5 Replacing French Door Glass Lessons From The Pros
Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a broken piece of glass on a French door is a relatively simple DIY project. It involves cleaning the glass pane, removing trim or molding and installing an entirely new window pane.
French doors feature multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars that are functional also known as Mullions. They come in a wide range of configurations and can be triple-paned in order to reduce the sound and control glare.
How do you replace a broken pane of glass
Before beginning, put on gloves made of rubber and safety glasses to protect yourself from any fragments of broken glass that may fall off during the replacement process. Work in a space that is open, such as a garage and keep your children out. It is recommended to remove the window frame from the sill to allow greater accessibility and mobility, but you can also replace a window without taking the entire window out of the frame.
Begin by scraping away 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 since you'll need it in the future to hold the new pane.
If you're working with a steel casement window it might 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. Paint scraper or chisel can work. If the putty is too hard to get rid of, you can make use of a heat gun to soften it. Hold the heat gun an inch away from the glass, then move it forwards and backwards to spread the warmth. Double-up the aluminum foil and then place it on the glass adjacent to it. This will prevent them from breaking due to heat.
After removing the old glass, apply a damp cloth and clean the inside of the window sash to get rid of any dust or dirt. Then, you can put in the new 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 order a new pane that will fit easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores can cut a piece of glass for you if they have the measurements.
Warm up a small amount of putty and roll it into a 3/4-inch thick rope. Place the putty on the edge of the exposed rabbet. Then, rest the blade of your knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame rabbet. To cut st-albans french door glass replacement of the pane, push the knife in a smooth and straight line across the glass's edge. Repeat the process with the remaining edges of the glass and then scrape away the excess putty.
Take off the broken Pane
A broken glass pane in the French door isn't just an eye sore it's also a danger to safety. It's simple to replace a pane of glass in the French style of door and is generally less expensive than replacing the whole door panel. Most homeowners can handle this task themselves, though professional assistance is available if the project requires specialized skills or tools.
Begin by removing the broken sheet of glass, and clean any cracked or shattered fragments from the frame. Wear safety goggles and gloves to keep glass shards from entering your eyes or onto your face. Clean the glass opening to eliminate any caulking or putty used to keep the previous pane in place.
Next, you need remove any trim or molding that was holding the glass in place. This can be a challenge since it could require some prying to get the molding loose. This is why it's a good idea to wear your protective gear and ask someone to assist you in the process of prying if you need help. It's also recommended to label the pieces you're pulling off, so you can put them back at the appropriate time.
Installing the new glass is easy once the molding has been removed. Go to a glass store and take measurements of the glass's opening. You should get safety glass for your French door, as it won't break easily if it breaks again.
When you are ready to put the glass in the opening, make sure that it is aligned correctly. Then, you can apply a thin dot of clear silicone caulk over the edge of the glass.
After the caulk has dried it is possible to replace the molding. If the nails that were originally used didn't push through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. The holes should be predrilled to stop the nails from splitting through the molding. A well-stocked hardware store has extremely thin bits that can be used to drill the holes.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window and the edges prior to ordering an additional pane. If you find any gaps, you could need to adjust the spring clips or metal triangles that hold it to the frame. Also, you should ensure that the new pane you purchase is the right size for the opening. If it's too large, you may experience leaks and other issues.
The first step is to prepare 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 are too rough for you to smooth with a putty knife, lightly sand them and brush on an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorbing moisture from the wood, and will reduce its lifespan.
After the frame has been cleaned and prepped then warm a small amount of putty by kneading it until soft and malleable. Use the putty knife apply a thin layer to the inside corners of the rabbets, forming a narrow bed for the glass to rest upon. Repeat the process for the remaining exposed edges.
After the putty is dry and the putty is removed, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the grooves within the sash. Before attempting to remove them, wear goggles with safety features to shield yourself from glass shards. Heat guns on low settings can be used to gently heat the metal and loosen it so you can take it off by using pliers.
Place the glass on the table to test the fit. Make any adjustments needed before securing it in place with spring clips or steel triangles. Check that the distance between the glass and frame is even and uniform across all sides. You can also check the sash's movement to make sure that the new pane will not hinder opening or closing the window. If you find any problems regarding the installation, consult an expert who specializes in restoration, who can help you repair and preserve your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before installing the new pane of glass, you should test-fit it to make sure it fits properly. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening by measuring it to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement to determine the size glass you require. Slightly undersizing the pane will allow it to be installed more easily and provide room for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. You can take your measurements to a hardware store or home centre and they cut the glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself in the event that you have a huge sheet in your possession.
After the old pane of glass has been removed, you must remove the window sash grooves, and remove any glazing points made of steel that held the old pane in place. This can be done with a pull-type paint scraper, or a Chisel. If the grooves have lots of putty that has been hardened, you can gradually soften it by using a heating gun. Be careful to cover surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil to shield 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 drawing out its natural oils and thus reducing its life. It is also recommended to clean the grooves in the sash.
Knead a small amount of putty until it is warm and flexible, then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. At this point, neatness is not important. Place the new pane in the rabbets. Then, move it around and apply a consistent pressure with your fingers to make sure it's seated properly.
If there are holes in the frame of wood around the glass, fill them with silicone caulk prior installing the new pane of glass. If the frame is equipped with other fastening mechanisms, such as L-channels, make use of a hammer to pull them out from the sash grooves. Examine the frame for shards of glass that may have broken free during removal, and remove them before continuing. Finally, put a coat of clear silicone caulk over the bottom of the frame where it meets the floor to keep pests and water out of the home.