10 Healthy Habits For A Healthy Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing French Door Glass
It is fairly simple to replace a broken glass pane in a French door. Cleaning the glass, removing trim and molding and then putting in a new pane is all that's required.
French doors are made of multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars that are functional also known as mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and may include triple-pane glass to improve energy efficiency, reduce sound and control glare.
How to replace a damaged Pane of Glass
Before you start you begin, put on rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any shards of broken glass that could fall off during the replacement process. Also, work in a garage or another open space and keep children away from the area. It is recommended to remove the window frame from the sill to allow better accessibility and maneuverability however, you can replace a window without taking the entire window out of the frame.
With a putty blade use a putty blade to scrape off any caulking or glazing compound that is around the edges of the window sash. Be careful not to scratch the wood molding that holds the window in place, since you'll need it in the future to hold the new pane.
If you're working with a steel-casement windows The window may be secured by glazing points made of steel. These points, along with the old putty, require removal before you can remove the pane from the frame. A paint scraper or a chisel should work, but if you find that the putty is difficult to remove, gradually soften it using a heat gun. Hold the heat gun about one inch from the glass and move it back and forth to spread the heat. Double-up the aluminum foil, then place it on the adjacent panes. This will stop them from breaking due to the heat.
Once the old glass has been removed, wipe down the inside of the window sash with a damp cloth to clean off any dirt or dust. Then you can install the new glass.
Measure the width and height to determine the size of the glass. Note 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 can cut a piece for you if they have the measurements.
Warm a small amount of putty in your hands, then roll it into a rope that is 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty along the edge of the rabbet. Place the blade of your putty-knife at a 45 degree angle against the frame rabbet. The knife should be pulled along the edge of the glass in a straight, smooth line to cut a piece of the pane. Repeat with the other edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A broken pane in a French-style door not just an eye sore but can also be a safety risk. Replacing glass in a French door is done in a couple of steps, and is generally less costly than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete the task on their own, but professional assistance is available for those who require special tools or skills.
Start by getting rid of any cracked or broken pieces of the frame. It is important to wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting shards of glass in your eyes or face. Then, clean out the glass opening to eliminate any caulking or putty you used to keep the previous pane in place.
The next step is to eliminate any trim or molding holding the glass in place. It could be difficult to pull the molding off. This is why it's best to wear a protective suit, and have someone help you in the process of prying if you need help. It is also a good idea to identify the pieces you're taking off, so you can put them back in place at the right time.
Installing the new glass is easy after the molding has been removed. Find the measurements of the glass pane opening, and then go to a glass shop to purchase a new glass for your French door. 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.
When you're ready to install the new piece of glass, make sure it's aligned correctly in the opening. Apply a thin coating of clear silicone caulk to the edges of the glass.
Once the caulk has dried, you can replace the molding. If the nails that were originally used didn't penetrate the molding, you can hammer new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. To stop the nails from cutting the molding, you should pre-drill the holes first. replace french door glass -stocked hardware store stocks tiny bits that can be used to drill the holes.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Check the spacing around the frame of the window as well as the edges prior to ordering a replacement pane. If you see any gaps, you may require adjusting the spring clips or the metal triangles that secure the glass in place. Also, you must make sure that the new pane is a suitable size for your opening; if it's too large, you could face leakage or other issues when it's put in.
The first step is to make an area for work. Using a putty knife, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame, leaving bare wood. If the rabbets on the frame are too rough to smooth out using a putty knife, lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorbing moisture from wood, which will reduce its life span.
After the frame is clean and ready to be used, warm a handful of putty by kneading it until soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer using the putty blade to the inside of the corner rabbets in order to create a narrow bed that the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the remaining exposed edges.
After the putty is dry and the putty is removed, you can remove any remaining glazing points that are stuck in the grooves of the sash. Before you attempt to remove them, put on goggles with safety features to protect yourself from glass shards. The low setting of heat guns can be used to gently warm the metal and loosen it so that it is possible to remove it using pliers.
When the frame and glass are ready, test-fit it by sliding it into the frame. Adjust the glass as necessary before securing it using spring clips or metal triangulars. Check that the distance between the frame and glass is uniform and even across all sides. You can also check the sash's movement to ensure that the new pane won't interfere with closing or opening the window. Contact a restoration expert should you encounter any issues during the installation. They can assist you to restore and protect your historic home.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass to ensure it fits properly before putting it in place. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening taking measurements to the edges outside of the L-channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement to determine the glass size you require. It is easier to install the glass if you slightly undersize it. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contracting of the wood frame. Bring your measurements to an hardware store or a home center and let them cut a piece glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself, in the event that you have a large piece available.
After the old pane glass is removed, you should clean the window sash grooves and take off any glazing points made of metal that held the old pane in place. This can be done using a pull-type paint scraper, or a chisel. If the grooves are full of putty that has hardened, 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 on which the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer over them to prevent the putty from drawing out its natural oils and thus reducing its life. Also, clean the grooves of the sash.
Knead a small amount of putty until it is warm and flexible Then press it into the rabbets in which 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 that it's placed in the right place.
Fill any holes in the frame with silicone caulk. Then install the new glass. If the frame has any other fastening mechanisms, like L channels, use an hammer and pull them from the sash grooves. Get rid of any shards that might have escaped when removing the frame. To keep pests and water from entering the house Apply a clear silicone caulk to the frame's bottom edge where it meets the floor.