriate time.
The installation of the new glass is simple after the molding has been removed. Visit a glass shop and measure the glass's opening. You should get the safety glass for your French door, because it will not break easily in the event of a break.
When you're ready to install the new piece of glass, make sure it's aligned properly in the opening. Apply a thin layer of clear silicone caulk on the edge of the glass.
After the caulk is dry it is possible to replace the molding. If the original nails didn't push through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes left by the old nails. To prevent the nails from breaking the molding, it is recommended to first drill the holes. A well-stocked hardware store carries 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, make sure the frame's dimensions and the edges of the window are in a straight line. If you see any gaps, you might have to adjust the spring clips or the metal triangles that secure it in place. Also, you must make sure that the new pane is a appropriate size for the opening; if it's too large, you could experience leaks or other issues after it's put in.
The first step is to make an area for work. With a putty knife scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame to expose bare wood. If the rabbets on the frame are too rough to smooth using a putty knife, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glazing from absorbing moisture from the wood and shorten its life.
Once the frame is clean and prepped and ready to be used, warm a few tablespoons of putty by kneading until it's soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer of it using the putty blade to the inside corners of the rabbets to create a 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 that are stuck in the grooves of the sash. Wear safety glasses prior to attempting to remove the points in order to protect yourself from shards of glass. A heat gun set to the lowest setting can help you to warm and loosen the metal, to allow you to bend it away from the frame using pliers.
After the glass and frame are ready, test-fit it by sliding it into its place. Adjust the glass as necessary before securing it with spring clips or metal triangulars. Check that the distance between the frame and the glass is uniform and even on all sides, and check the sash's movement to ensure that the new glass won't interfere with opening or closing the window. Speak with a restoration specialist if you encounter any problems during the installation. They can help you repair and maintain your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before you install the new glass pane, you should test-fit it to ensure that it fits properly. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening by measuring to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement in order to determine the size glass you require. A little undersizing of the pane will make it easier to install and allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. You can bring your measurements to the hardware store or home centre and they will cut a piece for you. You can cut the glass yourself when you have a large piece in your possession.
After removing the glass pane and cleaning the window sash grooves. Remove any glazing points used to hold the previous pane. A pull-type paint scraper or a chisel will work to accomplish this task. If the grooves have an abundance of hardened putty in them it is possible to gradually soften it by using a heating gun. Cover surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil in order to keep them safe from heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets on which the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer on them to prevent the putty from drawing out its natural oils and reducing its life. Also, clean the grooves of the sash.
Knead a tiny amount of putty until it's soft and warm Then press it into the rabbets in which the glass will go. At this point, the neatness is not important. Press the new pane in the rabbets and then move it with your fingers.
If there are any holes in the frame of wood around the glass, you can fill them with silicone caulk before installing the new pane of glass. If the frame has any other mechanisms for fastening, like L-channels, you can use a hammer to pry them out of the sash grooves. Remove any shards that may have become loose during the removal of the frame. To prevent pests and water from entering the house, apply a clear silicone caulk over the frame's bottom edge where it meets floor.