Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively simple to replace a broken glass pane in the French door. It involves cleaning the glass pane trimming or molding and installing a new window pane.
French doors feature multiple glass panes separated by muntin bars for functional purposes which are also referred to as mullions. They come in a broad range of configurations, and can be triple-paned to reduce the sound and control the glare.
How to replace a broken Pane of Glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles before beginning to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass fragments that may fall during the process. Also, work in a garage or another open space, and keep children away from the area. To make it easier to access the area it is recommended to remove your window frame from its ledge. However you can still replace the pane, but without removing the entire frame.
With a putty blade scrape away any caulking or glazing compound around the edge of the window sash. Be careful not to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place because you'll require it later to hold the new window.
If you're working with a steel-casement windows, the window may be secured by glazing points made of steel. You'll need to take them off, as well as the old putty before you can take the window out of the frame. Paint scraper or chisel can work. If the putty is hard to remove, you can employ a heat gun in order to soften it. The heat gun should be held about one inch from the glass and move it back and forth to spread the heat. Double-up the aluminum foil and then place it on the panes that are next to it. This will stop them from breaking due to heat.
After you've removed the old glass, take a damp cloth and clean the inside of the window sash in order to remove any dirt or dust. Then you can install a new glass pane.
Take measurements of the width and height to determine the dimensions of the glass. Record these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to create a new piece that fits easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece glass for you, if you give them the measurement.
Warm a small amount of putty in your hands before rolling it into a rope about 3/4 inch thick. Position the putty against one edge of the exposed rabbet, and then rest the blade of your putty tool at a 45-degree angle with the frame's rabbet. Move the knife across the edge of the glass in a straight, smooth line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat the process for the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape off the excess putty.
Take off the broken Pane
A broken pane of glass in a French door isn't just an eye sore it's also a danger to safety. Replacing a glass pane in a French door can be done in a few easy steps and is typically cheaper than replacing the entire door panel. Repair My Windows And Doors can do this on their own, however professional assistance is available to those who require specific tools or skills.
Begin by removing any broken or cracked pieces of the frame. Wear safety goggles and gloves to prevent glass shards from entering your eyes or face. Then, clean out the glass opening to eliminate any caulking or putty that was used to keep the previous pane in place.
The next step is to eliminate any trim or molding holding the glass in place. It may be a challenge to get the molding off. Wearing protective equipment and having someone help you in the process of prying is an ideal idea. Label the pieces that you are removing so they can be returned to their original location.
Installing the glass is simple once the molding has been removed. Take measurements of the glass pane opening and then go to an online glass shop to purchase a piece of new glass for your French door. It's a good idea to buy a piece made of safety glass, since it won't shatter as easily if your French doors break again.
When you are ready to place your glass piece inside the opening, make sure it is aligned properly. Apply a thin coating of clear silicone caulk to the edge of the glass.
You can replace the molding after the caulk is dry. If the nails that were used originally did not penetrate the molding you can hammer in new wire nails to fill the holes left by the old ones. By drilling the holes prior to drilling, you can stop the nails from splitting through the molding. A well-stocked hardware store has tiny bits that you can use to drill holes.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window and around the edges before you order a replacement pane. If you see any gaps, you may need to adjust the spring clips or the metal triangles that secure it in place. Also, you must ensure that the new pane is suitable size for your opening; if it's too large, you could face leaks or other issues after it is installed.
The first step is to prepare the work surface. With a putty knife scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame to expose the wood. If the rabbets are too rough for you to smooth using the putty knife, lightly sand them and brush on an exterior primer. This will stop the new glazing from absorbing moisture from the wood, thereby reducing its lifespan.
Once the frame is cleaned and prepared, rub some putty until it is soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer of it using the blade of putty to the inside corners of the rabbets to create a bed against which the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other edges that are exposed on the rabbets.
Once the putty has dried take any remaining metal glazing points from the grooves in the sash. Before attempting to remove them, put on goggles that are safe to shield yourself from glass fragments. A heat gun set to an low setting can help you gently warm and loosen the steel so that you can stretch it away from the frame using pliers.
When the frame and glass are set, test the frame by sliding it into place. Make any adjustments needed before securing it in place with spring clips or steel triangles. Make sure that the gap between the glass and frame is even and uniform across all sides. Also, examine the sash's movement to make sure that the new pane will not hinder closing or opening the window. Speak with a restoration specialist should you encounter any issues during the installation. They can help you restore and protect your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass pane to ensure that it fits snugly before putting it up. 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 the glass you need to buy. By slightly undersizing the glass, you will make it easier to install and allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. You can bring your measurements to a hardware store or the home centre and they cut the glass for you. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if have a large sheet of stock glass handy.
After the old pane glass has been removed, you should remove the window sash grooves, and remove any metal glazing points that held the previous pane in place. A pull-type paint scraper or a chisel will work to accomplish this task. If the grooves are stuffed full of hardened putty, slowly soften it by using a heating gun. Be sure to cover windows and molding with aluminum foil to shield them from the heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets in which the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer on them to help prevent the putty from drawing out its natural oils and thus reducing its life. You should also clean the sash in order to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves.
Place a small amount of it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. At this point, the neatness is not important. Press the new pane in the rabbets and then wiggle it by using your fingers.
Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, you can install the new glass. If the frame has other fastening mechanisms, like L-channels, you can make use of a hammer to pull them out of the sash grooves. Check the frame for glass shards that might have broken during removal, and then remove them prior to continuing. To prevent pests and water from entering your home Apply a clear silicone caulk over the bottom edge of frame where it meets floor.