Sonne User

Replacing French Door Glass

Replacing a broken piece of glass in a French door is a relatively simple DIY project. It involves cleaning the glass pane, removing trim or molding and then putting in a new window pane.

French doors feature multiple glass panes separated by functional muntin bars, also known as mullions. They are available in a wide variety of styles and are able to be triple-paned to reduce the sound and control the glare.

How to replace a broken Pane of Glass

Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles prior to replacing the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass shards that could fall during the process. Also work in a garage or an open space and keep children out from the area. It's best to remove the window frame from the sill for better access and maneuverability, but you can also replace a window without taking the entire window out of the frame.

Begin by scraping away any old glazing compound or caulking around the edges of the sash using a putty knife. Be careful not to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place because you'll require it later to support the new pane.

If you're working with a steel-casement windows The window may be secured by glazing points made of metal. You'll need to take them off as well as the old putty before you can take the window out of the frame. A paint scraper or chisel should work however, if you find that the putty is too difficult to get out, slowly soften it with a heating gun. Keep the heat gun about an inch away from the glass, and move it forward and backwards to spread the warmth. Double-up the aluminum foil and then place it on the panes that are next to it. This will stop them from breaking due to heat.

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

To cut a piece of glass to size, first take measurements of the width and height of the opening. Take these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from each side to order a new pane that is able to fit into the door frame. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you, if you give them the measurement.

Warm up a small amount of putty and then roll it into a 3/4-inch rope. Place the putty along the edge of the rabbet. Then, rest the blade of your putty knife at a 45 degree angle against the frame 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 with the remaining edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.

Take off the broken Pane

A damaged pane of glass in a French-style door is not just an eye-sore however, it could also pose a security risk. Replacing a pane of glass in a French door is done in a couple of steps and is usually much less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete this work themselves, however professional assistance is available in the event that the project requires special skills or tools.

Begin by removing any broken or cracked pieces of the frame. Wear safety glasses and gloves to keep glass shards from getting into your eyes or face. Clean the glass pane opening to get rid of any remaining putty or caulking that was used to hold the old pane in place.

The next step is to eliminate any molding or trim that holds the glass in place. This can be tricky since it could require some prying to get the molding loose. This is why it's best to wear a protective suit, and have someone help you with the prying, if needed. It's also a good idea to identify the pieces you're taking off, so you know when to return them to their place when you're ready.

After the molding has been removed after which you can start installing the new glass pane. Take measurements of the glass pane opening, and then go to a glass shop to purchase a piece of new glass for your French door. You should get safety glass for your French door, since it will not shatter easily if they break again.

When you are ready to put your new piece of glass in the opening, make sure it is aligned properly. Then, apply a fine bead of clear silicone caulk around the glass's edge.

You can replace the molding after the caulk dries. If the original nails did not push through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. To prevent the nails from splitting the molding, you must first drill the holes. You can drill holes using very thin bits from the hardware store that is well-stocked.

Cut a New Pane of Glass

Check the spacing around the frame of the window and around the edges before ordering a replacement pane. It is possible to adjust spring clips or metal triangulars to hold it in place if you notice gaps. You should also make sure that your new pane is appropriate for the opening. If it's too large there could be leaks and other issues.

The first step is preparing a work surface. Scrape the old compound off the frame's sides with a putty blade to reveal the bare wood. If french door hinge repairs wimbledon on the frame are too rough to smooth out with a putty blade and you want to smooth them out, lightly sand them and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorbing moisture from wood, which will reduce its life span.

Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, knead the putty until it's soft and malleable. Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer to the inside of the rabbets, creating an even bed for the glass to rest upon. Repeat the process for the other exposed edges.

When the putty is dry 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. Heating guns with low settings can be used to gently warm the metal and loosen it up so that you can remove it with pliers.

Slide the glass into place to check the fit. Adjust the glass as necessary before you secure it with spring clips or metal triangulars. Make sure that the gap between the frame and the glass is consistent on all sides. Test the movement of the window sash to make sure that the new glass does not interfere with the closing or opening. If you have any issues regarding the installation, consult an expert who specializes in restoration to assist you repair and preserve your home's historic features.

Install the Pane of Glass

Test-fit the new glass pane to ensure it fits properly before putting it in place. Measure the height and width of the window opening by measuring it to the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement to determine the size glass you need. It is easier to install the pane by reducing it slightly. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. You can bring your measurements to a hardware store or the home centre and they will cut a piece for you. You can cut the glass yourself when you have a large piece in your possession.

After removing the glass pane, clean the window sash grooves. Remove any metal glazing points that held the previous pane. This can be done using a scraper that is a type of pull, or a chipper. If the grooves have an abundance of putty that is hardened it is possible to gradually soften it with a heat gun. Cover surrounding windows and moldings with aluminum foil in order to keep them safe from heat.

Scrape and sand the rabbets on which the glass is placed, then brush an exterior primer over them to prevent the putty from drawing out its natural oils and shortening its lifespan. You should also clean the sash in order to remove any dirt and dust from the grooves.


Place a small amount of it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. At this point, it's not about neatness. Place the new pane in the rabbets, then move it around and apply consistent pressure using your fingers to ensure it's seated properly.

Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, install the new glass. If the frame has other fastening mechanisms, like L-channels for example, employ a hammer for prying them out from the sash grooves. Get rid of any shards that might have escaped in the removal of the frame. Finally, put a coat of clear silicone caulk over the bottom edge of the frame, where it joins the floor to keep water and pests out of the house.

Member since: Friday, December 13, 2024

Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wimbledon-french-door-repairs-near-me/