Replacing French Door Glass
It is relatively easy to replace a broken glass pane inside the French Door. Cleaning the glass, removing trim and molding and then installing a new pane of glass is all that's needed.
French doors are made of multiple glass panes, which are separated by muntin bars. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are also referred to as mullions. They come in a broad range of configurations and can be triple-paned to cut down noise and control the glare.
How do you replace a damaged pane of glass
Before you start the replacement process, wear a pair of rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any fragments of broken glass that may fall off during the replacement process. Work in an open area like garages, and keep kids away. It is best to remove the window frame from the sill to allow better accessibility and maneuverability However, you can replace a pane without taking the entire window out of the frame.
Start by scraping off any old glazing compound or caulking around the edges of the sash with a putty knife. You don't want to harm the wood molding holding the window in place. You'll need it to hold the new window.
If you're working with a window made of steel The window may be held in place with glazing points made of metal. You'll need to take them off as well as the old putty before you can take the pane out of the frame. Paint scraper or chisel can work. If the putty is too hard to remove, you could use a heat gun to soften it. Place the heat gun one inch away from the glass, and move it forwards and backwards to spread the warmth. Double the aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to stop them from cracking due to the heat.
After removing the old glass, take a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the window sash in order to remove any dust or dirt. It is now time to install a new piece of glass.
To cut a glass piece to size first, measure the width and height of the opening. Take these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to get a new glass 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 few tablespoons of putty and roll it into a 3/4-inch rope. Place the putty on the edge of the exposed rabbet. Then, rest the blade of your putty-knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame rabbet. To cut a section from the pane, move the knife in a smooth and straight line along the edge of glass. Repeat the process with the remaining edges of the glass and then scrape away the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A damaged pane of glass in a French-style door not just an eye sore however, it could also pose a risk to safety. It's easy to replace a glass pane on the French style of door and is usually cheaper than replacing the whole door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete the task by themselves, however professional assistance is available for those who require specialized tools or know-how.
Begin by removing the broken pane of glass, and clean any broken or cracked pieces from the frame. It is essential to wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting shards of glass on your face or in your eyes. Then, clean the glass pane's openings to get rid of any remaining putty or caulking that was used to keep the old pane in place.
The next step is to remove any molding or trim that holds the glass in place. This isn't easy, as it will likely require some prying to break the molding out. This is why it's a good idea to wear a protective suit, and to have someone assist you in the process of prying if you need help. It is also an excellent idea to identify the pieces you're taking off, so you can put them back in place at the right time.
Installing the glass is easy once the molding has been removed. Measure the dimensions of the opening for the glass pane and then go to an establishment that sells glass to purchase a piece of new glass for your French door. It's a good idea to get a piece of safety glass since it will not break as easily should your French doors break again.
When you are ready to put the glass in the opening, make sure that it is aligned properly. Then, you can apply a thin dot of clear silicone caulk around the glass's edge.
After the caulk has dried it is possible to replace the molding. If the nails that were originally used didn't push through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. Pre-drilling the holes will ensure that the nails don't split through the molding. A well-stocked hardware store stocks extremely thin bits that can be used to drill holes.
How to cut a new Pane Of Glass
Before you purchase a new pane of glass, ensure that the frame's spacing and the edges of the window are in a straight line. If you see any gaps, you might need to adjust the spring clips or metal triangles that secure the glass in place. You should also make sure that your new pane is the correct size for the opening. If it's too large there could be leakage and other problems.
The first step is preparing an area for work. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame using a putty blade expose the wood. If the rabbets have become too rough to smooth using the putty knife then lightly sand them, and brush on an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glass from absorbing moisture from the wood, and will reduce its lifespan.
After the frame is clean and ready to be used, warm a handful of putty by kneading it until it's soft and malleable. Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer of it to the inside corner of the rabbets, creating an elongated bed for the glass to rest on. Repeat the process for the remaining exposed edges.
When the putty is dry take any remaining metal glazing points that are stuck in the grooves of the sash. Wear safety glasses prior to attempting to remove the points in order to ensure that you are safe from shards of glass. Heat guns on low settings can be used to gently heat the metal, allowing it to loosen so that you can remove it using pliers.
After the glass and frame are in place, test it by sliding it into its place. Adjust the glass as needed before securing it with spring clips or triangulars made of metal. Check that the gap between the frame and the glass is even across all sides. Test the movement of the window sash, and 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 help you restore and maintain your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the glass pane to ensure it fits properly before putting it up. Measure the height and width of the window opening by measuring to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement to determine the size glass you require. It is easier to install the pane by reducing it slightly. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. You can take your measurements to a hardware store or home centre and they cut the glass for you. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if happen to have a large sheet of stock glass.
After removing the old glass pane clean the window sash grooves. Take off any metal glazing points used to hold the previous pane. This can be accomplished using a scraper that is a type of pull, or a chisel. If the grooves contain an abundance of putty that is hardened it is possible to gradually soften it with a heat gun. Be sure to cover windows and moldings with aluminum foil to protect them from heat.
You can also use an exterior primer to keep the putty from absorbing the natural oils. It is also recommended to clean the sash to remove dust and dirt from the grooves.
Knead a small amount of putty until it's warm and flexible and then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. It's not important to be neat at this point. Press the new pane into the rabbets, then move it around and apply consistent pressure with your fingers to ensure it's properly seated.
Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other fastening mechanisms, like L channels, use the hammer to pry them out of the sash grooves. Take out any shards of wood that might have come loose during the removal of the frame. To keep water and pests from entering your home, apply a clear silicone caulk on the frame's bottom edge at the point where it joins floor.