7 Essential Tips For Making The Most Of Your Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a broken pane of glass in a French door is a relatively simple DIY project. Cleaning the glass, removing trim and molding and then installing a new pane of glass is all that's required.
French doors have multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars. They are also known as mullions. They are available in a variety of styles and can include triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency, reduce sound and reduce glare.
How do you replace a damaged pane of glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles before beginning to replace the glass. This will shield you from any broken glass fragments that might fall during the process. Also, work in a garage or an open space, and keep children away from the area. To make it easier to access the area it is best to take the window frame from its ledge. However you can still replace one pane of glass without having to remove the entire frame.
Begin by scraping off any old glazing compound or caulking around the edges of the sash using a putty knife. Be careful not to scratch the wood molding that holds the window in place, since you'll need it in the future to support the new pane.
If you are working with a steel casement window it might be held in position by metal glazing points. You'll need to remove these as well as the old putty before you can take the glass out of the frame. A paint scraper or Chisel can be used however, if you find that the putty is difficult to pry out, gradually soften it using a heat gun. The heat gun should be held about one inch from the glass and move it around to spread the heat. Put doubled sheets of aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to prevent them from cracking due to the heat.
Once the old glass has been removed, clean the inside of the window sash using a damp cloth to clean off any dirt or dust. Then, you can put in the new glass.
To cut a piece of glass to size, first determine the width and the height of the opening. Note 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 can cut a piece of glass for you in the event that they have the measurements.
Putty that is warm in your hands, then roll it into a rope that is 3/4 inch thick. Position the putty against one edge of the exposed rabbet, and then rest the blade of your putty knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame's rabbet. Pull the knife across the edge of the glass in a smooth, straight line to cut a piece of the pane. Repeat the process with the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape away the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A broken glass pane in a French-style door not just an eye sore, but it can also be a safety risk. 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 perform this task on their own, however professional assistance is available for those who require special tools or skills.
Begin by removing the broken sheet of glass, then taking care to clean any broken or cracked pieces from the frame. Wear safety goggles and gloves to prevent glass shards from entering your eyes or on your face. Then, clean the glass pane opening to remove any residual caulking or putty that was used to keep the old pane in place.
Next, you need remove any trim or molding that held the pane of glass in place. This can be a challenge because it may require some prying to get the molding loose. Wearing protective equipment and having someone help you in prying is an ideal idea. It's also recommended to mark the pieces you're taking off, so you know when to return them to their place when you're ready.
After the molding has been removed after which you can start installing the new glass pane. Take measurements of the opening in the glass pane, and then go to an establishment that sells glass to purchase a glass that is new for your French door. It is recommended to purchase the safety glass for your French door, because it will not shatter easily in the event of a break.
When you are ready to install your glass piece inside the opening, make sure that it is placed properly. Then, you can apply a thin dot of clear silicone caulk over the glass's edge.
Once the caulk has dried, you can replace the molding. If the original nails didn't push through the molding, you can put 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. A well-stocked hardware store carries extremely thin bits that can be used to drill the holes.
How to cut a new Pane Of Glass
Before purchasing a new piece of glass, double-check that the frame's dimensions and the edges of the window are in a straight line. You may need to adjust spring clips or metal triangulars to hold it in place if you notice gaps. Also, you must ensure that the new pane is adequate size for your opening; if it's too large, you could experience leakage or other issues when it's installed.
The first step is preparing an area for work. With a putty knife scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame. This will expose the 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 prevent the new glazing from absorbing moisture from wood, which will reduce its life span.
Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, knead the putty until it is soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer using the putty blade on the inside of the corner rabbets in order to create a narrow bed that the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other edges that are exposed on the rabbets.
Remove any remaining metal points from the grooves of the sash when the putty has dried. Wear safety glasses prior to attempting to remove the points to keep yourself safe from shards glass. A heat gun on a low setting can help you gently warm up and loosen the steel so you can bend it out of the frame using pliers.
Slide the glass into place to test the fit. Adjust the glass as required before securing it with spring clips or metal triangulars. Make sure that the gap between the frame and the glass is even 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 should you encounter any issues 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 snugly before installing it. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening by measuring to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to determine the size of the glass you need to purchase. It will be much easier to install the glass if you slightly undersize it. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contracting of the frame. You can bring your measurements to the hardware store or the home centre and they cut the glass for you. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if you happen to have a huge sheet of stock glass handy.
After the old pane glass is removed, clean the window sash grooves, and remove any metal glazing points that held the previous pane in place. A paint scraper that is a pull type or a chisel can be used to accomplish this task. If the grooves are full of hardened putty, slowly soften it with a heat gun. Be wandsworth french door repairs to cover surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil to protect them from heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets on which the glass sits, brushing 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.
Knead a small amount of putty until it is soft and warm Then press it into the rabbets where the glass will go. At this point, the 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 properly seated.
Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then install the new glass. If the frame has other mechanisms for fastening, like L-channels, you can use a hammer to pry them out from the sash grooves. Remove any shards that may have become loose in the removal of the frame. Finally, put a coat of clear silicone caulk over the bottom of the frame where it connects to the floor to keep water and pests out of the home.