See What Replacing French Door Glass Tricks The Celebs Are Using
Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a broken pane of glass in a French door is a simple DIY project. Cleaning the glass, removing trim and molding, then installing a new pane is all that's needed.
French doors are made of multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars that are functional, also known as Mullions. They come in a broad variety of designs and are able to be triple-paned to cut down the sound and control the glare.
How to replace a damaged Pane of Glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses before you begin to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass shards that could fall during the process. Also work in a garage or other open space and keep children out from the area. It is recommended to remove the window frame from the sill for better accessibility and maneuverability However, you can replace a window without taking the entire window out of the frame.
Begin by scraping away any old glazing compound or caulking around the edge of the sash using a putty knife. Be careful not to scratch the wood molding that holds the window in place, as you'll need it later to hold the new pane.
If you're working with a steel-casement window The window may be secured with glazing points made of steel. These points, as well as the old putty, need to be removed before you can remove the window from the frame. A paint scraper or a chisel should work, but if you find that the putty's too hard to get out, slowly soften it with a heat gun. Keep the heat gun approximately one inch from the glass and move it around to distribute the heat. Put doubled sheets of aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to keep them from cracking due to the heat.
After removing the old glass, use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the window sash to get rid of any dirt or dust. Then, you can put in a new pane of glass.
Take measurements of the width and height to determine the dimension of the glass. Note these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from all sides to get a new glass that will fit easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you in the event that 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 exposed rabbet and rest the blade of your knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame rabbet. The knife should be pulled across the edge of the glass in a smooth, straight line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat with the other edges of the glass and then scrape away the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A broken pane of glass in a French door isn't just an eye sore it's a risk to your safety. Replacing glass in a French door can be accomplished in a few simple steps and is typically less costly than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners are able to do this on their own, but professional assistance is available for those who require special tools or skills.
Begin by removing the broken piece of glass, then taking care to clean any broken or cracked pieces from the frame. Wear safety glasses and gloves to stop glass shards from entering your eyes or face. Clean the glass pane's openings to remove any residual caulking or putty used to keep the old pane in place.
The next step is to take off any trim or molding holding the glass in place. This can be tricky because it may require some prying to break the molding loose. Wearing protective equipment and having someone help you in prying is an excellent idea. It's also a good idea to identify the pieces you're taking off, so you can put them back when you're ready.
Installing the glass is simple once the molding has been removed. Visit a glass store and take measurements of the glass's opening. It's a good idea to purchase a piece of security glass, since it won't break as easily in the event that your french door lock repair near me doors break again.
Once you're ready to set up the new piece of glass ensure that it's placed correctly in the opening. Apply a thin layer of clear silicone caulk cost to replace window with french doors the edge of the glass.
After the caulk is dry it is possible to replace window with french doors the molding. If the nails that were used originally didn't penetrate the molding, you can hammer in new wire nails to fill the holes left behind by the old nails. To avoid the nails splitting the molding, you must first drill the holes. You can drill holes with very thin bits from the hardware store that is well stocked.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window as well as the edges prior to ordering a replacement pane. If you find any gaps, you could have to adjust the spring clips or triangles that secure it to the frame. It is also important to make sure that the new pane is a suitable size for your opening. If it's not large, you may experience leakage or other problems when it's put in.
The first step is to prepare the work surface. With a putty knife scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame, leaving the wood. If the rabbets of the frame are too rough to smooth using a knife then lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorption of moisture from the wood and reduce its lifespan.
Once the frame is cleaned and prepared, rub some putty until it's soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer 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 on the other edges that are exposed on the rabbets.
Remove any remaining metal pieces 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 shattering. Heat guns on low settings can be used to gently heat the metal, allowing it to loosen so that you can remove it with pliers.
After the glass and frame are ready, test-fit it by sliding it into place. Make any necessary adjustments prior to fixing it with the spring clips or metal triangles. Make sure the gap between the frame and glass is consistent across all sides. Test the movement of the window sash to make sure that the new glass does not interfere with the opening or closing. If you encounter any issues regarding the installation, consult an expert in restoration to assist you repair and preserve your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass pane to ensure it is snug before putting it in place. 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 the glass you need to buy. It will be easier to install the pane by reducing it slightly. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contracting of the wood frame. You can take your measurements to a hardware store or the home centre and they will cut a piece of glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself if you have a huge sheet available.
After the old pane of glass has been removed, clean out the window sash grooves and remove any metal glazing points which held the previous pane in place. This can be done with an e-type paint scraper or a chipper. If the grooves are filled of hardened putty, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Be sure to cover windows and molding with aluminum foil to protect them from the heat.
It is also possible to use an exterior primer to keep the putty from absorbing the natural oils. You should also wipe down the sash to get rid of dust and dirt from the grooves.
Knead a small amount putty until it is soft and warm and then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. The appearance of the glass isn't crucial at this point. Make sure to press the new pane into the rabbets, and then move it using your fingers.
Fill any holes in the frame with silicone caulk. Then install the new glass. If the frame has any other fastening mechanisms, such as L-channels, use a hammer to pry them out from the sash grooves. Examine the frame for shards of glass that may have shattered during removal, and then remove them before continuing. Finally, put a coat of clear silicone caulk over the bottom of the frame, where it joins the floor to keep water and pests out of the home.