Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively easy to replace a damaged glass pane inside a French door. It involves cleaning the pane of glass and removing molding or trim and installing an entirely new window pane.
French doors are made of multiple glass panes, which are separated by muntin bars. These are also called Mullions. They come in a wide variety of styles and are able to be triple-paned in order to reduce noise and control glare.
How to Replace a Broken Pane of Glass
Before starting you begin, put on a pair of rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any shards of broken glass that may fall off during the replacement process. Also work in a garage or an open space and keep children away from the area. It's best to remove the window frame from the sill for better access and maneuverability However, you can replace a pane without taking the entire window out of the frame.
Begin by scraping off any old glazing compound or caulking around the edge of the sash with a putty knife. You don't want to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place. You will need it to hold the new window.
If you're working with a steel-casement window the window could be secured with glazing points made of steel. It is necessary to remove these along with the old putty before you can remove the glass out of the frame. A paint scraper or a chisel should work however, if you find that the putty is difficult to remove, gradually soften it with a heat gun. Place the heat gun one inch from the glass, then move it forward and backwards to spread the warmth. Double-up the aluminum foil and place it on the panes that are next to it. This will stop 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 dirt or dust. Now you can install the new glass.
To cut a piece of glass to size first, measure the width and height of the opening. To purchase a glass pane that fits into the door frame, you need to take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores will cut a piece glass for you if you supply the measurement.
Warm a small amount of putty in your hands before rolling it into a length of 3/4 inch thick. Position the putty against one side of the rabbet, and rest the blade of your putty tool at a 45-degree angle with the frame's rabbet. To cut a piece of the pane, move the knife in a straight and straight line along the glass's edge. Repeat with the other edges of the glass and then scrape away the excess putty.
Take off the broken Pane
A broken pane in a French-styled door is not only an eyesore, but it can also be a safety risk. Replacing a pane of glass in a French door can be accomplished in a few simple steps and is usually much less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can do this task themselves, though professional assistance is available if the task requires specialized skills or tools.
Begin by removing any broken or cracked fragments of the frame. Wear safety goggles and gloves to stop glass shards from entering your eyes or on your face. Clean the glass opening to remove any caulking or putty that was used to hold the previous pane in place.
The next step is to remove the molding or trim that is holding the glass in place. It may be difficult to pull the molding off. Wearing protective gear and having someone assist you in the process of prying is an excellent idea. It's also a good idea to label the pieces you're pulling off, so you can put them back in place at the right time.
Installing the new glass is easy 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 glass that is new for your French door. You should get safety glass for your French door, as it will not shatter easily if it breaks again.
When you're ready to put in the new piece of glass make sure that it's aligned properly in the opening. Then, apply a thin dot of clear silicone caulk around the glass's edge.
You can change the molding after the caulk is dry. If the original nails did not penetrate the molding, you can hammer new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. By drilling the holes prior to drilling, you can stop the nails from splitting through the molding. A well-stocked hardware store stocks tiny bits that can be used to drill the holes.
How to cut a new Pane Of Glass
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window as well as the edges before ordering a replacement pane. If you notice any gaps, you could have to adjust the spring clips or metal triangles that hold the glass in place. It is also important to ensure that the new pane is appropriate size for the opening; if it's too large, you could face leakage or other problems when it's put in.
The first step is to prepare the work surface. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame with a putty blade to expose the wood. If the rabbets of the frame are too rough to smooth using a putty knife, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glazing from absorbing moisture from wood, thereby reducing its lifespan.
Once the frame is cleaned and prepared, knead a handfull of putty until it's soft and malleable. Utilize the putty knife to apply a thin layer of it to the inside corner of the rabbets. This creates an elongated bed for the glass to rest against. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.
Remove any remaining metal pieces from the grooves of the sash after the putty has dried. Before you attempt to remove them, you should wear a pair of safety goggles to protect yourself from glass shards. The low setting of heat guns can be used to gently heat the metal and loosen it up so you can take it off by using pliers.
Place the glass on the table to check the fit. Make any necessary adjustments before fixing it with spring clips or metal triangles. Make sure that the gap between the frame and glass is even across all sides. Examine the movement of the window sash to make sure that the new glass does not interfere with the closing or opening. If you find any problems with the installation, you should consult a professional specializing in restoration to help you restore and maintain your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass to ensure it fits snugly before putting it in place. 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 in order to determine the size of glass you require. Slightly undersizing the pane will make it easier to install and provide room for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. Bring your measurements to a hardware store or home center and have them cut a piece glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have a large sheet available.
After removing the old glass pane clean the window sash grooves. Remove any glazing points that held the old pane. french door lock repairs dunstable can be accomplished using an e-type paint scraper or a chisel. If the grooves have lots of hardened putty in them you can soften it using a heat gun. Cover the moldings and windows with aluminum foil in order to protect them from heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets on which the glass is, and then brush an exterior primer on them to help prevent the putty from drawing out its natural oils and shortening its lifespan. You should also clean the grooves of the sash.
Place a small amount of it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. At this point, the cleanliness is not a factor. Place 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 fixing mechanisms, such as L channels, use the hammer to pry them out of the sash grooves. Examine the frame for glass shards that may have shattered during removal, and take them out of them before continuing. To prevent pests and water from entering your home, apply a clear silicone caulk to the bottom edge of frame where it meets the floor.