Why Replacing French Door Glass Should Be Your Next Big Obsession? Replacing French Door Glass

It is fairly simple to replace a damaged glass pane in the French Door. It involves cleaning the pane of glass, removing trim or molding and installing a new window pane.

French doors feature multiple glass panes, separated by muntin bars for functional purposes which are also referred to as mullions. They are available in a wide variety of designs, and can be triple-paned to reduce noise and control the glare.

How to 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 could fall during the process. Also work in a garage or other open space, and keep children away from the area. It's best to remove the window frame from the sill to allow better access and maneuverability however, you can replace a pane without taking the entire window out of the frame.

With a putty blade, scrape off any caulking or glazing compound that is around the edge of the window sash. Be careful not to scratch 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 might be held in position by the metal glazing points. You'll need to take them off along with the old putty before you can get the glass out of the frame. A paint scraper or chisel could work. If the putty is difficult to get rid of, you can employ a heat gun in order to soften it. Keep the heat gun approximately an inch from the glass and move it around to spread the heat. Place two sheets of aluminum foil on the other panes to keep them from cracking due to the heat.

After the old glass has been removed, clean the inside of the window sash using a damp cloth to wash off any dirt or dust. Now you can put in a new piece of glass.

Measure the width and height to determine the size of the glass. To purchase a glass pane that will fit into the door frame, measure these measurements and subtract an eighth inch from each side. french door glass replacement Repair My Windows And Doors will cut a piece of glass for you, if you give them the measurement.

Warm up a few tablespoons of putty and roll it into a 3/4-inch rope. Place the putty along the edge of the exposed rabbet. Then, rest the blade of your putty-knife at a 45 degree angle against the frame rabbet. The knife should be pulled across the glass's edge in a straight, smooth line to cut a portion of the pane. Repeat with the other edges of the glass, and then scrape off the excess putty.

Remove the Broken Pane

A broken glass pane in a French-styled door is not only an eyesore but can also pose a risk to safety. Replacing glass in a French door is done in a few easy steps and is typically less expensive than replacing the entire door panel. The majority of homeowners can complete this work themselves, however professional assistance is available if the project requires special skills or tools.

Start by removing any broken or cracked fragments of the frame. Wear safety glasses and gloves to stop glass shards from getting in your eyes or face. Clean the glass opening to eliminate any caulking or putty you used to hold the previous pane in place.

Next, you need remove any molding or trim that held the pane of glass in place. This isn't easy since it could require some prying to break the molding off. Wearing protective equipment and having a person help you in the process of prying is a good idea. It is also a good idea to mark the pieces you're taking off, so you know when to put them back in place when you're ready.

After the molding has been removed and the molding is removed, you can begin putting in the new pane of glass. Take measurements of the glass pane opening, and then go to an online glass shop to purchase a piece glass that is new for your French door. It is recommended to purchase security glass for your French door, as it will not shatter easily in the event of a break.

Once you're ready to set up the new piece of glass, make sure it's aligned correctly in the opening. Apply a thin coating of clear silicone caulk to the edge of the glass.

You can change the molding after the caulk is dry. If the original nails did not push through the molding, you can put new wire nails into the holes created by the old nails. The holes should be predrilled to prevent the nails from splitting through the molding. A well-stocked hardware store stocks tiny bits that you can use to drill holes.

Cut a New Pane of Glass

Double-check the spacing around the frame of the window and around the edges before you order an additional pane. You may have to adjust spring clips or the metal triangulars that keep it in place if you find gaps. It is also important to make sure that the new pane is a suitable size for your opening. If it's not large, you could experience leakage or other problems when it's installed.

The first step is to prepare an area for work. Utilizing a putty blade, scrape away the old compound on both sides of the frame to expose the wood. If the rabbets on the frame are too rough to smooth out using a knife then lightly sand the edges and apply an exterior primer. This will stop the new glaze from absorbing moisture from the wood and shorten its lifespan.

After the frame has been cleaned and prepped, warm a handful of putty by kneading until it's soft and malleable. Apply a thin layer with the putty blade on the inside corners of the rabbets to create a bed that the glass can rest. Repeat the process for the remaining exposed edges.

Remove any remaining metal pieces from the grooves of the sash after the putty has dried. Wear safety goggles before attempting to remove the points to ensure that you are safe from shards of glass. A heat gun set to an low setting can help you to warm up and loosen the metal so you can bend it away from the frame using pliers.

Place the glass in place to test fit. Adjust the glass as necessary before you secure it with spring clips or triangulars made of metal. Make sure that the gap between the frame and glass is even across all sides. Examine the movement of the window sash, and make sure the new pane does not hinder the closing or opening. If you encounter any issues regarding the installation, consult an expert who specializes in restoration to help you restore and maintain your historic home.

Install the Pane of Glass

Test-fit the new glass pane to ensure it fits properly before putting it in place. Take measurements of the width and height of the window opening by measuring from the outside edge of the L channels. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to determine the size of the glass you need to buy. Slightly undersizing the pane will make it easier to install and provide room for seasonal expansion and contraction of the frame. Take your measurements to an hardware store or home center, and let them cut a piece glass for you. You can cut the glass yourself in the event that you have a huge sheet in your possession.

After removing the glass pane clean the window sash grooves. Remove any metal glazing points that were used to support the old pane. A pull-type paint scraper or a chisel will work to accomplish this task. If the grooves contain lots of putty that is hardened it is possible to gradually soften it by using a heating gun. Cover the windows and moldings around them with aluminum foil in order to protect them from heat.

It is also possible to use an exterior primer to stop the putty from absorbing the natural oils. You should also wipe down the sash to remove dust and dirt from the grooves.

Knead a small amount of putty until it is warm and flexible and then press it into the rabbets, where the glass will go. Neatness isn't important at this stage. Press the new pane in the rabbets, and then move it by using your fingers.

Fill any holes around the glass in the frame with silicone caulk. Then, install the new glass. If the frame has any other fastening mechanisms such as L channels, use the hammer to pry them out of the sash grooves. Inspect the frame for shards of glass that may have broken free during removal, and take them out of them prior to continuing. To keep pests and water from entering the house Apply a clear silicone caulk to the frame's bottom edge at the point where it joins floor.