Replacing French Door Glass

It is relatively easy to replace a broken glass pane in a French Door. Cleaning the glass, removing trim and molding, then installing the new pane is all that's required.

french door glass replacement near me doors feature multiple glass panes, separated by muntin bars for functional purposes, also known as mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and can also include triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency, cut down on sound and reduce glare.

How to replace garage door with french doors a Broken Pane of Glass

Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses prior to replacing the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass fragments that may fall during the process. Also, work in a garage or other open space and keep children out from the area. For better access it is best to take the window frame from its sill. However, you can still replace french door glass the pane, but without removing the entire frame.

With a putty knife, scrape off any caulking or glazing compound around the edges of the window sash. You don't want to harm the wood molding that holds the window in place. It will be needed to support the new pane.

If you're working with a window made of steel the window could be secured with glazing points made of steel. These points, along with the old putty, will require removal before you can remove the pane from the frame. Paint scraper or chisel will work. If the putty is hard to get rid of, you can employ a heat gun in order to soften it. The heat gun should be held about an inch from the glass and move it back and forth to spread the heat. Place two sheets of aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to stop them from cracking because of the heat.

Once the old glass has been removed, clean the inside of the window sash with a damp cloth to wash off any dust or dirt. Now you can install a new glass pane.

Take measurements of 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 is able to fit into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece glass for you, if you give them the measurement.

Putty that is warm in your hands, then roll it into a length of 3/4 inch thick. Set the putty in a position that is against one edge of the exposed rabbet, and rest your putty knife's blade at a 45-degree angle to the frame's rabbet. Pull the knife along the edge of the glass in a smooth, straight line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat with the remaining edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.

Take the broken Pane

A broken pane in a French-styled door is not only an eyesore, but it can also pose a security risk. Replacing a pane of glass in a French door can be done in a few easy steps and is typically cheaper than replacing the entire ell-stocked.

How to cut a New Pane Of Glass

Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window and the edges before you order an additional pane. If you notice any gaps, you might have to adjust the spring clips or metal triangles that secure it to the frame. You should also make sure that your new pane is appropriate for the opening. If it's too big there could be leakage and other problems.

The first step is to create a work surface. Scrape the old compound off the frame's sides with a putty blade to reveal the bare wood. If the rabbets are too rough for you to smooth with the putty knife gently 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 clean and prepped, warm a handful of putty by kneading it until it's soft and malleable. Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer to the inside corner of the rabbets, creating a narrow bed for the glass to rest against. Repeat the process on the other exposed edges of the rabbets.

Remove any remaining metal points that remain in the sash's grooves when the putty has dried. Wear safety goggles prior to trying to remove the points in order to protect yourself from shards of glass. A heat gun on the lowest setting will help you warm and loosen the metal, so you can bend it out of the frame using pliers.

Place the glass in place to check the fit. Make any necessary adjustments before fixing it with spring clips or metal triangles. Check that the distance between the frame and the glass is even and uniform across all sides. You can also check the movement of the sash to ensure that the new glass will not hinder closing or opening the window. If you encounter any issues with the installation, consult a professional specializing in restoration, who can help you repair and preserve your home's historic features.

Install the Pane of Glass

Test-fit the glass pane to ensure that it is snug before putting it in place. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening by measuring from the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement in order to determine the glass size you need. Slightly undersizing the pane will allow it to be installed more easily and will allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. You can bring your measurements to the hardware store or home centre and they will cut a piece of glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself if you happen to have a large sheet of glass in stock.

After the old pane glass has been removed, clean out the window sash grooves, and remove any metal glazing points that held the previous pane in place. This can be done with an e-type paint scraper or a chisel. If the grooves are stuffed full of hardened putty, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Be sure to cover the surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil to shield them from heat.

It is also possible to use an exterior primer to keep the putty from absorbing its natural oils. You should also clean the sash in order to remove dust and dirt from the grooves.

Place a small amount of it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. At this stage, cleanliness is not a factor. Place the new pane in the rabbets, then move it around and apply even pressure with your fingers to ensure it's seated properly.

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 use an hammer and pull them from the sash grooves. Take out any shards of wood that might have become loose when removing the frame. To prevent pests and water from entering your home put a clear silicone caulk on the frame's bottom edge where it meets floor.