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The Reasons Replacing French Door Glass Is Tougher Than You Think
Replacing French Door Glass

It is fairly simple to replace a broken glass pane in a French door. It involves cleaning the pane of glass and removing molding or trim 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 variety configurations and may include triple-pane glass to improve energy efficiency, decrease noise and minimize the glare.

How do you replace a broken pane of glass

Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses before you begin to replace the glass. This will protect you from any broken glass shards that may fall during the process. Work in a space that is open such as garages and keep children away. It is best to remove the window frame from the sill for better access and maneuverability However, you can replace a pane without taking the entire window out of the frame.


Start by scraping off any old glazing compound or caulking around the edges 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 support the new pane.

If you are working with a steel casement window, it may be secured by the metal glazing points. It is necessary to remove these as well as the old putty, before you can get the window out of the frame. A paint scraper or a chisel should work however if you discover that the putty is too difficult to get out, slowly soften it using a heat gun. Keep the heat gun about an inch from the glass, and move it forwards and backwards to spread the warmth. Put doubled sheets of aluminum foil on the other panes to keep them from cracking due to the heat.

After removing the old glass, use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the window sash to get rid of any dust or dirt. It is now time to put in a new piece of glass.

To cut a glass piece to size, first take measurements of the width and height of the opening. To purchase a glass pane that is sized to fit inside the door frame, take these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. Many hardware stores will cut a piece of glass for you if you supply the measurement.

Putty that is warm in your hands before rolling it into a rope about 3/4 inch thick. Place the putty on one side of the rabbet, and rest the blade of your putty tool at a 45-degree angle against the frame's rabbet. Pull the knife across the edge of the glass in a smooth, straight line to cut a section of the pane. Repeat with the remaining edges of the glass, and then scrape away the excess putty.

Remove the Broken Pane

A broken glass pane in a French-style door not only an eyesore but can also pose a risk to safety. It's simple to replace a glass pane on a French-style door and it's usually cheaper than replacing the whole door panel. Most homeowners can do this work themselves, however professional assistance is available if the project requires specialized skills or tools.

Begin by removing the broken pane of glass and taking care to clean any cracked or shattered fragments from the frame. It is crucial to wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid getting shards of glass on your face or in your eyes. Clean the glass pane's opening to remove any residual caulking or putty used to hold the old pane in place.

Next, you need remove any molding or trim that was holding the pane of glass in place. This isn't easy because it may require some prying to break the molding off. This is why it's important to wear your protective gear, and to have someone assist you with the prying if necessary. It's also recommended to label the pieces you're pulling off, so you know when to put them back in place at the appropriate time.

Installing the new glass is easy after the molding has been removed. Visit a glass shop and take measurements of the opening of the glass. It's a good idea to purchase a piece of security glass, since it won't break as easily should your French doors break again.

When you're ready to install the new piece of glass, make sure it's aligned correctly in the opening. Apply a thin coating of clear silicone caulk to the edges of the glass.

After the caulk has dried, you can replace the molding. If french door repairs did not pull through the molding you can hammer in new wire nails to fill in the holes left by the old ones. The holes should be predrilled to ensure that the nails don't split through the molding. 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 as well as the edges before you order a replacement pane. If you notice any gaps, you may have to adjust the spring clips or triangles that secure it in place. It is also important to ensure that the new pane is the correct size for the opening. If it's too large it could cause leaks or other issues.

The first step is to make a work surface. Scrape the old compound off the frame's sides using a putty knife to expose the wood. If the rabbets of the frame are too rough to smooth with a putty blade then lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glass from absorbing moisture from the wood and reduce its lifespan.

Once the frame has been cleaned and prepared, knead the putty until it becomes soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer using the putty blade on the inside corner rabbets to create a narrow bed against which the glass can rest. Repeat the process on the other exposed edges of the rabbets.

Once the putty has dried and the putty is removed, you can remove any remaining glazing points that are stuck in the grooves of the sash. Before you attempt to remove them, wear goggles with safety features to protect yourself from glass shattering. A heat gun set to the lowest setting can help you to warm and loosen the metal to allow you to bend it away from the frame using pliers.

Slide the glass into place to test the fit. Adjust the glass as necessary before securing it with spring clips or metal triangulars. Make sure that the gap between the frame and the glass is even and uniform across all sides. You can also examine the movement of the sash to ensure that the new pane will not interfere with opening or closing the window. If you find any problems regarding the installation, consult a professional specializing in restoration to assist you restore and maintain your historic home.

Install the Pane of Glass

Test-fit the glass pane to ensure that it fits properly before putting it in place. Take measurements of the width and height of the window's opening, in relation to the edges of the L-channels. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from each measurement in order to determine the size of glass you require. It will be much easier to install the glass if you slightly undersize it. This will also allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood frame. Take your measurements to a hardware store or a home center and let them cut a piece glass for you. You can also cut the glass yourself if happen to have a huge sheet of glass in stock.

Once the old pane of glass has been removed, remove the window sash grooves, and take off any glazing points made of metal which held the previous pane in place. This can be accomplished using a pull-type paint scraper, or a chipper. If the grooves contain a lot of putty that has been hardened you can soften it using a heat gun. Cover the moldings and windows with aluminum foil in order to keep them safe from heat.

Scrape and sand the rabbets where the glass is, and then brush an exterior primer on them to help prevent the putty from absorbing its natural oils and thus reducing its lifespan. You should also clean the sash to get rid of dust and dirt from the grooves.

Knead a small amount of putty until it's soft and warm and then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. The appearance of the glass isn't crucial at this stage. Press the new pane into the rabbets, then move it around and apply even pressure with your fingers to ensure that it's placed in the right place.

If there are any holes in the frame of wood around the glass, fill the holes with silicone caulk prior to installing the new pane of glass. If the frame is equipped with other fastening mechanisms, like L channels, make use of the hammer to pry them out of the sash grooves. Examine the frame for shards of glass that might have broken during removal, and then remove them prior to continuing. Then, apply a layer of clear silicone caulk over the bottom edge of the frame where it meets the floor to keep water and pests out of the home.

Read More: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/trowbridge-french-door-repairs-near-me/