Carmine Soule

Replacing French Door Glass

Replacing a damaged pane of glass in a french door frame replacement door is a simple DIY project. Cleaning the glass by removing the molding and trim, then installing the new pane is all that's needed.

french door glass repair doors have multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars that are functional also known as mullions. They are available in a variety of configurations and may include triple-pane glass in order to boost energy efficiency, reduce sound and minimize glare.

How do you replace a broken glass pane

Before beginning, put on a pair of rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any fragments of broken glass that may fall off during the Replacement glass for french doors Cost process. Work in an open area, such as a garage, and keep kids away. It is best to remove the window frame from the sill for better accessibility and maneuverability however, you can replace a pane without taking the entire window out of the frame.

With a putty blade use a putty blade to scrape off any old caulking or glazing compound that is around the edges of the window sash. Be careful not to damage 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 metal glazing points. 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 chisel could work. If the putty is too hard to get rid of, you can use a heat gun to soften it. Keep the heat gun approximately an inch from the glass and move it back and forth to distribute the heat. Double the aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to prevent them from cracking due to the heat.

After you've removed the old glass, use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the window sash to get rid of any dust or dirt. Now you can install a new glass pane.

Measure the width and height to determine the dimension of the glass. Take these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from all sides to create a new piece that will fit easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you if you supply the measurement.

Warm up a small amount of putty and roll it into a 3/4-inch wide rope. Place the putty along the edge of the exposed rabbet. Place the blade of your putty knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame rabbet. Pull the knife along the glass's edge in a straight, smooth line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat 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 frame of a French door isn't just a source of irritation for the eye it's a risk to your safety. It's easy to replace a pane in the french door window repair style of door and is usually cheaper than replacing the whole door panel. Most homeowners can handle the job themselves, but professional assistance is available if the task requires special skills or tools.

Begin by removing any broken or cracked fragments of the frame. Wear safety goggles and gloves to stop glass shards from getting into your eyes or on your face. Then, clean the glass pane's opening to get rid of any remaining caulking or putty used to keep the old pane in place.

Next, you need to remove any trim or molding that was holding the glass in place. It could be difficult to pry the molding off. This is why it's important to wear a protective suit, and to have someone assist you with the prying if necessary. Label the pieces that you are removing so they can be returned to their original location.

Once the molding is removed after which you can start installing the new pane of glass. Measure the dimensions of the opening for the glass pane, and then go to a glass shop to purchase a piece glass that is new for your replacement french doors near me door. It's a good idea to get a piece of safety glass, since it won't break as easily should your replacement upvc french doors doors break again.

When you are ready to install your new piece of glass in the opening, make sure that it is aligned properly. Then, apply a fine dot of clear silicone caulk over the edge of the glass.

After the caulk is dry, you can replace the molding. If the nails that were used originally did not pull through the molding, you can put in new wire nails to fill in the holes left behind by the old ones. Pre-drilling the holes will prevent the nails from splitting through the molding. You can drill holes using very thin bits from the hardware store that is well-stocked.

How to cut a New Pane Of Glass

Make sure you check the spacing between the frame of the window and around the edges prior to ordering an additional pane. If you notice any gaps, you may require adjusting the spring clips or triangles that hold it in place. It is also important to ensure that the new pane is a suitable size for your opening. If it's too large, you may experience leakage or other problems when it's installed.

The first step is preparing a work surface. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame using a putty knife to reveal the bare wood. If the rabbets on the frame are too rough to smooth out using a putty knife, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glass from absorption of moisture from the wood, and will reduce its life.

Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, rub a handfull of 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 bed against which the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.

Once the putty has dried and the putty is removed, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the grooves within the sash. Wear safety glasses prior to attempting to remove the points to keep yourself safe from shards glass. The low setting of heat guns can be used to gently warm the metal and loosen it so that you can remove it using pliers.

Slide the glass into place to test fit. Make any necessary adjustments before securing it in place with spring clips or steel triangles. Make sure the gap between the frame and the glass is even on all sides. Test the movement of the window sash, and ensure the new pane will not hinder the closing or opening. If you have any issues regarding the installation, consult an expert in restoration to assist you restore and maintain your home's historic features.

Install the Pane of Glass

Test-fit the glass pane to ensure that it fits properly 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 glass you should buy. It will be easier to install the glass by reducing it slightly. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contracting of the frame. Take your measurements to a hardware store or home center, and let them cut a piece glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself if happen to have a huge sheet of stock glass.

After removing the old glass pane, clean the window sash grooves. Remove any glazing points that were used to support the old pane. A pull-type paint scraper or a chisel will work to accomplish this task. If the grooves have lots of hardened putty in them you can soften it using a heat gun. Cover the windows and moldings around them with aluminum foil in order to protect them from heat.

Scrape and sand the rabbets in which the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer on them to prevent the putty from absorbing its natural oils and thus reducing its lifespan. It is also recommended to clean the sash to get rid of any dirt and dust from the grooves.

Knead a small amount of putty until it is soft and warm and then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. It's not important to be neat at this stage. Press the new pane into the rabbets. Then, move it around and apply even pressure with your fingers to make sure it's properly seated.

If there are holes in the wood frame around the glass, fill them with silicone caulk before installing the new glass pane. If the frame has other mechanisms for fastening like L-channels for example, employ a hammer for prying them out from the sash grooves. Examine the frame for glass fragments that may have broken free during removal, and then remove them before continuing. Then, apply a layer of clear silicone caulk on the bottom edge of the frame, where it joins the floor to keep pests and water out of the house.