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Replacing French Door Glass

It is relatively simple to replace a broken glass pane in a French Door. Cleaning the glass trimming and molding, then removing the trim and then putting in the new pane is all that's needed.

French doors have multiple glass panes that are separated by muntin bars. These are also called mullions. They are available in a variety of styles and can include triple-pane glass in order to boost energy efficiency, decrease noise and reduce glare.

How to replace a broken Pane of Glass

Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses before beginning to replace the glass. This will shield you from any broken glass shards that may fall during the process. Work in an open space, such as garages and keep children away. For easier access, it's best to remove the window frame from its sill. However you can still change the pane, but without removing the entire frame.

With a putty blade scrape away any caulking or glazing compound around the edges of the window sash. Be careful not to damage 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 secured by the metal glazing points. You'll need to take them off, as well as the old putty before you can get the pane out of the frame. A paint scraper or a chisel should work, but if you find that the putty is difficult to get out, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Hold the heat gun about an inch from the glass and move it around to distribute the heat. Double-up the aluminum foil, then place it on the adjacent panes. This will prevent them from breaking due to the heat.

After you've removed the old glass, apply a damp cloth and clean the inside of the window sash in order to remove any dust or dirt. You can now put in a new piece of glass.

To cut a piece of glass to size first, determine the width and the height of the opening. To purchase a new glass pane that fits into the door frame, take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores will cut a piece glass for you if you provide the measurement.

Warm up a small amount of putty and roll it into a 3/4-inch rope. Position the putty against one side of the rabbet, and rest your putty knife's blade at a 45-degree angle with the frame's rabbet. To cut a section from the pane, move the knife in a straight and straight line along the edge of glass. Repeat the process for the other edges of the pane. Then, scrape away the excess putty.

Take off the broken Pane

A broken glass pane in a French-styled door is not only an eyesore, but it can also pose a security risk. Replacing glass in a French door can be done in a couple of steps and is usually much less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. Most homeowners can complete the task on their own, but professional assistance is available for those who require special tools or know-how.

Begin by removing the broken piece of glass, then taking care to clean any broken or cracked pieces from the frame. Wear safety goggles and gloves to prevent glass shards from getting in your eyes or face. Then, clean out the glass opening to remove any caulking or putty used to hold the previous pane in place.

The next step is to take off any trim or molding holding the glass in place. This can be tricky since it could require some prying to break the molding out. Wearing protective equipment and having someone help you with the prying is an ideal idea. It is also a good idea to label the pieces you're pulling off, so that you can put them back at the appropriate time.

Once the molding has been removed after which you can start installing the new pane of glass. Find the measurements of the glass pane opening and then go to an establishment that sells glass to purchase a piece glass that is new for your French door. It is recommended to purchase safety glass for your French door, as it will not shatter easily if they break again.

When you are ready to install your new piece of glass into the opening, be sure it is aligned correctly. Then, apply a fine dot of clear silicone caulk over the edge of the glass.

After the caulk has dried, you can replace the molding. If replace garage door with french doors didn't push through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. Pre-drilling the holes will ensure that the nails don't split through the molding. A well-stocked hardware store carries very thin bits that you can use to drill the holes.

How to Cut a New Pane Of Glass

Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window and around the edges before ordering an additional pane. You may need to adjust spring clips or metal triangulars to hold it in place if you notice gaps. Also, you must make sure that the new pane is a appropriate size for the opening. If it's not large, you could experience leakage or other issues when it's put in.

The first step is preparing a work surface. Scrape the old compound off the frame's sides using a putty blade expose the wood. If the rabbets of the frame are too rough to smooth using a putty knife then lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from drawing 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. Apply a thin layer of it using the putty blade to the inside corners of the rabbets to create a bed on which the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges of the rabbets.

Once the putty has dried and the putty is removed, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the grooves in the sash. Wear safety glasses prior to attempting to remove the points to ensure that you are safe from shards of glass. A heat gun set to an low setting will help you warm up and loosen the steel to allow you to bend it away from the frame using pliers.

Place the glass in place to check the fit. Adjust the glass as needed before securing it using spring clips or metal triangulars. Make sure that the gap between the frame and glass is uniform across all sides. Examine the movement of the window sash, and make sure that the new glass does not hinder the closing or opening. If you encounter any issues regarding the installation, consult an expert in restoration, who can help you repair and preserve your historic home.

Install the Pane of Glass

Test-fit the glass pane to ensure it fits snugly before putting it in place. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening by measuring to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement in order to determine the glass size you require. By slightly undersizing the glass, you will make it easier to install and will allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. Take your measurements to a hardware store or a home center and let them cut a piece of glass for you. You can cut the glass yourself if you have a large sheet in your possession.

After the old pane of glass is removed, clean the window sash grooves and take off any glazing points made of metal that held the old pane in place. This can be done with a scraper that is a type of pull, or a Chisel. If the grooves are full of hardened putty, slowly 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 on which the glass is placed, then brush an exterior primer on them to prevent the putty from drawing out its natural oils and thus reducing its lifespan. You should also clean the sash to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves.


Press a small amount into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. The appearance of the glass isn't crucial at this point. Put the new pane into the rabbets, then wiggle it around and apply consistent pressure using your fingers to ensure it's properly seated.

Fill any holes in the frame with silicone caulk. Then install the new glass. If the frame is equipped with other fastening mechanisms, like L-channels, you can make use of a hammer to pull them out of the sash grooves. Inspect the frame for shards of glass that may have broken free during removal, and then remove them prior to continuing. Finally, put a coat of clear silicone caulk on the bottom of the frame where it meets the floor to keep pests and water out of your home.

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