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Replacing Glass in a French Door

Replacing a pane of glass in a French door is an easy DIY project for homeowners who wish to save money. It's also a method which keeps the aesthetics and function of French doors intact.

Before you begin, be sure you wear safety glasses and gloves while removing the glass. After that, sweep and vacuum the area to remove any shards of glass.

Removing the broken pan

A damaged window pane in a French door is not just unsightly however, it could also be a safety risk. With a little perseverance, and the appropriate tools, it is possible to repair a damaged glass pane.

Gather your supplies. You'll need a knife for cutting, gloves, as well as safety goggles to protect yourself from the broken glass shattering. You'll need to purchase an additional piece of glass from a local hardware store or a glass shop.

Remove the shattered pieces of glass from the door frame. Wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and a dust mask, especially if your house has lead-lined windows. Next, take view it at the window pane to determine how you can cut the new one to fit the opening. You may have to take out some of the molding surrounding the window, and it's recommended to lay down an old sheet or tarp to catch the loose pieces of glass as you work.

Use a utility knife to cut the glaze from around the damaged pane. Be careful not break the lead rod which holds the window in place. If you notice any broken or missing lead contact a stained-glass supplier to determine if they can replace the pane on your behalf.

Once you've removed the glazing, take a measurement of the opening and subtract 1/8 inch to determine the dimensions of your new glass pane. You can buy pre-cut pieces of glass from the hardware store near you, or you can ask an glass company to provide a custom-cut piece. It is important that the glass you are purchasing is snugly fitted but not so tightly that it cannot move or expand and contract with the wood of the door frame.

You may need to remove staples or brad nails from the stop molding, depending on the type. If this is the case it's a good idea to use pliers instead of a hammer, which can chip the front of the molding. Once you've removed your molding, you should clean the area thoroughly to get rid of any small pieces of glass that have fallen onto the floor.

Remove the Mold

A french door is a fantastic option for your home that allows light and views to flood through the glass panes. It is crucial to remember that these doors can fail if they aren't maintained in a timely manner. It is easy to replace a window in the French door, however a professional service can be employed to ensure the safety and quality.

The first step is to remove the damaged glass pane from the frame. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to you begin to avoid getting injured by broken glass. Painter's tape is a great tool to hold broken or broken glass pieces together.

After you've removed the broken glass, you'll need to remove the molding around the glass. Use an utility knife to cut the seams of paint and then pry open the molding. If needed, you can use a hammer to help with stubborn areas. After you have removed the molding, you should identify each piece so that you can reinstall it in the same spot when you're done.

After the molding is removed, you are able to begin to prep the area for a new pane of glass. Make sure to take measurements of the exact opening in the door's frame to ensure that you purchase the right size of glass. Also, take into consideration any molding stops that could be holding the old pane.

Utilize a glass cutter after you have the dimensions for the new glass. Trim the glass to fit into the opening. Be careful not to use too excessive force or you could break the glass.

Once the glass has been cut to fit the opening, apply a small piece of caulk around the edge to seal the new pane. Apply a thin layer of glazing compound around the perimeter of the glass. This will help to hold the glass in place and prevent it from leaking or breaking from the frame. Before painting, scrape any excess glazing compound from the window sash.

Cut the New Pane

If you decide to replace the damaged pane of your French door it is essential to measure the dimensions of the opening accurately. This will ensure that the new window pane is secured and is properly positioned within the frame. It is also a good idea to purchase tempered glass, which is more durable and safer than regular annealed glass. This type of glass breaks into smooth, round pieces, not sharp jagged pieces and will lessen glare and UV (ultraviolet radiation).

If you know the measurements of your new window, you can order replacement glass from a hardware store or glass manufacturer. Make sure to include the dimensions of the stops in the molding that hold the pane in place and subtract 1/8" to allow for expansion of the new glass when it heats up.

Once you have received your new glass pane, it is time to put it into the frame of your door. Use a level to make sure the window and frame are level. It is a good idea to attach the molding again around the window, as this will help to keep it in the right place. It is also a good time to reattach the hinges on the door or pins, if needed.

You can also add decorative muntin bars to your new glass on your French doors to create an elegant grid or grille design. They come in a wide variety of styles, and they can be installed on both sides of the doors. In addition to providing a decorative element they can also be used to make cleaning the windows easier by separating the individual glass panes into functionally divided sections.

It's simple and affordable to replace the glass in French doors, regardless of whether you're looking to add an accent or increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage. To ensure safety and accuracy it is essential to seek assistance from a professional local expert. This will reduce the risk of mistakes and guarantee the highest quality of work that is compliant with the building code.

Installing the New Pane

If a window in your French door is broken, it's not just an eyesore, but also a safety hazard. It is essential to replace the glass as fast as possible, to ensure your family is protected from shards of broken glass. Fortunately, replacing a french door glass pane is simple with the proper tools.

Before you begin work, make sure that all pieces of the broken pane are removed from the frame. Then, carefully remove the molding around the glass, exposing the rabbet (the recessed area where the glass is). There could be nails or staples to hold the molding in place; you can make use of a nail gun pull them out. After you have removed the molding, carefully remove the old glass pane from the rabbet.

Now you are ready to install the new pane. Before you do this however, it is important to clean the surface of the rabbet using a knife and sandpaper to get rid of any remaining putty. Clean surfaces will help the putty adhere to the wood properly and provide a weatherproof sealing.

After cleaning the surface, rub some glazing putty between your hands until it is soft and malleable. Place the putty in the rabbet until completely filled. The neatness of the putty doesn't matter, since it will be covered with the trim later on.

Installing the new pane in the frame, ensure it is level and center. Then, place glazier's points into the frame on either side of the pane, and press them down until they are in line with the glass. For panes with 12 inches or more on a side it is recommended to space the points equally 4 to 6 inches apart.


Once the glazier points are set, you can trim them to fit the frame and the glass. Paint the glazed area using an exterior oil-based prime. This will stop the putty from drying too quickly, thereby reducing its lifespan. The putty should dry for 7-10 days, and then apply an exterior coat of paint.

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