Replacing Glass in a French Door
Homeowners who wish to save money can replace a pane in a French-style door. It's also an option that preserves the style and function of French doors intact.
Wear protective glasses and gloves while removing old glass. After taking the old glass off clean and vacuum the area to remove any shards.
Removal of the Broken Pane
A broken window pane in a French door isn't just ugly but can also be a safety risk. However, with a little patience and the proper tools replacing glass panes is a simple home improvement project.
Begin by gathering the supplies. You'll need a knife for cutting and gloves, and safety goggles to protect yourself from the broken glass fragments. Also, you'll need a piece of glass replacement which you can purchase at your local hardware store or a glass shop.
Remove the broken pieces of glass from the door frame. Wear protective equipment, such as safety goggles and dust mask, especially in the case of lead-lined windows. After that, you should measure the old window to determine how you can cut the new window to fit. It is possible that you will need to remove some of the molding that surrounds the window and it's recommended to place an old sheet or tarp to catch any loose pieces of glass as you work.
With a utility knife cut away the glazing around the broken window pane. Be careful not to break the lead came that keeps the pane in place. If you notice that there is any lead that is broken or missing Contact a stained glass supplier to determine whether the pane could be replaced.
Once you have removed the glazing, take a measurement of the opening and subtract 1/8 inch to determine the size of the new glass pane. You can either buy pre-cut glass from your local hardware store or request a glass company to cut a custom piece for you. The new pane of glass will fit snugly, but not as tightly as to prevent it from expanding or expanding in relation to the wood frame.
It is possible to remove some brad nails or staples from the stop molding depending on the type. If this is the case, you should use pliers rather than a hammer which could chip the front of the molding. Once you've removed your molding, make sure you vacuum the area thoroughly to get rid of any small shards of glass that fell on the floor.
Removing the Molding
A French door is a fantastic option for your home as it allows sunlight and views to flow through the glass panes. However, it is important to keep in mind that these doors are not made of steel and can fail if they are not maintained correctly. It is simple 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. french door lock repairs and glasses before you begin to prevent getting injured by broken glass. Painter's tape is a great tool to hold broken or broken glass pieces together.
After the broken pane is removed, you'll have to take off the molding that surrounds the glass. Use an utility knife to cut seams of paint, and pry up the molding. If needed, you can use a hammer for help with areas that are difficult to remove. After you have removed the molding, it is important to identify each piece so that you can reinstall it in the same spot when you're finished.
Once the molding has been removed and the doorframe is ready to be prepared the area for the new glass. Make sure you measure the exact opening of the door's frame to ensure that you order the right size of glass. Also, be aware of any molding stops that might be holding the old pane in place.
Use a glass cutter once you have the proper dimensions for the new glass. Trim the glass to fit inside the opening. Be careful not to force too much on the glass or it could break.
After you have the glass cut to fit the opening, apply a tiny piece of caulk around the edge to seal the new glass. After this apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the edges of the window. This will help keep the glass in place and prevent it from leaking out or breaking off from its frame. Be sure to scrape any excess glazing compound off the window sash prior painting.
Cutting the New Pane
If you decide to replace the damaged pane of your French door it is essential to measure the size of the opening accurately. This will ensure that the new window pane is securely secured and is positioned correctly within the frame. It is also a great idea to buy tempered glass. This is stronger and safer than regular annealed glasses. This type glass will break into dull, rounded cubes rather than sharp jagged pieces and it will reduce glare and UV (ultraviolet) radiation.
Once you have the measurements of your new window, you can purchase a replacement pane from an hardware store or glass maker. Include the dimensions of the stop for molding that keeps the pane in place and subtract 1/8". This will allow for the glass to expand when heated.
Once you have received your glass pane, you are able to put it into the frame of your door. Use a level to make sure the window and frame are level. Attaching the molding around the windows will help keep them in position. It is also a good time to reconnect the hinges on the door or pins, if required.
You can also add decorative muntin bars to the glass of your French doors to create a stylish grid or grille design. They are available in a variety of styles, and can be put in on both the inside and outside of the doors. These bars are not just decorative however, they can also make it easier to clean the windows by dividing the glass panes into functionally separated sections.
It is easy and inexpensive to replace the glass in French doors, regardless of whether you want to add an accent or improve your home's energy efficiency. However, it is essential to seek out professional help from an expert in the area to ensure accuracy and safety. This will decrease the risk of mistakes and provide a quality result that meets building guidelines.
Installing the New Pane
If a window in your French door breaks, it's not just an eye-sore, but also a risk to your safety. To safeguard your family from the shards, it's important to get the glass replaced as fast as you can. With the right tools, it's relatively simple to replace a French door pane.
Make sure you remove all pieces of the broken glass from the frame before you begin. Remove the molding around your glass to reveal the rabbet. There could be staples or nails holding the molding in place; you can use a nail gun to take them out. After you have removed the molding take care to pry the glass pane that was previously in place out of the rabbet.
Now you are ready to put in your new pane. You should first clean the surface of rabbet using a utility blade and sandpaper. This will remove any remaining putty. Clean surfaces will help the putty stick to the wood and also provide a weatherproof seal.
After cleaning the surface, knead some glazing putty between your hands until it becomes warm and malleable. Place the putty in the rabbet until it is completely filled. It doesn't really matter how neat the putty looks, because it will be covered in a layer later.
When installing the new pane, be certain that it is centered within the frame and that it is level. 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 across it is recommended to place the points evenly four to six inches apart.
Once the glazier points are in position After that, you can cut them so that they fit the frame and glass. Paint the glazed area with an oil-based primer for exteriors. This will stop the putty from drying out too quickly, thereby reducing its lifespan. Let the putty cure for 7 to 10 days before applying an exterior coat.