Replacing French Door Glass Replacing a broken pane of glass on a French door is a 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 are made of multiple glass panes, which are separated by muntin bars. learn the facts here now are also known as mullions. They are available in a variety configurations and can include triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency, reduce sound and minimize the glare. How to replace a broken pane of glass Before beginning, 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 an open space and keep children away from the area. For easier access it is best to take the window frame from its sill. However you can still replace the pane, but without removing the entire frame. Start by scraping off any old glazing compound or caulking around the edge of the sash with a putty knife. You don't want damage to the wood molding that holds the window in place. You'll need it to hold the new window. If you're working with a steel-casement windows the window could be held in place with metal glazing points. These points, as well as the old putty, will have to be removed prior to you can take the pane from the frame. A paint scraper or chisel could work. If the putty is difficult to get rid of, you can use a heat gun to soften it. The heat gun should be held about one inch from the glass and move it back and forth to spread the heat. Place two sheets of aluminum foil on the other panes to prevent them from cracking 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 dust or dirt. Then you can install a new pane of glass. To cut a piece of glass to size, first measure the width and height of the opening. Note these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to order a new pane that is able to fit into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you if you provide the measurement. Warm up a few tablespoons of putty and then roll it into a 3/4-inch rope. Position the putty on the edge of the rabbet. Then, rest the blade of your putty knife at a 45-degree angle against the frame rabbet. Move the knife along the edge of the glass in a straight, smooth line to cut a piece of the pane. Repeat the process for the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape away the excess putty. Take the broken Pane A damaged pane of glass in a French-styled door is not just an eye sore, but it can also pose a security risk. Replacing a glass pane in a French door can be done in a couple of steps, and is generally less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can handle this work themselves, however professional assistance is available in the event that the project requires specialized skills or tools. Start by getting rid of any cracked or broken fragments of the frame. It is important to wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid getting shards glass on your face or in your eyes. Then, clean the glass pane opening to remove any residual putty or caulking that was used to keep the old pane in place. The next step is remove any trim or molding that was holding the glass in place. This can be tricky, as it will likely require some prying to get the molding out. This is why it's important to wear your protective gear, and ask someone to assist you with the prying if necessary. It's also an excellent idea to label the pieces you're pulling off, so you can return them to their place at the right time. Once the molding is removed, you can begin installing the new pane of glass. Take measurements of the opening in the glass pane and then visit an online glass shop to purchase a glass to replace your French door. You should get the safety glass for your French door, because it will not break easily if they break again. When you are ready to place your glass piece into the opening, be sure it is aligned properly. Then, you can apply a thin dot of clear silicone caulk over the edge of the glass. After the caulk is dry, you can replace the molding. If the nails that were originally used didn't pull through the molding, you can hammer new wire nails into the holes left by the old nails. To stop the nails from breaking the molding, it is recommended to drill the holes prior to drilling them. You can make holes using very thin bits from hardware stores that are well-stocked. How to cut a new Pane Of Glass Before you purchase a new pane of glass, double-check that the frame's spacing and the edges of the window are in a straight line. If you see any gaps, you may require adjusting the spring clips or metal triangles that hold the glass in place. Also, you must ensure that the new pane is a appropriate size for the opening. If it's not large, you could experience leaks or other issues after it is installed. 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 are too rough for you to smooth with a putty knife gently sand them and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorbing moisture from the wood, and will reduce its life. After the frame is clean and ready to be used then warm a small amount of putty by kneading until it's soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer using the blade of putty to the inside of the corner rabbets in order to create a narrow bed that the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges. When the putty is dry, remove any remaining metal glazing points that are stuck in the grooves of the sash. Before attempting to remove them, wear goggles with safety features to shield yourself from glass fragments. A heat gun on a low setting can help you gently warm and loosen the metal so you can bend it out of the frame with pliers. Place the glass in place to test fit. Make any adjustments needed before attaching it to the frame using spring clips or steel triangles. Make sure that the gap between the glass and frame is uniform and even on all sides, and check the movement of the sash to ensure that the new glass will not hinder closing or opening the window. Speak with a restoration specialist if you encounter any problems during the installation. They can help you restore and protect your historic home. Install the Pane of Glass Before installing the new glass pane You should fit it by testing to make sure it fits properly. Find the height and width of the window opening by measuring from the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to find the size of the glass you need to order. A little undersizing of the pane will allow it to be installed more easily and will allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood 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 when you have a large sheet on hand. After removing the old glass pane clean the window sash grooves. Take off any metal glazing points that were used to support the old pane. A pull-type paint scraper or a chisel can be used for this task. If the grooves contain a lot of hardened putty in them, you can gradually soften it with a heat gun. Cover the windows and moldings around them with aluminum foil to shield them from heat. Scrape and sand the rabbets in which the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer over them to prevent the putty from absorbing its natural oils and thus reducing its life. It is also recommended to clean the sash in order to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves. Knead a small amount putty until it is warm and flexible, then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. Neatness isn't important at this stage. Put the new pane into the rabbets, then wiggle it around and apply consistent pressure with your fingers to make sure it's properly seated. If there are 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 any other mechanisms for fastening like L-channels, you can make use of a hammer to pull them out from the sash grooves. Take out any shards of wood that might have become loose when removing the frame. Then, apply a layer of clear silicone caulk over the bottom edge of the frame, where it joins the floor to keep pests and water out of the house.
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