The Little Known Benefits Of Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a damaged pane of glass on a French door is a simple DIY project. It involves cleaning the glass pane trimming or molding and then putting in the new window pane.
French doors have multiple glass panes, separated by muntin bars that are functional also known as mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and can also include triple-pane glass in order to boost energy efficiency, reduce sound and reduce glare.
How do you replace a damaged pane of glass
Before starting you begin, put on a pair of rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any fragments of broken glass that might fall off during the replacement process. Also work in a garage or another open space, and keep children away from the area. It is 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 caulking or glazing compound around the edges of the window sash. You don't want to harm the wood molding that holds the window in place. You'll need it to hold the new window.
If you're working with a steel-casement windows The window may be held in place with glazing points made of steel. You'll need to remove these as well as the old putty, before you can take the window out of the frame. A paint scraper or a chisel should work however if you discover that the putty is too difficult to get out, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Place the heat gun one inch from the glass, and move it forward and backwards to spread the warmth. Double-up the aluminum foil and place it on the glass adjacent to it. This will stop them from breaking due to heat.
Once the old glass is removed, wipe down the inside of the window sash using an damp cloth to scrub off any dirt or dust. It is now time to install a new piece of glass.
Take measurements of the width and height to determine the size of the glass. Record these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from all sides 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.
Warm a handful of putty in your hands before rolling it into a length of 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty on one edge of the exposed rabbet, and rest your putty knife's blade at a 45-degree angle with the frame's rabbet. Move the knife along the glass's edge in a smooth, straight line to cut a portion 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 damaged pane of glass in a French-styled door is not only an eyesore but can also be a safety risk. Replacing glass in a French door is done in a few easy steps and is typically less costly than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can complete the task on their own, but professional assistance is available for those who require special tools or skills.
Start by removing More Tips broken or cracked fragments of the frame. Wear safety goggles and gloves to prevent glass shards from getting in your eyes or face. Clean the glass pane's openings to remove any residual caulking or putty that was used to hold the old pane in place.
The next step is to eliminate the molding or trim that is holding the glass in place. It may be a challenge to get the molding out. This is why it's best to wear your protective gear and have someone help you with the prying, if needed. It's also a good idea to identify the pieces you're taking off, so you can put them back at the appropriate time.
After the molding has been removed and the molding is removed, you can begin putting in the new pane of glass. Visit a glass shop and measure the glass's opening. It is a good idea to purchase a piece of security glass, since it won't break as easily in the event that your French doors break again.
Once you're ready to set up the glass piece make sure that it's aligned correctly in the opening. Apply a thin layer of clear silicone caulk to the edge of the glass.
Once the caulk has dried, you can replace the molding. If the nails that were used originally did not penetrate the molding you can hammer in new wire nails to fill in the holes left by the old nails. To prevent the nails from breaking the molding, you should drill the holes prior to drilling them. A well-stocked hardware store carries extremely thin bits that can be used to drill holes.
How to Cut a New Pane Of Glass
Make sure you check the spacing between the frame of the window as well as the edges before you order a replacement pane. You may have to adjust spring clips or the metal triangulars to hold it in place if you find gaps. Also, you should ensure that your new pane is the correct size for the opening. If it's too big there could be leakage and other problems.
The first step is preparing an area for work. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame with a putty blade to reveal the bare wood. If the rabbets are too rough to smooth using the putty knife gently sand them and brush on an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glazing from absorbing moisture from wood, which will reduce its life span.
Once the frame is cleaned and prepared, rub the putty until it's soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer with the putty blade to the inside corners of the rabbets to create a bed that the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.
Remove any remaining metal points from the grooves of the sash after the putty has dried. Before you attempt to remove them, put on goggles that are safe to shield yourself from glass fragments. The low setting of heat guns can be used to gently heat the metal, allowing it to loosen so that you can remove it using pliers.
Slide the glass into place to test the fit. Adjust the glass as needed before securing it with spring clips or triangulars made of metal. Check that the distance between the frame and the glass is even and uniform across all sides. You can also check the sash's movement to make sure that the new pane won't interfere with opening or closing the window. Speak with a restoration specialist if you encounter any problems during the installation. They can assist you to fix and preserve your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before installing the new pane of glass, you should test-fit it to make sure it fits properly. Measure the width and height of the window's opening, measuring to the outside edges of the L-channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement in order to determine the size glass you need. By slightly undersizing the glass, you will allow it to be installed more easily and will allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. Take your measurements to a hardware store or home center, and let them cut a piece of glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself if you have a large sheet of glass in stock.
Once the old pane of glass is removed, you should remove the window sash grooves, and remove any metal glazing points that held the old pane in place. This can be accomplished using an e-type paint scraper or a chisel. If the grooves are stuffed full of putty that has hardened, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Be sure to cover windows and moldings with aluminum foil to protect them from the heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets on which the glass is, and 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 sash in order to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves.
Press a small amount into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. Neatness isn't important at this stage. Place the new pane into the rabbets, and then move it with your fingers.
Fill any holes in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, install the new glass. If the frame has any other fixing mechanisms, such as L channels, you can use an hammer and pull them out of the sash grooves. Examine the frame for glass fragments that may have shattered during removal, and then remove them prior to continuing. Then, apply a layer of clear silicone caulk over the bottom edge of the frame, where it joins the floor to keep water and pests out of the house.