Can I Replace the Glass in My French Doors?

French doors are a popular addition to many homes, particularly with families who wish to incorporate and utilise their outdoor space. Unfortunately, busy homes mean accidents are more likely, and although the glass used in French patio doors is durable, it is not invincible! 

We are here to take you through how to repair and replace any broken glass in your external French doors. Replacing a cracked or broken glass pane is a quick and easy job that, so long as you have the correct tools and guidance, can save you time and money on a professional repair! 

Determine the Damage 

First, you will need to check whether there are one or multiple panes of the door damaged. If only one is broken, it is unlikely you will have to replace to whole door, only the broken pane. 

Remove any Broken Glass 

This is potentially the most dangerous step in the whole process, so if you are unsure or have any concerns regarding safety, this is the place to call a professional in. 

Using protective equipment such as gloves and goggles, you should begin to ease the broken pieces of glass out of the frame. Secure the glass into a paper bag for disposal. 

Sweep and vacuum the area around the door in order to pick up any remnants of the glass and ensure safety moving onto the next step. 

Remove the Trim or Moulding 

Next, you should remove any trim pieces or glazing points around the edge of the window with pliers or a small pry bar. Label these pieces, so you know where they fit when putting the doors back together. 

Cut and Measure New Glass 

At this point, you should calculate the height and width of the glass required to fill the door. Measure the opening and subtract 1/8 of an inch from the height and width. If you are unsure how to cut glass, you can always ask a professional company to supply a custom glass piece. 

You could always use safety glass for your replacement, as this will not shatter in the event of the French door breaking again. 

Fit the New Glass Panes 

You can use caulk to attach the glass piece to the frame. Simply spread this around the frame and push the glass pane into the frame. Then replace the trim and apply putty to any holes. Repaint the trim to match the colour of your exterior French doors. 

That’s it, your French door repair is complete! Now, you can continue to enjoy your space knowing that you are clued up on all kinds of fixes. For more help with French doors, get in touch with our friendly team, or shop the options online now!