Why Is Replacing French Door Glass So Effective During COVID-19
Replacing French Door Glass
Replacing a broken pane of glass in a French door is a simple DIY project. It involves cleaning the glass pane and removing molding or trim and then putting in an entirely new window pane.
French doors are made of multiple glass panes, separated by muntin bars for functional purposes which are also referred to as Mullions. They come in a broad range of configurations, and can be triple-paned to cut down noise and control the glare.
How to replace a broken Pane of Glass
Before beginning the replacement process, wear a pair of rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any fragments of broken glass that might fall off during the replacement process. Also work in a garage or another open space and keep children away from the area. It's best to remove the window frame from the sill for greater accessibility and mobility, but you can also replace a pane, without taking the entire window out of the frame.
Begin by scraping off any old glazing compound or caulking around the edge of the sash with a putty knife. Be careful not to scratch the wood molding that holds the window in place, because you'll require it later to hold the new pane.
If you are working with a steel casement windows, it may be anchored by the metal glazing points. These points, along with the old putty will require removal before you can remove the pane from the frame. A paint scraper or a Chisel can be used however, if you find that the putty is too difficult to pry out, gradually soften it using a heat gun. Hold the heat gun an inch away from the glass and move it forwards and backwards to spread the warmth. Double-up the aluminum foil and place it on the adjacent panes. This will prevent them from breaking due to the heat.
After removing the old glass, use a damp cloth and clean the inside of the window sash to remove any dirt or dust. Now you can install the new glass.
Take measurements of the width and height to determine the size of the glass. Take these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from all sides to get a new glass that is able to fit into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece glass for you if you provide the measurement.
Warm a handful of putty in your hands before rolling it into a rope that is 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty on the edge of the rabbet and rest the blade of your knife at a 45 degree angle against the frame rabbet. To cut a portion of the pane, pull the knife in a smooth and straight line along the glass's edge. Repeat the process with the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape away the excess putty.
Take off the broken Pane
A damaged pane of glass in a French-style door is not only an eyesore, but it can also pose a risk to safety. It's easy to replace a glass pane on the French style of door and is typically less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete the job themselves, but professional assistance is available in the event that the project requires specialized skills or tools.
Begin by removing the broken pane of glass, and clean any cracked or shattered fragments from the frame. Wear safety goggles and gloves to prevent glass shards from getting in your eyes or face. Clean the glass pane's openings to get rid of any putty or caulking that was used to hold the old pane in place.
The next step is remove any molding or trim that was holding the pane of glass in place. This can be tricky because it may require some prying to break the molding loose. This is why it's best to wear your protective gear, and ask someone to assist you in the process of prying if you need help. It's also recommended to identify the pieces you're taking off, so you can put them back at the right time.
Installing the new glass is simple once the molding has been removed. Find the measurements of the opening for the glass pane and then visit an establishment that sells glass to purchase a 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're ready to put in the new piece of glass, make sure it's aligned properly in the opening. Apply a thin coating of clear silicone caulk on the edge of the glass.
You can replace the molding after the caulk is dry. If the original nails did not push through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes left by the old nails. To stop repair french doors from splitting the molding, it is recommended to pre-drill the holes first. A well-stocked hardware store carries extremely thin bits that you can use to drill the holes.
Cut a New Pane of Glass
Check the spacing around the frame of the window as well as the edges before ordering a replacement pane. You may have to adjust spring clips or the metal triangulars that keep it in place if you notice gaps. You should also make sure that the new pane is the right size for the opening. If it's too large, you may experience leakage and other problems.
The first step is to create the work surface. Scrape the old compound off both sides of the frame using a putty knife to reveal the bare wood. If the rabbets are too rough for you to smooth using the putty knife gently sand them and then apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glazing from absorption of moisture from the wood, and will reduce its life.
Once the frame is clean and ready then warm a small amount 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 against which the glass can rest. Repeat the process on the other edges of the rabbets.
Once the putty has dried take any remaining metal glazing points that are stuck in the grooves of the sash. Wear safety goggles before attempting to remove the points in order to protect yourself from shards of glass. A heat gun set to a low setting can help you to warm up and loosen the steel so that you can stretch it away from the frame using pliers.
After the glass and frame are ready, test-fit it by sliding it into its place. Adjust the glass as required before securing it using spring clips or metal triangulars. Ensure that the gap between the glass and frame is uniform and even on all sides, and test the movement of the sash to ensure that the new pane will not hinder closing or opening the window. Contact a restoration expert if you encounter any problems during the installation. They can assist you to fix and preserve your home's historic features.
Install the Pane of Glass
Test-fit the new glass pane to ensure that it is snug before putting it up. Measure the width and height of the window opening in relation to the edges of the L-channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to determine the size of glass you need to order. It is 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 will cut a piece of glass for you. You can cut the glass yourself in the event that you have a large sheet in your possession.
After the old pane of glass is removed, you should clean the window sash grooves, and remove any metal glazing points that held the old pane in place. This can be done with an e-type paint scraper or a chipper. If the grooves contain a lot of putty that has been hardened you can soften it with a heat gun. Be careful to cover surrounding windows and molding with aluminum foil to shield them from the heat.
Scrape and sand the rabbets where the glass is, and then brush an exterior primer over them to help prevent the putty from drawing out its natural oils and shortening its life. You should also wipe down the sash to get rid of any dirt and dust from the grooves.
Place a small amount of it into the rabbets, in which the glass will be placed. At this point, the it's not about neatness. Press the new pane in the rabbets and then move it with your fingers.
Fill any holes in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other mechanisms for fastening, such as L-channels, employ a hammer for prying them out of the sash grooves. Take out any shards of wood that might have come loose 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 floor.