replacing french door glass [learn more about Gm 6699]
It is fairly simple to replace window with french doors a damaged glass pane inside the French door. Cleaning the glass, removing trim and molding and then installing the new pane is all that's required.
French doors feature multiple glass panes, which are separated by muntin bars. They are also known as mullions. They are available in a wide variety of styles, and can be triple-paned in order to reduce the sound and control glare.
How to replace a damaged Pane of Glass
Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses prior to replacing the glass. This will shield you from any broken glass shards that may fall during the process. Also work in a garage or other open space, Replacing French Door Glass and keep children away from the area. To make it easier to access the area, it's best to remove the window frame from its sill. 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 with a putty knife. Be careful not to scratch the wood molding that holds the window in place as you'll need it later to hold the new pane.
If you're working with a steel-casement window the window could be secured by metal glazing points. These points, along with the old putty, will have to be removed prior to you can remove the pane from the frame. Paint scraper or chisel will work. If the putty is difficult to remove, you could employ a heat gun in order to soften it. Keep the heat gun approximately an inch from the glass and move it back and forth cost to replace window with french doors distribute the heat. Double-up the aluminum foil and place it on the glass adjacent to it. This will prevent them from breaking due to heat.
Once the old glass has been removed, clean the inside of the window sash with a damp cloth to clean off any dirt or dust. Now you can install a new piece of glass.
To cut a glass piece to size, first take measurements of the width and height of the opening. To order a new glass pane that will fit into the door frame, take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores will cut a piece for you if they have the measurements.
Warm a handful of putty in your hands and roll it into a rope that is 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty on one side of the rabbet, and rest the blade of your putty tool at a 45-degree angle against the frame's rabbet. To cut a portion of the pane, move the knife in a straight and straight line along the edge of glass. Repeat with the remaining edges of the glass, and then scrape away the excess putty.
Remove the Broken Pane
A glass pane that has been broken in the frame of a French door isn't just an eye ailment it's a risk to your safety. Replacing glass in a French door can be accomplished in a couple of steps and is typically cheaper than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete this task themselves, though professional assistance is available if the task requires special skills or tools.
Start by taking out any cracked or broken pieces of the frame. It is important to wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid getting shards glass in your eyes or face. Then, clean the glass pane opening to get rid of any remaining putty or caulking that was used to keep the old pane in place.
The next step is remove any molding or trim that was holding the pane of glass in place. It could be difficult to pull the molding out. Wearing protective equipment and having someone help you in prying is a good idea. It's also an excellent idea to label the pieces you're pulling off, so you can return them to their place when you're ready.
Once the molding has been removed and the molding is removed, you can begin putting in the new glass pane. Measure the dimensions cost of replacing window with french doors the opening for the glass pane, and then go to a glass shop to purchase a piece of new glass for your French door. It's a good idea buy a piece made of safety glass since it will not shatter as easily if your French doors break again.
When you are ready to put the glass in the opening, make sure that it is placed properly. Then, you can apply a thin bead of clear silicone caulk over the edge of the glass.
Once the caulk has dried after drying, you can put in a new molding. If the original nails did not push through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. By drilling the holes prior to drilling, you can stop the nails from splitting through the molding. You can drill holes using very thin bits from a hardware store that is well stocked.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Check the spacing around the frame of the window as well as the edges prior to ordering an additional pane. It is possible to adjust spring clips or the metal triangulars to hold it in place if you find gaps. Also, you must ensure that the new pane is adequate size for your opening. If it's not large, you may experience leakage or other problems when it's put in.
The first step is to prepare the work surface. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame with a putty blade to expose the wood. If the rabbets on the frame are too rough to smooth using a putty knife then lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glazing from absorbing moisture from the wood, thereby reducing its lifespan.
Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, knead some putty until it's soft and malleable. Use the putty knife apply a thin layer to the inside of the rabbets. This creates an even bed for the glass to rest on. Repeat the process for the remaining exposed edges.
After the putty is dry take any remaining metal glazing points from the grooves within the sash. Before attempting to remove them, wear goggles with safety features to shield yourself from glass shards. The low setting of heat guns can be used to gently heat the metal, allowing it to loosen so you can take it off with pliers.
Slide the glass into place to test fit. Adjust the glass as necessary before securing it using spring clips or metal triangulars. Make sure that the gap between the frame and glass is uniform on all sides. Check the movement of the window sash and ensure the new pane will not interfere with the closing or opening. Speak with a restoration specialist should you encounter any issues during the installation. They can assist you to repair and maintain your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass pane to ensure it fits snugly before installing it. Find the height and width of the window opening by measuring to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement to determine the size glass you require. By slightly undersizing the glass, you will allow it to be installed more easily and provide room for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. Bring your measurements to a hardware store or home center, and let them cut a piece of glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself if have a large sheet of glass in stock.
After removing the glass pane and cleaning the window sash grooves. Remove any metal glazing points that held the old pane. This can be done using a pull-type paint scraper, or a Chisel. If the grooves contain lots of putty that has been hardened, you can gradually soften it by using a heating gun. Be careful to cover surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil to protect them from heat.
It is also possible to use an exterior primer to stop the putty from absorbing its natural oils. You should also wipe down the sash in order to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves.
Knead a small amount of putty until it is soft and warm and then press it into the rabbets where the glass will go. The appearance of the glass isn't crucial at this point. Make sure to press the new pane into the rabbets, and then move it with your fingers.
If there are any holes in the frame of wood around the glass, fill them with silicone caulk prior installing the new pane of glass. If the frame has other fixing mechanisms, such as L channels, use a hammer and pry them out of the sash grooves. Get rid of any shards that might have come loose during the removal of the frame. To prevent pests and water from entering your home, apply a clear silicone caulk over the bottom edge of frame where it meets the floor.