Replacing French Door Glass
It is fairly simple to replace a broken glass pane inside a French door. Cleaning the glass by removing the molding and trim and then putting in a new pane of glass is all that's required.
French doors feature multiple glass panes separated by functional muntin bars also known as Mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and can include triple-pane glass to improve energy efficiency, cut down on sound and reduce the glare.
How do you replace a broken pane of glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses before you begin to replace the glass. This will shield you from any broken glass shards that could fall during the process. Work in an open space, such as a garage and keep children away. To make it easier to access the area it is best to take your window frame from its ledge. However you can still replace the pane, but without removing the entire frame.
With a putty blade scrape away any old caulking or glazing material around the edges of the window sash. You don't want to damage the wood molding holding the window in place. It will be needed 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 glass out of the frame. Paint scraper or chisel can work. If the putty is difficult to remove, you can employ a heat gun in order to soften it. The heat gun should be held about 1 inch away from the glass and move it back and forth to spread the heat. Double-up the aluminum foil, then place it on the glass adjacent to it. This will stop them from breaking due to the heat.
Once the old glass is removed, clean the inside of the window sash using a damp cloth to wash off any dirt or dust. Then you can install a new glass pane.
Take measurements of the width and height to determine the dimensions of the glass. Note these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to get a new glass that fits easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece glass for you if you provide the measurement.
Warm a small amount of putty in your hands before rolling it into a rope about 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty along the edge of the rabbet. Place the blade of your knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame rabbet. To cut a section from the pane, pull 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.
Take off the broken Pane
A broken glass pane in a French-style door not just an eye-sore, but it can also pose a security risk. It's easy to replace a glass pane on a French-style door and it's generally less expensive than replacing the whole door panel. Most homeowners can do this work themselves, however professional assistance is available in the event that the project requires special skills or tools.
Begin by removing the broken pane of glass, and clean any cracked or shattered fragments from the frame. It is important to wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting shards of glass on your face or in your eyes. Clean the glass pane's openings to get rid of any caulking or putty that was used to keep the old pane in place.
The next step is to take off any molding or trim that holds the glass in place. This isn't easy, as it will likely require some effort to pry the molding off. Wearing replacement french door and having someone assist you in prying is a good idea. It's also recommended to identify the pieces you're taking off, so that you can put them back in place when you're ready.
Installing the glass is simple after the molding has been removed. Go to a glass store and take measurements of the opening of the glass. It's a good idea to purchase a piece of security glass, as it won't shatter as easily if your French doors break again.
Once you're ready to set up the glass piece, make sure it's aligned properly in the opening. Then, apply a fine dot of clear silicone caulk over the glass's edge.
After the caulk is dry it is possible to replace the molding. If the original nails didn't push through the molding, you can hammer new wire nails into the holes left by the old nails. By drilling the holes prior to drilling, you can stop the nails from splitting through the molding. You can make holes using tiny bits from the hardware store that is well-stocked.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window as well as the edges before ordering an additional pane. If you find any gaps, you may require adjusting the spring clips or triangles that hold it in place. It is also important to ensure that your new pane is the right size for the opening. If it's too big, you may experience leaks and other issues.
The first step is to prepare the work surface. Using a putty knife, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame. This will expose bare wood. If the rabbets on the frame are too rough to smooth using a knife, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorption of moisture from the wood and shorten its life.
After the frame has been cleaned and prepared, you can knead some putty until it becomes soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer of it using the blade of putty to the inside corner rabbets to create a narrow bed that the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges of the rabbets.
Remove any remaining metal pieces from the grooves of the sash when the putty has dried. Wear safety glasses prior to attempting to remove the points in order to ensure that you are safe from shards of glass. A heat gun set to the lowest setting will help you warm and loosen the metal, so you can bend it away from the frame using pliers.
After the glass and frame are in place, test it by sliding it into the frame. Adjust the glass as needed before securing it using spring clips or triangulars made of metal. Ensure that the gap between the frame and the glass is uniform and even across all sides. Also, test the sash's movement to ensure that the new glass will not hinder opening or closing the window. If you find any problems regarding the installation, consult an expert who specializes in restoration to assist you restore and maintain your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Before you install the new glass pane, you should test-fit it to make sure it fits snugly. 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 inch from each measurement to find the size of glass you need to buy. Slightly undersizing the pane will allow it to be installed more easily and will allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. Take your measurements to a hardware store or a home center and let them cut a piece of glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself, when you have a large sheet on hand.
After removing the glass pane clean the window sash grooves. Take off any metal glazing points that were used to support the old pane. A paint scraper that is a pull type or a chisel will work to accomplish this job. If the grooves are stuffed full of hardened putty, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Cover the moldings and windows with aluminum foil to shield them from heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets where the glass is placed, then brush an exterior primer over them to prevent the putty from absorbing its natural oils and reducing its life. It is also recommended to clean the sash to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves.
Knead a small amount putty until it's soft and warm, then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. At this point, the it's not about neatness. Put the new pane into the rabbets, then wiggle it around and apply even pressure using your fingers to ensure it's seated properly.
If there are any holes in the frame of wood around the glass, you can fill the holes with silicone caulk prior to installing the new pane of glass. If the frame has other mechanisms for fastening like L-channels for example, use a hammer to pry them out from the sash grooves. Remove any shards that may have become loose during the removal of the frame. To keep pests and water from entering your home Apply a clear silicone caulk on the bottom edge of frame where it meets the floor.