Replacing replace french door Repair My Windows And Doors
Replacing a broken pane of glass on a French door is a relatively simple DIY project. It involves cleaning the pane of glass and removing molding or trim and then putting in an entirely new window pane.
French doors feature multiple glass panes, which are separated by muntin bars. These are also called Mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and can also include triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency, reduce sound and control the glare.
How do you replace a damaged glass pane
Before you start you begin, put on rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any fragments of broken glass that may fall off during the replacement process. Work in a space that is open such as garages and keep your children out. It is best to remove the window frame from the sill to allow better accessibility and maneuverability, but you can also replace a pane, 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. You don't want to damage the wood molding holding the window in place. You will need it to hold the new pane.
If you are working with a casement window made of steel, it may be secured by metal glazing points. These points, as well as the old putty, need to be removed before you can remove the window from the frame. Paint scraper or chisel can work. If the putty is too hard to remove, you can use a heat gun to soften it. Hold the heat gun about one inch from the glass and move it back and forth to distribute the heat. Double-up the aluminum foil, then place it on the adjacent panes. This will stop them from breaking due to heat.
After you have removed the old glass, use a damp cloth and clean the inside of the window sash in order to remove any dust or dirt. Then you can install a new glass pane.
Take measurements of the width and height to determine the dimension of the glass. To purchase a new glass pane that is sized to fit inside the door frame, you need to take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores will cut a piece for you when they have the measurements.
Warm a small amount of putty in your hands and roll it into a rope that is 3/4 inch thick. Set the putty in a position that is against one side of the rabbet, and then rest your putty knife's blade at a 45-degree angle to the frame's rabbet. Move the knife along the edge of the glass in a straight, smooth line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat the process with the remaining edges of the glass and then scrape away the excess putty.
Take the broken Pane
A broken glass pane in a French door isn't just an eye sore it's a risk to your safety. Replacing a pane of glass in a French door is done in a few simple steps, and is generally less costly than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can handle this work themselves, however professional assistance is available if the project requires special skills or tools.
Begin by removing the broken sheet of glass, then clean any cracked or shattered fragments from the frame. It is crucial to wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting shards of glass on your face or in your eyes. Clean the glass opening to remove any caulking or putty used to keep the previous pane in place.
The next step is to remove the molding or trim that is holding the glass in place. It could be difficult to pry the molding out. This is why it's best to wear your protective gear, and have someone help you with the prying if necessary. It is also recommended to label the pieces you're pulling off, so you know when to put them back in place at the right time.
Once the molding is removed and the molding is removed, you can begin putting in the new pane of glass. Take measurements of the opening for the glass pane and then visit a glass shop to purchase a piece new glass for your French door. It is recommended to purchase the safety glass for your French door, since it won't break easily if they break again.
When you are ready to put your glass piece into the opening, be sure it is aligned correctly. Then, apply a thin dot of clear silicone caulk over the glass's edge.
After the caulk has dried, you can replace the molding. If the original nails didn't penetrate the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. The holes should be predrilled to ensure that the nails don't split through the molding. You can make holes using very thin bits from hardware stores that are well stocked.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window and around the edges before you order an additional pane. It is possible to adjust spring clips or the metal triangulars to hold it in place if you notice gaps. It is also important to ensure that the new pane is a suitable size for your opening. If it's not large, you may experience leaks or other issues after it's put in.
The first step is to make the work surface. With a putty knife scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame to expose the wood. If the rabbets are too rough for you to smooth with a putty knife gently sand them and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glazing from absorbing moisture from the wood, and will reduce its life.
Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, you can knead the putty until it's soft and malleable. Utilize the putty knife to apply a thin layer to the inside corners of the rabbets. This creates an even bed for the glass to rest on. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.
Once the putty has dried take any remaining metal glazing points from the grooves in the sash. Before you attempt to remove them, you should wear a pair of safety goggles to protect yourself from glass shards. A heat gun on an low setting can help you gently warm and loosen the metal so that you can stretch it away from the frame using pliers.
Place the glass in place to test the fit. Make any necessary adjustments before attaching it to the frame using the spring clips or metal triangles. Make sure the gap between the frame and glass is uniform across all sides. Test the movement of the window sash to make sure the new pane does not hinder the closing or opening. Consult a restoration specialist if you encounter any problems during the installation. They can help you repair and maintain your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass to ensure 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 of an inch from each measurement in order to determine the glass size you require. It will be easier to install the glass by reducing it slightly. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. Bring your measurements to a hardware store or home center and have them cut a piece of glass for you. You can cut the glass yourself, if you have a large sheet available.
After removing the old glass pane, clean the window sash grooves. Take off any metal glazing points that held the old pane. A pull-type paint scraper or a chisel will work for this task. If the grooves are full of hardened putty, gradually soften it with a heat gun. Be sure to cover windows and molding 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 grooves of the sash.
Place a small amount of it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. The appearance of the glass isn't crucial at this point. Place the new pane in the rabbets, then wiggle it around and apply consistent pressure with your fingers to ensure that it's placed in the right place.
If there are any holes in the frame of wood around the glass, fill them with silicone caulk before installing the new glass pane. If the frame has other fastening mechanisms, like L-channels for example, make use of a hammer to pull them out from the sash grooves. Get rid of any shards that might have come loose during the removal of the frame. To keep water and pests from entering the house put a clear silicone caulk to the frame's bottom edge where it meets the floor.