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Replacing French Door Glass

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

French doors have multiple glass panes separated by functional muntin bars also known as mullions. They come in a broad range of configurations and are able to be triple-paned to reduce the sound and control the glare.

How do you replace a damaged glass pane

Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles before beginning to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass fragments that might fall during the process. Work in an open area such as garages, and keep kids away. To make it easier to access the area it is recommended to remove the window frame from its sill. However, you can still replace one pane of glass without having to remove the entire frame.

With a putty knife, scrape off any old caulking or glazing compound that is around the edge of the window sash. Be careful not to damage the wood molding that holds the window in place, since you'll need it in the future to hold the new window.


If you're working with a window made of steel the window could be secured by metal glazing points. These points, along with the old putty, have to be removed prior to you can take the pane from the frame. A paint scraper or chisel could work. If the putty is hard to remove, you could use a heat gun to soften it. Keep the heat gun approximately 1 inch away from the glass and move it around to distribute the heat. Place two sheets of aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to keep them from cracking due to the heat.

After the old glass has been removed, wipe down the inside of the window sash using a damp cloth to clean off any dust or dirt. It is now time to put in a new piece of glass.

Take measurements of the width and height to determine the size of the glass. Record these measurements and subtract 1/8 inch from all sides to order a new pane that fits easily into the door frame. Many hardware stores can cut a piece for you if they have the measurements.

Warm a handful of putty in your hands, then roll it into a length of 3/4 inch thick. Position the putty on the edge of the exposed rabbet. Place the blade of your putty-knife at a 45 degree angle against the frame rabbet. Pull the knife along the edge of the glass in a smooth, straight line to cut a portion of the pane. Repeat the process with the remaining edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.

Take off the broken Pane

A glass pane that has been broken in the French door isn't just a source of irritation for the eye it's a risk to your safety. It's simple to replace a pane in a French-style door, and it's usually cheaper than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners can do this by themselves, however professional assistance is available for those who require specialized tools or skills.

Begin by getting rid of any cracked or broken pieces of the frame. It is crucial to wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting shards glass in your face or eyes. Then, clean out the glass opening to eliminate any caulking or putty you used to keep the previous pane in place.

The next step is remove any molding or trim that was holding the glass in place. It can be difficult to pry the molding out. Wearing protective equipment and having a person help you with the prying is a good idea. Label the items you are removing so you can put them back in their original position.

Once the molding has been removed and the molding is removed, you can begin putting in the new glass pane. Go to a glass store and take measurements of the opening of the glass. It's a good idea to purchase a piece of security glass, as it won't break as easily should your French doors break again.

When you're ready to install the glass piece ensure that it's placed properly in the opening. Apply a thin layer clear silicone caulk to the edges of the glass.

After the caulk is dry, you can replace the molding. If the original nails didn't push through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes left by the old nails. To avoid the nails breaking the molding, it is recommended to first drill the holes. You can drill holes using tiny bits from the hardware store that is well-stocked.

How to Cut a New Pane Of Glass

Check the spacing around the frame of the window and the edges before you order an additional pane. You may need to adjust spring clips or metal triangulars that keep it in place if there are gaps. Also, you must ensure that the new pane is a appropriate size for the opening. If it's too large, you may experience leakage or other problems when it's put in.

The first step is to create an area for work. Using a putty knife, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame, leaving bare wood. If the rabbets of the frame are too rough to smooth using a knife then lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will prevent the new glazing from absorption of moisture from the wood and reduce its life.

After the frame has been cleaned and prepared, rub the putty until it is soft and malleable. Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer to the inside corner of the rabbets. french door handle repairs creates a narrow bed for the glass to rest upon. Repeat the process on the other edges of the rabbets.

Remove any remaining metal pieces from the sash's grooves after the putty has dried. Before you attempt to remove them, wear goggles with safety features to shield yourself from glass fragments. A heat gun set to the lowest setting will help you warm up and loosen the metal so you can bend it out of the frame using pliers.

When the frame and glass are in place, test it by sliding it into its place. Make any adjustments needed before securing it in place with the spring clips or metal triangles. Check that the gap between the frame and the glass is uniform across all sides. Examine the movement of the window sash and make sure the new pane does not interfere with the opening or closing. If you find any problems regarding the installation, consult an expert in restoration to help you restore and maintain your historic home.

Install the Pane of Glass

Before you install the new glass, you should test-fit it to ensure that it fits snugly. 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 the glass you need to purchase. Slightly undersizing the pane will make it easier to install and will allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. You can take your measurements to the hardware store or the home centre and they will cut a piece for you. You can also cut the glass yourself, in the event that you have a huge sheet on hand.

After removing the glass pane and cleaning the window sash grooves. Remove any glazing points that held the previous pane. A paint scraper that is a pull type or a chisel is ideal to accomplish this task. If the grooves contain lots of putty that is hardened it is possible to gradually soften it using a heat gun. Cover the moldings and windows with aluminum foil to keep them safe from heat.

Scrape and sand the rabbets where the glass sits, brushing an exterior primer on them to prevent the putty from drawing out its natural oils and shortening its life. You should also clean the grooves of the sash.

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

Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, you can install the new glass. If the frame has any other fixing mechanisms, such as L channels, use the hammer to pry them out of the sash grooves. Get rid of any shards that might have escaped when removing the frame. Then, apply a layer of clear silicone caulk on the bottom edge of the frame, where it joins the floor to keep water and pests out of your home.

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